james bond island trip from phuket

• Phuket Tours
• Island Tours
• Phi Phi Islands
• James Bond Island
• Coral Island
• Hong by Starlight
• Khai Islands
• Krabi Islands
• Raya Yai Island
• Surin Islands
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• ATV (quad bike)
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• Private Charters
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• Longtail Boat
• Ferry Phi Phi Islands/Krabi/Lanta

• Phi Phi Islands by Cruise Boat
• Phi Phi + Khai Islands by Speedboat
• Phi Phi + Bamboo Islands by Speedboat
• Phi Phi + Bamboo Islands by Catamaran
• James Bond Island by Cruise Boat
• James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
• James Bond Island by Speedboat
• James Bond Island by Catamaran
• Coral Island Full Day
• Coral Island Full Day + Sea Activities
• Coral Island Afternoon
• Coral Island Afternoon + Sea Activities
• Hong by Starlight - John Gray's Sea Canoe
• Khai Islands Full Day
• Khai Islands Half Day
• Raya Yai Island Afternoon closed
• Raya Yai + Coral Islands
• Similan Islands
• ATV (Quad Bike)
• Elephant Bathing Half Day
• Elephant Bathing Full Day
• Elephant Trekking + ATV
• Hanuman World (Zipline)
• Thai Cooking Class closed

James Bond Island: How To Visit Phang Nga Bay In Thailand

Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay is loaded with exotic island scenery, and one of the best things to see in the bay would have to be the famous James Bond Island, with its unusual balanced rock.

Also known as Nail Island or ‘Ko Ta Pu’ in the Thai language, James Bond Island got its current nickname when the location was featured in the 1974 Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’

Nowadays, Phang Nga Bay is a national park in Thailand where you can go kayaking and see dozens of amazing islands with caves, mangroves, wildlife, and even a floating village called Koh Panyee.

It’s easy to visit Phang Nga Bay on a day trip (by boat) from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, and that gives you enough time to see James Bond Island and the other main sights in the bay.

This travel guide for Phang Nga Bay will explain how to get there, top things to see and do, best tour packages to use, where to stay, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Phang Nga Bay Tour Packages

The only way to visit James Bond Island is with a tour, and GetYourGuide has prearranged day tours from Phuket or similar day trips from Khao Lak or Krabi , complete with hotel transfers, boat ride, lunch, shared tour of the islands, and same day return.

These day tours visit all of the top sights in Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island, Hong island, and the Koh Panyee floating village, and you can also use a canoe or kayak to explore some of the limestone caves up close.

They also have private tours or semi-private tours if you prefer that, although the prices are higher. We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: James Bond Island Tour From Phuket / Khao Lak / Krabi

Where Is James Bond Island?

James Bond Island is located in Phang Nga Bay, in southern Thailand.

There’s no airport, hotels, or accommodation in the bay since it’s a national park, but you can easily visit from other places in Thailand.

Phang Nga Bay is full of nice islands and caves

How To Get To James Bond Island Thailand

The only way to get to James Bond Island is to book a tour of Phang Nga Bay by boat. You can choose between a Thai longtail boat, big wooden boat, or speedboat, and any of these are good options.

The speedboat is fastest and you’re usually in a smaller and more private tour group, but it costs more. We’ve done the James Bond Island tour with all kinds of boats, and always had a good experience with each of them.

The closest place to fly for this is the international airport in Phuket (HKT) or the one in Krabi (KBV). Both of these airports have cheap flights from Bangkok. You can shop for flights to Thailand on Skyscanner.

There are a bunch of boat companies making the trip to James Bond Island daily from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, and they usually include hotel pickup and drop-off. Again, we recommend GetYourGuide for their shared or private tours !

The boat journey through Phang Nga Bay is stunning in its own right, with dozens of rocky islands rising out of the sea in all directions. However, one of the best parts of the trip is kayaking through the limestone caves. It’s probably one of the most amazing kayaking experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world!

The unusual balanced rock at James Bond Island Thailand

Drone view of Phang Nga Bay

Visiting James Bond Island: What To Expect

When you first arrive at James Bond Island, the boat will park on the back side of the main island (Khao Phing Kan) and then you can disembark and walk around on the island for awhile.

