Ko Khao Phing Kan (also known as Khao Ping Kan and, less formally, "James Bond Island"), is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga Bay. The lush vegetation, turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and secluded ocean caves make it a popular destination.
Spend a day exploring the area by boat on a James Bond Island day trip. Popular options include luxurious speed boats and traditional longtail boats. Go canoeing or kayaking around the limestone caves, mangrove forests, and beaches of Thalu Island and Khao Phing Kan. Then visit the floating fishing village of Ko Panyi.
Ko Khao Phing Kan is popular with nature lovers and movie buffs.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
Some tours include bottled water and soft drinks, but it's good to bring your own beverages and snacks, just in case.
Boat tours can sell out quickly, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The islands are in a protected reserve. If you want to visit independently, you'll need a permit and a private boat. There are, however, several tours to the area. Most depart from the marinas in Phuket and Krabi Noi. If you're traveling down from Northern Thailand, opt for a tour leaving Phang Nga town.
Although the region is sunny and warm all year round, the hottest period is between April and May, when all-day sunshine is the norm. Rainy season in Southern Thailand is September–October, when there is a risk of destructive tropical storms.
The Phang Nga Bay has abundant marine life, thanks to its shallow, warm waters and an abundance of nutrients supplied by the nearby rivers and mangrove forests. The waters around the islands are home to 26 species of reptiles and 24 species of fish, including butterfly fish. Other species include shrimp, crabs, manta rays, and sharks.