Phuket: James Bond Island Speedboat & Canoe Day Trip

Summary

Speed across Phang Nga Bay then paddle into limestone caves and meet the island’s stilt village

You’ll skim across Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, paddle through hidden caves at Hong Island with a local guide steering your canoe, eat lunch in Ko Panyi’s stilt village, and end up relaxing on Naka Noi Beach before heading back to Phuket. Expect laughter, salty air, a bit of adventure—and moments that stick with you longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if those movie islands really look like that in person? I did. So I booked this James Bond Island day trip from Phuket—mostly because my partner couldn’t stop quoting “The Man with the Golden Gun.” We got picked up early (hotel pickup is included, which is a relief when you’re not sure about local taxis) and met our guide, Pim, at the marina. She handed us tiny cups of sweet Thai coffee and some coconut biscuits—honestly, I was still half-asleep but the smell of sea air woke me up fast. There were a few families with kids, some older couples too. Everyone looked a bit nervous about the speedboat but tried to play it cool.

The ride out over Phang Nga Bay was louder than I expected—wind smacking your face, salt spray everywhere. It’s not gentle, but it’s kind of thrilling if you like rollercoasters. The limestone cliffs just rise up out of nowhere; it doesn’t look real until you’re right there. We stopped at Hong Island for canoeing—local paddlers do all the work while you just float under these dripping rock arches into little hidden lagoons. Our paddler, Li, pointed out shapes in the rocks (“elephant!” “dragon!”) and laughed when I tried to say thank you in Thai—probably butchered it.

Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island) itself is smaller than I imagined but weirdly iconic—the leaning rock looks almost fake against that green water. Pim told us stories about filming days and local legends while everyone took turns posing for photos (I tried to look mysterious but mostly squinted at the sun). Lunch was at Ko Panyi, this Muslim fishing village built entirely on stilts. You can hear kids chasing each other on wooden walkways above the water, and lunch was spicy fish curry and fried tofu—simple but good after all that sea air.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the cave stop so much—the Ice Cream Cave is full of cool air and these weirdly shiny stalactites you can touch if you duck low enough with your helmet on (I banged my head once; no one noticed). The last stop was Naka Noi Beach where most people just flopped onto towels or waded into warm shallow water. Some folks tried jet skis but honestly I just wanted to sit with my feet in the sand for a while and watch boats drift past. The ride back was quieter—everyone sunburnt and salty and kind of happy-tired. I still think about that green light under the cliffs sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island tour

• Arrive at Marina and welcome
• Tour introduction and safety briefing
• Boat trip through Phang Nga Bay
• Visit Koh Panak for photos
• Kayak at Hong Islands
• Explore Khao Ping Gan (Leaning Rock)
• Buffet lunch at Ko Panyi village
• Tour Ko Panyi village
• Trek Ice-Cream Diamond Cave
• Relax at Naka Noi Island beach
• Return to pier and relax

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this James Bond Island tour?

Yes, hotel transfers to and from your accommodation are included in the tour price.

What is served for lunch during the day trip?

A buffet Halal lunch is served at Ko Panyi stilt village with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

Are National Park fees included in this speedboat tour?

No, mandatory National Park fees are not included unless you book a private car option; fees are paid separately at check-in.

Can children join this James Bond Island speedboat tour?

Yes, children aged 4-11 can join with an adult; younger children or those under 1 are not permitted due to safety reasons.

How long does the Phuket James Bond Island day trip last?

The tour usually returns to Phuket around 6:30 PM depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is canoeing included or optional on this day trip?

Canoeing through Hong Island caves is included as part of the main itinerary with experienced paddlers guiding each canoe.

Are vegetarian meals available during lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available; please advise dietary needs when booking so they can be accommodated.

What should I bring for this Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour?

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, change of clothes (swimsuit under clothes recommended), phone photo of passport.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travelers or those with medical conditions?

No; guests over 70 or with heart/back/lung/mobility issues cannot join due to safety policies on bumpy boat rides.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your Phuket accommodation, all speedboat rides across Phang Nga Bay with onboard refreshments like water and fruit snacks, guided canoeing through Hong Island caves led by local paddlers (no need to paddle yourself), helmets for exploring Ice Cream Cave safely, plus a buffet Halal lunch at Ko Panyi’s stilt village before relaxing free time on Naka Noi Beach—all wrapped up before sunset when you’re brought back to your hotel again.