Khao Phing Kan is a very unusual island covered with limestone hills, and the main attraction is the pointy balanced rock, which seems to float on the sea. Unlike other places in Thailand, the snorkeling isn’t any good at Phang Nga Bay because the water is murky and there’s no coral.

However, if you’re lucky, you still might see some wildlife here. We saw a hawk flying around, and later on we spotted a baby monitor lizard near the beach. We took a few pictures of him before he climbed a tree and disappeared.

Most Phang Nga tour packages give you 1 hour at James Bond Island, which is plenty of time to swim at the beach, see the famous floating rock, and attempt your best James Bond pose for photos.

We saw a baby monitor lizard at Khao Phing Kan

The only way to reach James Bond Island is by tour boat

The floating rock — Ko Ta Pu — also known as Nail Island

Of course, because of its scenery, James Bond Island has become one of the most famous spots in Thailand, so it’s very crowded with tourists at most times of the day unless you arrive early in the morning.

There are a bunch of makeshift souvenir stalls on the island taking advantage of this, but the prices are a bit higher than normal so it’s not a good idea to do any shopping here.

If you want to escape the crowds and take some nice pictures, you can walk up the concrete steps and there are usually less people at the viewpoints above the rock, while the area close to the beach always tends to be the busiest and most crowded part of the island.

James Bond Island was popularized and got its current nickname after being featured as the villain’s hideout in the 1974 Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ The movie bombed with critics, but the location became a hit.

In spite of the crowds, we were happy to see that the island has been kept pretty clean, and we didn’t notice any garbage on the ground or in the water. Overall, it’s an amazing place and you have to see it at least once!

The 1974 movie scene that got James Bond Island its nickname (© United Artists)

The majestic islands of Phang Nga Bay from above

Visiting Phang Nga Bay – Tourist Fees

The Phang Nga Bay is a national park in Thailand, so they charge a tourist fee of 300 Baht (~$9 USD) for adults, and 150 baht for kids 3-14 years old.

Some Phang Nga Bay tours may already include these fees in the total price when you book, but usually you pay them separately in cash when you first start the tour, or else when you get off the boat at James Bond Island.  

More Things To See In Phang Nga Bay

Here’s a list of some of the top sights in Phang Nga Bay. You can see most of these places (along with James Bond Island) in a single day tour:

• Koh Hong Island: Not to be confused with the Koh Hong island in the Krabi province, this is a beautiful island in Phang Nga with a sandy beach and several limestone caves that you can explore by kayak. It’s one of the most spectacular kayaking spots in Thailand, so don’t miss it!
• Koh Phanak Island: Another big limestone island with several caves, including the Bat Cave and Ice Cream Cave, which got its name from the bright white stalactite rocks inside. You can also see mangroves and wild monkeys here.
• Koh Panyee Floating Village: A very interesting little fishing village with a population of about 1,700 people. This floating village was founded about 200 years ago by Malay muslims, and the spot often serves as a lunch stop on James Bond boat tours.
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint : This amazing viewpoint is technically located outside of the national park, and you can only visit it by land (not on the James Bond boat tour). However, it has jaw dropping views of Phang Nga Bay, along with its many mangroves and islands. It’s one of the best views I’ve seen anywhere in the world, and the sunrise is also impressive. I wrote a separate travel guide for this viewpoint, which you can read here !

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint can only be reached by land (not on the James Bond boat tour), but it has incredible views of Phang Nga Bay.

1-Day Itinerary For The James Bond Island Tour

Here’s a sample itinerary for what the James Bond Island tour generally looks like:

• 7:30 AM – Hotel pickup and drive to the pier by bus or minivan
• 8:30 AM – Transfer to boat and start the journey to Phang Nga Bay
• 9:30 AM – Start sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay
• 12:00 PM – Lunch at the boat or on the floating village (Koh Panyee)
• 1:00 PM – More sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay
• 5:00 PM – Arrive at the pier and transfer back to your hotel by bus or minivan

Keep in mind every tour is different, so your schedule may not follow this exactly. You can check with your tour provider about the itinerary before you go.

