Phuket: James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Premium Yacht Tour

Kayak secret lagoons and cruise limestone cliffs by yacht from Phuket

You’ll step onto a premium yacht in Phuket and cruise past limestone cliffs toward James Bond Island, kayak through hidden caves in Phang Nga Bay, and float inside Hong Islands’ quiet lagoon. Enjoy a Thai dinner at sunset with new friends before heading back—expect moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — James Bond Island and Hong Island tour

• Start at Ao Por Pier
• Board luxury yacht
• Sail to James Bond Island
• Explore Koh Tapu cliffs
• Kayak through Phang Nga Bay caves
• Visit Hong Island lagoon
• Relax and dine on yacht

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the color of the water—kind of milky turquoise, not the blue I’d expected. We stepped barefoot onto the deck at Ao Por Pier, still rubbing sunscreen into our arms, and someone handed me a cold bottle of water before I could even ask. The yacht felt almost too nice for my sandy backpacker brain. Our guide, Nok, grinned as she pointed out the route on a little map, her nails painted a shade that matched the sea. There was this weird excitement in the air—half the group whispering about “James Bond Island” like it was some movie set (which, okay, it sort of is).

Getting close to Koh Tapu—the real James Bond Island—felt both touristy and kind of surreal. It’s just this skinny rock jutting up out of nowhere, but seeing it in person… I don’t know, it’s smaller than you think but sharper somehow. Nok told us stories about filming “The Man with the Golden Gun” here; she even did a little Roger Moore eyebrow raise that cracked everyone up. The sun was already hot enough to make my shirt stick to my back. We took photos (obviously), but honestly I mostly remember the sound of cicadas echoing off those cliffs while we waited for our turn on the sand.

Later we kayaked through these narrow caves—I nearly dropped my paddle when a crab scuttled right over my foot. The Hong Islands lagoon opened up so suddenly after all that darkness; bright green everywhere and water so still you could hear people whispering across it. Our paddler (his name was Li) pointed out birds nesting high above us and laughed when I tried to say something in Thai—no idea what actually came out of my mouth. Dinner back on board tasted like lemongrass and chili; Nok made sure there was plenty for everyone who didn’t eat meat (me included). Watching sunset from the boat with sticky fingers and salt on my skin—I still think about that view sometimes.

Top questions

How long does the James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay tour take?

The tour is a full day trip from Phuket, starting at Ao Por Pier and returning after sunset.

Is lunch or dinner included on this yacht tour?

Dinner is included on board the yacht; vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Are transfers from my hotel in Phuket included?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included with your booking.

Can I kayak during the Phang Nga Bay tour?

Yes, kayaking through caves and lagoons is part of the experience around Hong Islands.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with food allergies?

Vegetarian food is available if requested one day ahead; please inform about any allergies when booking.

Are there age or health restrictions for this yacht trip?

The trip isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; pregnant women aren’t allowed.

What’s special about Hong Islands on this itinerary?

The Hong Islands feature a hidden lagoon only accessible by boat through narrow cliff passages—a peaceful spot surrounded by greenery.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Phuket, bottled water throughout the journey, accident insurance valid for 24 hours after departure, national park entry fees covered, kayaking equipment and life jackets provided for exploring caves and lagoons around Hong Islands, plus a Thai dinner served onboard—with vegetarian options if you let them know ahead of time.