Koh Tapu (James Bond Island)

A 20-metre limestone spike leaning out over Phang Nga Bay, wider at the top than at its base — that’s Koh Tapu, the rock that played villain Scaramanga’s lair in the 1974 Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Its Thai name means “nail island,” a literal description of the shape. Nobody lands on the rock itself: boats circle it for photographs, then put in at the larger island next door.

Tours run as half-day trips from Ao Po Pier or Surakul Pier, threading between the bay’s other limestone towers and mangrove channels before reaching Koh Tapu. Most stop at Khao Phing Kan, the larger island next to it, which has the actual beach and walking trails — that’s where you get out, not the rock itself. Kingfishers and hornbills work the mangroves along the way, and the karst faces shift colour through the day, sharper at midday and softer close to dusk.

Watch out: Rough seas and lower visibility are typical from roughly May to October. If your dates are flexible, book between November and April instead — calmer water makes for a steadier boat and clearer photos of the rock.

Koh Tapu itself is free to see, since you never set foot on it — what you pay for is the boat. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag for your camera, since spray over the bow is normal on the crossing. Most operators fold the stop into a wider tour of Phang Nga Bay’s karst and mangroves, so budget half a day rather than a quick add-on.