James Bond Island: Day Trips and Tours from Krabi

Not many rock formations can claim the title of “movie star,” except maybe one — James Bond Island. The island was originally known as Khao Phing Kan before the film "The Man with the Golden Gun" came along and changed all of that.

The beautiful bay, with its iconic single limestone karst rising from bright blue waters, has become a must-visit destination for travelers to Thailand — and a day trip to James Bond Island from Krabi is one of the best ways to accomplish this mission.

Here's all you need to know about James Bond Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Krabi.

How to get to James Bond Island from Krabi?

James Bond Island is located near the western shore of Phang Nga Bay. The larger bay is a popular tourist attraction in southern Thailand and is almost exactly halfway between the holiday destinations of Krabi and Phuket.

James Bond Island from Krabi by boat

James Bond Island cannot be reached by car, and travelers will have to charter a boat cruise. This can be done from Laem Sak Pier nearby Krabi, or at Ao Phang Nga National Park on the opposite shore.

Guided tour to James Bond Island from Krabi

The best option is to undertake a full-day guided tour of James Bond Island from Krabi. This way, you’ll enjoy transport to the island from your hotel, as well as the insights and local know-how from your expert guide.

How much does the entrance ticket to James Bond Island cost?

If you want to visit James Bond Island on your own, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee at the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Most day trips to the island have these fees already included in the tour price.

Thai ID tickets

• Adults (aged 15 and above): THB60 (US$1.75)
• Children (aged 3-14): THB30 (US$0.90)
• Infants (below 3): Free

Foreign visitors tickets

• Adults (aged 15 and above): THB300 (US$9)
• Children (aged 3-14): THB150 (US$4.50)
• Infants (below 3): Free

What is the typical itinerary?

The typical day trip to James Bond Island from Krabi starts with a pickup from your hotel. From here an air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the closest pier, from where you’ll head into Phang Nga Bay.

The bay is home to several of Thailand’s most visited attractions and your tour will usually visit a couple of them. Some of the sites to look out for are Wat Suhan Kuha — an ancient temple in a sea cave — as well as the many floating fishing villages throughout the area.

Depending on your type of tour, the boat will usually dock at a larger island, or anchor in one of the many coves and secluded bays. Here, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore the surrounding area by kayak or canoe, and some tours even offer snorkeling.

Lunch is usually enjoyed at one of the floating fishing villages or on one of the islands of Koh Yao Noi. After enjoying a delicious locally prepared meal, you’ll head to the main feature — James Bond Island.

Stroll the beach, pose for an unforgettable picture in front of the iconic solo karst or take a swim in the crystal waters. Following your time on the island, you’ll head back to your boat and make your way ashore, after which you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in Krabi.

What kinds of tours are available to go to James Bond Island?

Full-day James Bond Island guided group tour from Krabi

A guided group tour to James Bond Island presents an affordable opportunity to visit the iconic isle — as well as some other sites in the area.

An early morning departure ensures that you’ll be treated to Phang Nga Bay’s full splendor as you journey towards Khao Phing Kan. Explore the captivating Cave Temple, home to a reclining Buddha statue and learn more about the local beliefs and customs.

You’ll arrive at James Bond Island just in time for lunch and spend a couple of hours soaking up its unique charm — after which it’s back to your boat as you make your way to your hotel in Krabi.

James Bond Island small-group day trip from Krabi

If you are traveling as a couple, a group of friends or even a family, you should consider a small-group day trip from Krabi. It may be a little bit more expensive, but the limited number of people on the tour makes it well worth the price.

You’ll explore Koh Yao Noi, Hong Island and James Bond Island while not having to worry about feeling rushed or cramped. Your guide will also be able to devote much more of their attention to you as would be the case on a guided group tour.

James Bond Island plus Hong Island and Koh Yao Noi group tour from Krabi

This is a blockbuster tour for a blockbuster destination combining all of the major destinations around James Bond Island into one seamless voyage. You’ll visit the stunning Hong Island, explore the villages of Koh Yao Noi and bask in the glory of James Bond Island.

Private James Bond Island Tour from Krabi

A private day trip to James Bond Island offers an intimate experience when it comes to exploring Phang Nga Bay and its most revered treasure.

As you and your group will be the only people on the trip, you’ll be in almost complete control of the itinerary. Whether you want to leave early in the morning to watch the sunrise or culminate the tour with cocktails, you can decide.

How much does a day trip to James Bond Island from Krabi cost?

Prices for a day trip to James Bond Island mostly depend on the tour’s duration, the number of sites and the number of people participating. Overall, the tours range between US$50 and US$100 per person.

A full-day James Bond Island guided group tour from Krabi costs around US$50 per person.

A James Bond Island plus Hong Island and Koh Yao Noi group tour from Krabi will cost US$100 per person — a great option to see as many of Phang Nga Bay’s islands.

The James Bond Island small group tour from Krabi will cost US$110 per person, but you’ll travel as a much smaller group.

A private James Bond Island tour from Krabi costs US$190 per person, with a minimum of two participants.

What will you see and do?

James Bond Island

This bay, with its single limestone islet poking from bright blue waters, has become the quintessential image that defines this area of Thailand.

Its beauty and splendor was very almost ruined due to over-tourism, but had time to recuperate during the pandemic. Today, steps have been introduced to avoid the same mistakes and create a more sustainable destination.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most scenic stretches of water in the entire world. The bay lies between the towns of Phuket and Krabi and is home to famous destinations like Koh Yao Noi and Hong Island.

Ao Thalane

Ao Thalane is a relatively unknown destination in Phang Nga Bay, replete with winding streams, inlets and mangrove forests. The area is synonymous with kayaking tours, and visitors here spend most of their day paddling up secluded rivers and exploring the dense vegetation.

Hong Island

With its panoramic viewpoint and secluded lagoon, Hong Island is one of the jewels of Phang Nga Bay. A stop here allows you to snorkel and swim in one of the many little coves, explore the jungle, or simply lounge on the immaculate beaches.

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is the second largest island in Phang Nga Bay. As it’s such a large island, it has developed a culture and way of life different from many of the surrounding communities and mainland Thailand.

What are the opening times?

The national park conserving James Bond Island is open every day of the week from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The park also closes from the middle of May to the middle of October.

When the park is closed, you may still view the island from afar, but you will not be allowed to disembark from your boat.

When is the best time to visit James Bond Island?

The best time of the day to visit James Bond Island is early morning during the middle of the week to avoid crowds. For the best weather, you should visit from November to May — but try to avoid the months of December and January which are the peak of the tourist season.

Are there any tours to James Bond Island from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Thailand:

• Day trips to James Bond Island from Phuket

Travel tips

• James Bond Island day trips are very popular and likely to sell out. Consider booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Confirm with your tour company whether the entrance fee to the national park is included with your ticket.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Consider wearing sunscreen and taking insect repellant
• Confirm your pickup point when booking and again just before going on the tour.