Is James Bond Island Open / Closed?

Yes, James Bond Island is OPEN for tourists as of 2024!

The Thai government likes to close some of their islands for conservation during the rainy season, but Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island generally stays open all year.  

Endless scenery of Phang Nga Bay

Best Time To Visit James Bond Island Thailand

Any time is good to visit James Bond Island, although there are some seasonal differences.

The weather in the Andaman Sea area of Thailand (including Phang Nga Bay) is best from November to April, when it’s more dry and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s a bit more crowded with day tours.

The weather is not as good from May to October. There are more rainy days, and there are frequent storms in the evenings. However, there are less tourists in these months and it’s still possible to have a great trip.

It’s very unusual for boat tours to be canceled at James Bond Island because it’s inside of a large bay that protects it from rough waves coming from the sea.

We witnessed some big storms in the rainy season, but these were usually in the evenings when we were back at our hotel, so it wasn’t a problem. Most of the pictures in this James Bond Island travel guide were actually taken in July, during the rainy season.

We’ve visited Phang Nga Bay in the dry season and also in the rainy season, on separate trips. In both cases, we had an amazing time and the weather was mostly great for weeks.

So in conclusion, there’s really no bad time to visit James Bond Island!

One of our first times visiting James Bond Island Thailand!

What To Bring To Phang Nga Bay

Here are some packing suggestions for your visit to James Bond Island Thailand:

• Waterproof Bag . Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats around Ko Ta Pu and Koh Hong island. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch . Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• Sunscreen. There is usually some shade in the speedboats and longtail boats, but you can still get roasted while swimming or walking on the beach at Ko Ta Pu, so you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen for the boat tours.
• Snacks & Drinks. You might want to pack some snacks and drinks in the boat when touring the islands. You can bring these from Phuket or Krabi. There are also snacks and drinks available to buy in the national park, but the prices are higher.

See the tiny boat in the bottom left corner?

Can You Fly A Drone At Phang Nga Bay?

Yes and no. Thailand is pretty relaxed about drones, and you can fly them in most of the islands, but you aren’t allowed to fly in the national parks.

That includes James Bond Island, which is patrolled by park rangers who will fine you if you’re caught flying a drone. They’re especially strict there, and the rangers are watching all areas of the island constantly.

However, if you’re discreet it’s still possible to fly from other locations in or near the bay. The best place to do this is at the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint , which has great visibility of Phang Nga Bay. You’ll still want to be considerate and only fly in places where it won’t bother people, of course.  

Other Tips For Phang Nga Bay

• Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on James Bond Island, although you may have to pay a small fee in Thai baht (bring some cash for that). If you book the tour with a big wooden boat, those also have toilets in the boat, although the Thai longtail boats and speedboats usually do not.
• Cell Service: We had good phone reception on the boat while touring all over Phang Nga Bay, but you may lose signal when you go ashore on James Bond Island because of the steep mountains surrounding Ko Ta Pu.
• Mosquitoes: We didn’t really see any mosquitoes in Phang Nga Bay or James Bond Island, but you can buy bug repellent in Phuket, Krabi, or other places in Thailand if you want it. Malaria isn’t present in this area.

Phang Nga Bay as seen from Samet Nangshe

Phi Phi Or James Bond Island: Which Is Better?

So which is better, Phi Phi or James Bond Island? That’s an important question.

They’re both great, but I have to say Phi Phi island is better. No offense to James Bond island, but Phi Phi has the best scenery above and below the ocean, with clear blue water and lots of fish and coral to see while snorkeling or scuba diving.

There’s also more to see and do in Phi Phi overall. Even if you don’t care about snorkeling, it’s hard to beat Maya Bay , Pileh Lagoon, and the other epic sights in the Phi Phi islands. They are truly world class.

Don’t get me wrong, Phang Nga Bay is still amazing and you should definitely see James Bond island if you’re able. Try to see both Phi Phi and James Bond if you have time! Unfortunately you can’t see them both in one day since they’re located in opposite directions from Phuket (north vs south), but it’s possible to see both places in two days!

