James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour – Phang Nga Bay & Koh Panyee from Phuket
From: ฿2,000
Experience James Bond Island the authentic way: aboard a traditional wooden longtail boat travelling through the spectacular Phang Nga Bay. You will pass emerald water, mangroves, towering limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves on the way to the famous film location.
After more than two decades guiding guests around Phuket and Phang Nga, I still recommend the longtail boat when travellers want to experience the landscape rather than simply rush from one photo stop to the next. It is slower than a speedboat, but that is exactly the charm: you sit close to the water, feel the breeze and have time to take in the cliffs and local life.
This full-day excursion includes Koh Panyee, the Suwankuha Temple (Monkey Cave), James Bond Island and a choice of guided sea-cave canoeing or sightseeing. Please also see our complete James Bond Island guide from Phuket for information about the history, tides, photography and different boat types.
There are no hidden official National Park charges: the National Park fees are already included in the tour price.
Choose your programme: James Bond 1 or James Bond 2
Both programmes visit the main highlights of Phang Nga Bay. Choose the sea-canoe option if you would like to explore the caves, or choose sightseeing for a calmer day without canoeing.
| Programme detail | James Bond 1 (Sea Canoe) | James Bond 2 (Sightseeing) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult price | ฿2,300 | ฿2,000 |
| Child price (4–11 years) | ฿1,700 | ฿1,500 |
| Special feature | Includes guided sea canoeing at Talu Island | Focus on classic sightseeing without canoeing |
| Highlights | Monkey Cave, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee lunch, James Bond Island, sea canoeing | Monkey Cave, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee lunch, James Bond Island |
Infants under 3 years travel free. Prices are in Thai baht per person. The official National Park fees and temple entry fee are included.
Detailed James Bond Island longtail boat tour itinerary
The day is planned so that you can enjoy the main sights without unnecessary rushing. The schedule may change because of weather, tides, traffic or local operating conditions.
- 09:00–09:30 – Hotel pickup: Meet your driver at your Phuket hotel and travel in an air-conditioned minivan towards Phang Nga.
- Suwankuha Temple (Monkey Cave): Visit the famous cave temple with its large reclining Buddha and the monkeys often seen near the entrance.
- Surakul Pier and the traditional longtail boat: Board the wooden boat and begin the journey through Phang Nga Bay National Park.
- Koh Panyee: Visit the Muslim fishing village built on stilts above the bay and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch.
- James Bond Island and Khao Phing Kan: Explore the famous film location from The Man with the Golden Gun and see the iconic nail-shaped rock, Ko Tapu.
- Sea-cave canoeing at Talu Island, James Bond 1 only: Glide through low cave passages and hidden lagoons with an experienced local paddler. James Bond 2 continues with sightseeing instead.
- 18:00–18:30 – Return to Phuket: Travel back to Surakul Pier and relax during the return transfer to your hotel.
Tour highlights
- Traditional longtail boat adventure: Cruise through Phang Nga Bay at a relaxed pace on a classic wooden boat.
- James Bond Island: Discover the famous filming location from The Man with the Golden Gun.
- Sea-cave canoeing: On James Bond 1, explore the caves and lagoons around Talu Island with a local paddler.
- Lunch on Koh Panyee: Enjoy a Thai lunch in the well-known fishing village built on stilts.
- Monkey Cave Temple: Visit Suwankuha Temple and its large reclining golden Buddha.
- Local culture: See traditional coastal life and the wooden paths of the Koh Panyee community.
- Hotel transfer included: Travel comfortably to and from Phuket from the listed pickup areas.
Meals
- Welcome drink
- Traditional Thai lunch menu
- If you are vegetarian or have allergies, please inform us when booking
What to bring
- Swimwear and change of clothes
- Towel
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Beachwear
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Cash
- Passport, copy permitted
Please note
- Pickup time varies depending on hotel location.
- In case of bad weather, rebooking or refund is possible.
Tour duration
Tour start time
Tour end time
What's included
- Hotel transfer in an air-conditioned minivan (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala)
- Licensed tour guide (English)
- Qualified staff (first aid, CPR)
- Life jackets (for adults & children)
- Mask & snorkel (undamaged return)
- National park fees included
- Insurance (valid 24h from tour start)
What is not included
- Tips/gratuities
- Local activities on the island
- Personal expenses
Know before you go
- The schedule may change due to weather or traffic conditions.
- Insurance is valid for 24 hours from the start of the tour.
- Infants must be supervised by their parents.
Not suitable for
- Pregnant individuals
- People with back problems
- Individuals with limited mobility
- People with heart problems
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Reviews
Five memorable stops and experiences
What makes this day special
Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat
Feel the boat move at water level as it threads between the bay’s towering limestone karsts, mangroves and sheltered coves.
James Bond Island
See Ko Tapu, the narrow rock made famous by the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun, and explore the Khao Phing Kan area.
Koh Panyee village
Visit a remarkable Muslim fishing community on stilts, with wooden walkways, a school, local shops and waterfront restaurants.
Monkey Cave Temple
See the golden reclining Buddha inside Suwankuha Temple and experience one of Phang Nga’s best-known cave shrines.
Sea caves at Talu Island
On James Bond 1, a local paddler takes you quietly through cave passages and into hidden lagoons that are easy to miss from a larger boat.
Easy, well-supported travel
Hotel transfer, a licensed English-speaking guide, life jackets and insurance are arranged for you from the start of the day.
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Frequently asked questions about the longtail boat tour
Which programme should I choose – James Bond 1 or James Bond 2?
If you would like to explore the sea caves with a local paddler, choose James Bond 1 – Sea Canoe. If you prefer a quieter day focused on the longtail boat, the temple, Koh Panyee and James Bond Island, choose James Bond 2 – Sightseeing.
Do I have to paddle during the canoeing?
No. A professional local paddler sits in the canoe and guides you safely through the caves and lagoons. You can relax and enjoy the views.
How is this different from a speedboat tour?
A longtail boat travels more slowly and offers a quieter, more traditional experience in Phang Nga Bay. Its shallow draft is well suited to getting close to the limestone cliffs, coves and sea caves. Choose a speedboat if speed is your priority; choose the longtail boat if atmosphere and scenery matter more to you.
Are the National Park and temple fees included in the ticket?
Yes. The official National Park fees and temple entry fee are included in the tour price shown on this page.
How long does the tour take from Phuket?
This is a full-day excursion. Hotel pickup is normally between 09:00 and 09:30, the main tour runs approximately from 10:30 to 18:00 and the return transfer usually arrives between 18:00 and 18:30. Times depend on your hotel location and traffic.
Are children welcome on the tour?
Children aged 4–11 have a reduced price and infants under 3 travel free. Parents must supervise children and infants throughout the tour. Please check the suitability information above if anyone in your group has a medical condition.
3 reviews for James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour – Phang Nga Bay & Koh Panyee from Phuket
Julia & Mark –
Small-group experience instead of mass tourism! We loved the flexibility of the tour and enjoyed spectacular views. Perfect for couples! – Julia & Mark, Germany
Fabian K. –
A great way to experience the famous island up close! The longtail boat took us to places that bigger boats couldn’t reach. Pure nature! – Fabian K., Germany
พี่ขวัญ เชียงใหม่ –
เป็นทริปที่ได้สัมผัสกับธรรมชาติจรืงๆ จำนวนลูกค้าบนเรือไม่แออัด อาหารที่เกาะปันหยีอร่อย เป็นทริปที่เหมาะกับบุคคลที่ไม่ต้องการความวุ่นวาย