James Bond Island by Speedboat

About this trip

James Bond Island by Speedboat is the fast version of the Phang Nga Bay day out from Krabi. You are picked up from your hotel in Ao Nang or nearby in the morning, and instead of a slow longtail you cross the bay by speedboat, which buys you more stops and more time in the water. The day takes in a beach island, the famous leaning rock at Khao Ping Kan, lunch at the Koh Panyee floating village, and a snorkeling stop on the way home, with the option of sea cave canoeing if you want it. Reckon on about seven to eight hours in total.

What the day looks like

Hotel pickup is between 07:45 and 08:00, and the boat leaves from the pier shortly after. The first stop is Lao Kudo, where you get straight into the day: swim, relax on the beach and take photographs before the bay gets busy.

From there the boat runs to James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan. Koh Tapu, the narrow limestone needle from The Man with the Golden Gun, stands just offshore, and the Khao Ping Kan cliffs and cave behind it are as interesting as the rock itself. There is time ashore to look properly and take the photograph everyone comes for.

If you have chosen Program B, sea cave canoeing comes next: you paddle into Lod Cave at Koh Talu by sea canoe, going in under the limestone through openings that only work at the right state of the tide. On Program A you spend that time with sightseeing and shopping at the canoe departure point instead, which suits anyone who would rather stay dry.

Lunch is at Koh Panyee, the stilted Muslim floating village built out over the water in Phang Nga Bay, where a buffet is served and there is free time afterwards. Walk the back lanes for a few minutes rather than staying at the table.

The last stop is Lao Ka, where you swim and snorkel in clear water before the run home. Snorkeling equipment is provided. The boat is normally back at Ao Nang or Railay around 15:00 to 15:30, which leaves you a whole afternoon and evening.

Who this trip suits

This is the right choice if you want to see a lot of Phang Nga Bay in one day and want time in the water rather than only time looking at it. It suits couples, families, snorkelers and anyone short on days in Krabi. A speedboat is quick and it bounces, so if you are prone to seasickness or traveling with a very small child, the slower longtail version is the gentler day. Choose Program B if you want to canoe into Lod Cave, and Program A if you would rather keep the day simple.

What to bring

Bring a towel, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear and a camera. Wear the swimwear under your clothes so you are not queuing to change at the first stop. Add a dry bag for phone and camera, a light layer, and cash for the park fee and anything you buy at Koh Panyee. Something covering shoulders and knees is appropriate in the village.

Good to know

The trip includes hotel transfers, travel insurance, a buffet lunch, snacks, bottled water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets and an English speaking guide. The national park entrance fee is not included: it is ฿300 for adults and ฿150 for children aged 4 to 11, paid on the day.

High season runs roughly from November to April, when the bay is calmest and the water clearest for snorkeling. In the monsoon months, roughly May to October, the bay is sheltered enough that the trip runs regularly, but sea conditions vary more and a speedboat feels it more than a longtail does. We collect from Khlong Muang, Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Railay. Tell us your hotel when you enquire and we will confirm your pickup time.

Booking

Message us on WhatsApp with your date, the number of adults and children, your hotel name and whether you want Program A or Program B. We will confirm availability, your pickup time and the meeting point, and answer anything you are unsure about before you commit.