Nestled in the stunning Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and the Samet Nangshe viewpoint offer visitors a chance to enjoy Thailand’s natural wonders. Famously featured in the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun," James Bond Island’s limestone cliffs and nearby islands captivate with their unique beauty. Meanwhile, the Samet Nangshe viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the bay’s limestone peaks, making it a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Exploring these two captivating destinations promises an unforgettable experience amidst Thailand’s spectacular landscapes.
Key Points
- James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) is a famous filming location featured in the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".
- Phang Nga Bay, where James Bond Island is located, offers unique limestone cliffs and protected marine areas with around 100 islands.
- Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, located 800 meters high, provides panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay and its limestone peaks.
- The tour includes canoeing through mangroves, beach relaxation, and a delicious lunch with mountain views.
- The tour is limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience and includes roundtrip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour allows you to discover the iconic James Bond Island and the stunning Samet Nangshe viewpoint.
You’ll canoe through mangroves, relax on the beach, and enjoy a delicious lunch with mountain views. The 8-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a live, English-speaking guide.
Highlights include visiting Koh Tapu, the island featured in the 1974 James Bond film, and taking in the panoramic vistas from the 800-meter-high Samet Nangshe viewpoint.
Discover the iconic James Bond Island and the stunning Samet Nangshe viewpoint with panoramic vistas from 800 meters high.
Convenient round-trip hotel transfers and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance add to the convenience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phang Nga Bay.
Itinerary and Activities
The tour begins with a 7:30 AM hotel pickup, followed by a 9:30 AM arrival at the pier for Phang Nga Bay.
Visitors then visit James Bond Island and Koh Ping Ghan at 10:30 AM.
At 11:00 AM, they enjoy canoeing at Tamlod.
After, there’s beach relaxation time until 12:30 PM, when they’ve lunch at a local restaurant with mountain views.
The tour departs Samet Nangshe at 2:30 PM and returns to the hotel by 4:30 PM, completing the 8-hour itinerary.
James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) gained fame from the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun."
Covering an area of 400 sq km, Phang Nga Bay features around 100 islands with unique limestone cliffs. The protected marine area can’t be approached too closely by boats.
Koh Ping Ghan, another island in the bay, has high leaning rock formations and small caves. Visitors can’t touch the plants or litter in this fragile ecosystem.
While crowds may build up during high season, the stunning natural landscape offers a memorable experience for those exploring James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Located at Ban Samet Nangshe, Khlong Khian Subdistrict, Samet Nangshe viewpoint stands 800 meters high, offering panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay and its limestone peaks.
The viewpoint, converted into a tourist destination in 2016, is ideal for:
-
Stunning views, especially at dawn and dusk.
-
Watching the sun rise or set over the dramatic landscape.
-
Capturing breathtaking photographs of the bay and its natural wonders.
-
Enjoying the peaceful ambiance and tranquility of the scenic overlook.
Visitors should be aware of potential crowds during high season when visiting this popular attraction.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Important Information
The tour includes a visit to James Bond Island, canoeing through mangroves, beach relaxation time, and a lunch with mountain views at Samet Nangshe.
A visit to James Bond Island, canoeing through mangroves, beach relaxation, and a lunch with mountain views at Samet Nangshe.
Roundtrip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and insurance are also included.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. Participants should bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes.
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and touching plants are prohibited. Visitors should be aware of potential crowds during high season.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- James Bond Island Odyssey: Phang-Nga Bay Adventure
- Phang Nga: Private Longtail to James Bond Island & Koh Panyi
- Phuket : Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Speedboat Boat
- From Phuket: James Bond Island by Longtail Boat Trip
- From Phuket: James Bond Island by Speedboat on Day Trip
- James Bond & Khai Island With Sea Canoe & Snorkeling (2in1)
Hotel Pickup and Arrival at Pier
After hotel pickup around 7:30 AM, the group heads towards the pier at Phang Nga Bay. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival at the pier, the group will:
-
Check in with the tour operator.
-
Receive safety instructions and equipment.
-
Board the long-tail boat for the first leg of the tour.
-
Depart the pier and begin the scenic cruise towards James Bond Island.
The guide provides commentary throughout the journey, sharing insights about the unique geography and history of the area.
The group is eager to explore the famous filming location and scenic viewpoints.
Exploring James Bond Island and Koh Ping Ghan
Approaching the iconic James Bond Island, the group gazes upon the towering limestone cliffs that made this location famous in the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun."
Disembarking from the boat, they explore the scenic Koh Tapu, marveling at its distinctive rock formations and small caves. The protected marine area means boats can’t approach too closely, but the group enjoys views of the unique landscape.
Next, they visit Koh Ping Ghan, taking in its high, leaning rock formations and exploring the small caves tucked within.
The striking natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay captivate the group.
Canoeing, Beach Time, and Lunch at Samet Nangshe
Leaving James Bond Island behind, the group boards a canoe and glides through the serene mangrove forests of Tamlod.
Paddling gently, they take in the lush greenery, towering limestone cliffs, and wildlife all around.
Upon reaching the beach, they’ve ample time to:
-
Relax on the sand and soak up the sun.
-
Explore the small caves and rock formations.
-
Snap photos of the stunning Phang Nga Bay scenery.
-
Savor a delicious lunch with panoramic mountain views at the local restaurant.
Fully energized, the group then departs Samet Nangshe, ready to return to their hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, however, the tour includes a provided lunch and drinking water. Bringing additional snacks and beverages is permitted, but not required.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim for the Canoeing Activity?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim for the canoeing activity. The tour includes a guided canoeing experience through the mangroves, and life jackets are provided for all participants as a safety precaution.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement, but it’s not recommended for very young children. The activities may not be suitable for those under 8 years old. Discretion is advised when booking for families with small kids.
Can I Extend My Stay at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint?
The tour itinerary doesn’t include extended stays at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. However, guests can explore the viewpoint on their own after the tour’s scheduled activities, if time allows. Additional time at the site isn’t formally included in the tour.
How Often Do the Tours Operate During the Week?
The tours operate daily, with multiple departures throughout the week. Customers can check the tour schedule and availability when booking to find the most suitable time for their visit.
The Sum Up
James Bond Island and the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cinematic fame. Visitors can enjoy the stunning limestone cliffs, serene bays, and panoramic vistas, capturing unforgettable memories amid this tranquil setting. This tour provides an opportunity to explore the iconic locations and experience the breathtaking landscapes that have captivated photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Phang Nga Bay
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Phang Nga Bay we have reviewed
- Evening James Bond Island&Plankton Tour by Private Longtail.
- PhangNga Bay, Cave Canoe & James Bond Island (ALL INCLUSIVE)
- Island Discovery: James Bond Islands
- Phuket/Khao Lak: James Bond & Khai Island Tours Wt Sea Canoe
- 3 Best Tours In Phang Nga Bay
- 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Phang Nga Bay
- 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Phang Nga Bay
- 5 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Phang Nga Bay
- Phang Nga (James Bond) Island – Big Boat Tour
- Phuket: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Tour by Big Boat
- James Bond & Khai Island With Sea Canoe & Snorkeling (2in1)