Khao Phing Kan — Local services in Phang-nga Province

Khao Phing Kan (Thai: เขาพิงกัน, pronounced [kʰǎw pʰīŋ kān]) or Ko Khao Phing Kan (เกาะเขาพิงกัน [kɔ̀ʔ kʰǎw pʰīŋ kān]) is an island in Thailand, in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket. The islands are limestone tower karsts and are a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park.

About 40 metres (130 ft) from the shores of Khao Phing Kan lies a 20-metre (66 ft) tall islet called Ko Ta Pu (เกาะตาปู, [kɔ̀ʔ tāː pūː]) or Ko Tapu (เกาะตะปู, [kɔ̀ʔ tā.pūː]). Since 1974, when they were featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu have been popularly called James Bond Island.

Before 1974, the island was a rarely visited indigenous area. However, it was chosen as one of the locations for the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun as the hideout for Bond's antagonist, Francisco Scaramanga. After the movie release it turned into a popular tourist destination. Popularity and increased tourism left Khao Phing Kan with substantial litter.

In 1981, the island became the most famous part of the newly established Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park.Since 1998, it is forbidden for tourist boats to approach Ko Ta Pu. This measure aims to stop erosion of the limestone rocks on and near the islet that might eventually result in the...

Stunning place to take some holiday snaps. I visited as part of an excursion with a 1 hour stop. As it's very small, that's about the right length of time and you'd run out of things to do if you're there for the day.

Being a tiny tiny island, the toilet facilities are shocking. It was kind of liberating to pee in the open air though, something that's typically denied in UK. There was no tap water to wash hands though - just a bottle of sanitiser which I guess gets the job done but won't be much use against solids. So best to purge your system ahead of landing here.

Questionable toilet facilities aside, this place has stunning natural beauty and you won't regret visiting (if you have a dodgy tum though then probably best to give it a miss). As there's a very nice beach shielded from the elements, I'd advise bringing swimwear. Aqua shoes are also highly...

Visiting Khao Phing Kan has been on my bucket list for a long time — and I’m so happy I finally made it! The place is absolutely beautiful, with the iconic Ko Tapu limestone rock rising dramatically from the emerald-green sea. Truly a sight to behold!

It was a bit crowded during the holidays, but the energy of excited travelers added to the charm. There are also some small souvenir shops on the island where you can pick up unique handmade items and gifts.

🛩️ A special thanks to the National Park authorities for allowing me to fly my drone here. I’m a licensed and registered drone pilot in Thailand, and I deeply appreciate the support and professionalism shown by the staff. The aerial views I captured are simply breathtaking!

This destination is a must-visit for anyone coming to southern Thailand. Nature, adventure, and cinematic history — all...