Beyond Bond: James Bond Island day trip
James Bond Island is a destination that has been immortalized on the silver screen and draws visitors from all corners of the globe. Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of Thailand, this iconic island has garnered fame due to its appearances in the famous spy movie series.
So, whether you are a die-hard James Bond enthusiast or an inquisitive traveler seeking to uncover the truth behind the fame, let’s set foot on James Bond Island and delve into the reality of a day trip that is… crowded.
How to get to James Bond Island
You can book a daytrip to James Bond Island from Krabi, Phuket, Phang Nga, and also the lesser known Kao Lak. Taxis are more expensive in the southern as in the northern region of Thailand which is why we had to dive into our travel hacks again: it was cheaper to book a day tour from Kao Lak, requesting a drop-off at our next destination: Phang Nga Bay. However, booking a day tour to James Bond Island is mostly done from Krabi or Phuket since these are the most vibrant tourist spots. You can find daily tours everywhere in these regions and don’t have to book in advance to secure your spot.
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Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
The James Bond Island tours typically include a brief kayaking experience in Phang Nga Bay. To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to manage expectations, as you won’t be the one kayaking. While the guide takes the lead to navigate the rocky waters, you can soak in the breathtaking scenery. For a quieter experience, aim for an early tour, as this is the first stop and the bay quickly fills with fellow tourists as the day progresses. You will be led to some beautiful caves where you can kayak through, and if you have a romantic guide like ours, he will take pictures from you in the most creative ways.
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James Bond Island
As we stepped foot on the famous James Bond Island, the reality set in – the island is smaller than imagined, and it’s teeming with visitors. We had 40 minutes to explore, which was plenty enough time to see the small size of the island. The iconic limestone rock stands majestically in the bay, but beyond the photo-worthy shot, the beach is swamped with souvenir shops vying to overcharge unsuspecting travelers. Resist the temptation to contribute to overtourism and refrain from purchasing overpriced fake souvenirs.
Moreover, if you crave an authentic Thai island experience, you may find other islands in Phang Nga Bay more worthwhile, as James Bond Island often feels like a crowded movie set without much else to offer.
Koh Panyee in Thailand: the sad reality of the fishermen village
The tour proceeds to Koh Panyee, a floating village with a Muslim community. The village offers a lunch stop and an hour to explore, but the reality is far from charming. As we walked through the village, we saw the same souvenir shops literally everywhere. We wondered whether there would be another job in this village as standing at a souvenir shop all day. Sadly, the village is also marred by plastic pollution, affecting both the environment and its unfortunate animal residents, not to mention, the quality of livelihood from the local people.
This village is definitely not for the animal lovers amongst us. You can see little birds hanging in tiny cages in the complete sun, just waiting to be bought by a tourist. It was so tempting to buy a bird and let him free, but they will just catch him again. It’s essential to not support the exploitative tourist practices, like buying these caged birds, which only perpetuate the cycle. If we would leave this fishermen village alone, the muslim people would have to focus more on earning money in different ways instead of making them completely dependent from tourists.
Wat Suwan Kuha: Monkey temple in Phang Nga Bay
Our journey continues to the Wat Suwan Kuha temple in Phang Nga Bay, where a massive golden Buddha sits within a cave, albeit covered in bird droppings. Obviously, this was another tourist scam since there was really nothing to see.
Outside the cave, monkeys await visitors, aggressively seeking for food. Although there are signs that explicitly say not to give bananas, there are banana shops everywhere. Feeding them might seem like an experience, but it’s absolutely not an ethical experience with animals and it’s crucial to avoid fostering dependency on humans for food.
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The James Bond Island tour: a touristic scam?
In all honesty, this James Bond Island tour left much to be desired. The beauty of the bay aside, the experience felt more like a tourist trap than an authentic adventure. For a taste of 007-style excitement, consider exploring other less frequented destinations in Phang Nga Bay, such as Koh Phi Phi or the lesser-known Koh Yao Noi island.
As travelers, let us seek experiences that preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our destinations, encouraging a more responsible and rewarding journey for everyone involved.
