One of the most interesting features of the Phang Nga Bay is the James Bond island and such is its popularity that it is a wonderful side trip in its own right. The island was featured in the iconic 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun, and has morphed into a tourist trap ever since. In fact, it is the islands of Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu that are collectively known as the James Bond Island. A popular spot for kayaking, this retreat has limestone rocks, one of which is 66 m tall and is quite a draw card as it was the ‘mushroom-shaped rock’ that hosted the solar panels powering Scaramanga's laser gun in the movie. If legends are to be believed, the island was formed when a certain fisherman could not catch a single fish on a fateful day and found a nail instead. He cut the nail in half out of frustration and tossed it into the water and this half nail, much to the fisherman’s astonishment, emerged from the water in the form of the aforementioned limestone tower.

Do be wary of the many trinket vendors dotting this isle as they will try their best to scam you with their substandard fare. Speedboat trips to James Bond Island from Phuket come for around 2000 Baht.