Phuket Travel Guide, Thailand

Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island – Phuket

Did you know that the hollywoood blockbuster movies –  ’The Beach’ and ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ were filmed right here on islands near Phuket?  Since the success of these movies, their locations Phi Phi island and James Bond Island have become a huge attraction for tourists, with day tours to these islands  being a popular day trip from Phuket.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi island Phuket

 

Phi Phi Island is located between the large Island of Phuket and the Andaman Sea, and is a part of Krabi Province. There are two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay and four small islands. This island has long been a favorite with travelers because of the wonderful beaches, clear blue water and stunning limestone landscapes. During the tourist high season of (November-February) there are lots of speed boats and tour boats buzzing around the islands. Phi Phi Don is the main area for accommodation with simple beach side bungalows to luxury up-market resorts. Phi Phi Island climate is tropical and warm throughout the year. Phi Phi Lay the second largest island of Phi Phi, is where the movie The Beach was filmed starring Leonardo Dicaprio. Pileh Bay is a lovely cove with snorkeling and walk throughout Maya Bay. Bamboo Island, north east of Phi Phi Don is a small island with breathtaking and glorious beaches and reefs for snorkeling.  Monkey Beach,  is where you can see monkeys come out of the jungle to take foods from tourists. Wong Long Bay, is a cove of tiny fishes swarming near the beach.

There are no roads around Phi Phi, for transportation, long tail boats and speed boats are available from Phuket Island. A package day tour to these small Islands with speed boat or long tail boat costs around 1,500 THB to 2,000 THB.

Click here to read about one traveler’s experience of her – Phuket to Phi Phi Island Day tour

James Bond Island

James Bond Island Phuket

 

James Bond Island originally known as Nail Island, is just a short distance north east of Phuket in Phang Nga bay which is a beautiful National park home to more than 40 small islands. This island was thrown into the limelight after the James Bond’s movie’ The Man with the golden gun’ in 1974 was filmed here.  After the success of this movie, the island came to be known as James Bond Island and is a signature attraction of Phang Nga Bay.

As the island is a part of a National park, development is restricted here. For accommodation there are few hotels on the bay, or at the Muslim Sea Gypsy Village, where budget Bungalows are available. The easiest way to visit James Bond Island is on a day tour by speed boat or long tail boat or by private car. Many tour agencies can organize one day tours with complete package which might cost around 1,500 THB to 2,000 THB. For the more adventurous, kayak tours can be done to explore Phang Nga Bay for approximately 3,700 THB with complete package of pick up from hotel, lunch and return to your hotel.

Travel Tip:  In order to protect the environment, collecting any type of shells or reefs from the sea as souvenir are strictly forbidden in these areas.

Click here to read more about one traveler’s experience of her – Day tour to James Bond Island

Have you visited Phi Phi or James Bond Island? If so, Please feel free to share your travel experiences here

 

By Ranjan Khoteja, intern at Thavorn Beach Village Resort and Spa, Phuket - Luxury villas and bungalows nestled on the secluded Nakalay bay between Kamala and Patong beaches ……where Thai Tradition meets nature

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