Where Is James Bond Island Located?

James Bond Island is located in Phang Nga Bay near Phuket. It’s a limestone karst formation that got this name when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. 

The easiest way to get to the island is with a car rental in Phuket through Drive Car Rental; we have a location inside Phuket Airport and a second location in the Patong Beach area! Travellers can pick up and drop off their rental at whichever location is most convenient for them.

History of James Bond Island

Long before it became famous, James Bond Island was simply one of the more than one hundred karst formations jutting out of the waters of Phang Nga Bay. The bay is made of ancient marine limestone, a combination of coral and sediments that built up over millions of years. 

Geologists estimate the formations are around 300 million years old and formed underwater. As tectonic plates moved, they lifted the formations above the water line, creating the Phang Nga Bay area that millions of tourists visit each year. 

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Vietnam war brought huge numbers of American troops to Thailand for rest and relaxation while on rotation from the war. Towns like Phuket and Pattaya became major tourist destinations as American troops spread the word about this previously little-known paradise. 

In 1973, filming for The Man with the Golden Gun commenced in locations across Thailand and Hong Kong. The karst now known as ‘James Bond Island’ was chosen due to its unique tapered shape. Known to locals as ‘Ko Tapu,’ it became the lair of the supervillain Francisco Scaramanga, played by the legendary Christopher Lee.

After the film’s release, local tour operators sensed an opportunity and unofficially renamed it ‘James Bond Island’ in their promotional materials. The rest is history, and more than fifty years after the film’s release, tourists continue to flock to Phang Nga Bay to see the island and the Phang Nga Bay area.  

Getting to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Heading north out of Phuket Island, take Highway 402, as it’s the only bridge connection to the mainland. Once you’re on the mainland, Highway 402 intersects with Highway 4. Take a right and head northeast. 

The primary dock for tour operators taking visitors to see Phang Nga Bay is known as ‘Surakul Pier.’ The drive from Patong Beach in Phuket to Surakul Pier is approximately ninety minutes long. 

At Surakul Pier, several tour operators have booths and offices where you can book a tour. These are offered at various lengths, and each tour may have different destinations and itineraries. However, nearly all of them will stop at James Bond Island, as it’s one of the highlights of the area. 

Most tours also include an afternoon meal at the famous Koh Panyi floating village. This village is almost entirely free-floating except for its connection to a nearby island. Guests can purchase souvenirs or wander the village to see the local fishermen and their catch of the day. 

Once back on the mainland, travellers who wish to see other nearby attractions should know how to get to Khao Sok National Park, which is an additional ninety minutes to the north. Visitors can stay at the park overnight or book boat tours of the reservoir. Khao Sok is similarly famous for its pristine natural surroundings and limestone karsts jutting out of the water. 

Explore More With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental is one of the best car rental companies for Thailand peak season visitors. We have locations throughout Thailand’s major airports, tourist hubs, and provincial capitals, and we offer guests the option of picking up in one location and dropping off in another. 

Our selection of vehicles includes compacts, sedans, and SUVs, as well as luxury cars and electric vehicles. Those visiting during the tourist high season from November to April are advised to book as far in advance as possible to secure the best vehicle selection and the lowest rates. 

Long-stay tourists, business travellers, and expats can also take advantage of monthly and annual rentals for maximum savings. All long-term rentals include free vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance. Take a look at our full selection of locations, vehicles, and pricing today!