Khao Phing Kan - A must tour in Thailand!

Khao Phing Kan | Ao Phang Nga National Park, Thailand

The Spike Island

Chances are, you’ve seen it in pictures hundreds of times and now that you are in Thailand you want to photograph it yourself. The famed tall vertical limestone rock islet is called Koh Tapu, which means spike island or nail island. It is set in the bay of Khao Phing Kan, couple of hours away from Phuket, in the heart of Ao Phang Nga National Park.

Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan are commonly referred to as James Bond Island. They have been a major local attraction ever since Koh Tapu was featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun” movie in 1974. The islet, however, can’t be directly approached as it is under national park protection. It can only be seen from a boat or from the small beach on Khao Phing Kan.

A Day Tour to Khao Phing Kan

While there are many organized day tours to Khao Phing Khan in Ao Phang Nga National Park, there are a few factors to consider prior to booking one. Most of the operators offer similar day programs that include visiting other stunning nearby islands and a Muslim village on stilts. As a result, these sites can get crowded in high season, between November and April. The majority of visitors settle on (cheaper and particularly crowded) tours on a cruise boat, while some opt for employing long-tail boats and speed boats.

If you dislike crowds and prefer exploring James Bond Island in a more unique way, we recommend trying a canoe tour. Better yet, have your party spend a day on a June Bahtra Junk Boat – the price per person may come up higher, but the experience and the freedom involved are worth every dime. 

Other stories of travelers in Thailand: Thailand Tips

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