Read More: Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is another amazing day tour near Phuket Thailand

Is James Bond Island Worth It?

Yes, James Bond Island is absolutely worth it in my book! There is loads of amazing scenery in Phang Nga Bay, and the prices for everything are very affordable.

In spite of the crowds, this is still one of the best day trips in Thailand, and it’s very accessible because of its location between Phuket and Krabi.  

Phuket Hotels

Katathani Resort

The Sea Galleri

Tea Tree Resort

Peranakan Boutique

More Thailand Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island Thailand.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Thailand travel guide for more tips on Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, and the other Thai islands.

Happy travels!  

• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – Best Sunrise Spot In Thailand
• Phi Phi Island Travel Guide – Best Things To Do In The Koh Phi Phi Islands
• Maya Bay Thailand – What To Expect On The Beach
• Thailand Travel Guide – Info, Pictures, & Blog

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James Bond Island Tour From Phuket: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Tina

Planning a holiday in Phuket, Thailand? Why not include the James Bond Island tour from Phuket in your itinerary? It is a highly recommended activity when you are in Phuket that is perfect for every type of traveler, including those traveling alone . James Bond Island is a popular landmark in Phang Nga Bay, made famous when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man With the Golden Gun”.

Phang Nga Bay is located between Southern Thailand’s mainland and Phuket Island. It is characterized by limestone cliffs, rock formations, and small islands. The James Bond Island from Phuket normally includes visits to other islands in Phang Nga Bay.

In this post, I am going to share with you everything you need to know about the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. However, it contains affiliate links.  If you book through the links, I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. The small income I make here will help in maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Where to Book James Bond Island Tour from Phuket

There are many tour operators in Phuket offering different join-in tour packages, making it a good destination even for solo travelers. One of the famous tours being offered is the James Bond Island tour from Phuket. The tour normally includes a visit to other islands in Phang Nga Bay like Hong Island, Naka Island, and Panak Island. You can book your tour online through Klook or on the website of the tour operator. You can also book your tour in travel agencies found all over Phuket. Some hotels are connected to tour operators so another option is to ask in the reception area of your hotel if they can help you book a tour.

I booked my tour with a travel agency in Patong the night before the tour. It was past 10 in the evening already but most travel agencies in Patong and even Kata close late. I booked the tour with the guy I met during the Phi Phi Island tour  I joined that day.

BOOK TOUR WITH KLOOK

Cost of the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket

There are different options for the James Bond Island Tour. You can do it by speedboat, long-tail boat, or big boat. The speedboat is the more expensive option, but the tour group is smaller and it is much faster to get to the attractions. We choose the speedboat option for our tour.

The listed price for the tour by speedboat for most tour operators is THB 3200 for adults. This is what you will see on websites as well as in  brochures. But when you inquire about the tour with a travel agency, they will tell you that they will offer you a discount and say they will give the tour to you for half the price. Almost all travel agencies offer that price. But we were able to negotiate with the travel agency for THB 1500.

The fee includes round-trip transfers from your hotel by an air-conditioned van  (if your hotel is located in Patong, Kalim, Karon, or Kata Area), coffee, tea and biscuits during orientation, lunch at the Panyee Gypsy village, English speaking licensed tour guide, insurance, national park fee, use of life jacket, canoe paddler, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruits served on the boat.

There is an extra charge transfer of THB 100 for those staying in Rawai, Naiharn, Kamala, Surin, Bangtao, and Tri Trang, and THB 200 for Phuket Town and Laguna. Those staying in Cape Panwa, Naiyang, Naithon, Koh Sirey, and Maikhao need to pay an extra THB 1000 and they will be picked up by a private car.

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Program Itinerary of the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Tour

The pick-up of tour participants starts at 7:30 AM. My hotel, Must Sea Hotel is located in Kata and I was the second to be picked up. I don’t remember what time we arrived at the pier. When we got there, we first went to the office of the tour operator JP Andaman Tour for a short orientation.

When we got to the office, we had to wait for the other participants and while waiting we were asked to sign up for our insurance. Your passport number is needed for this so make sure you take a photo of your passport’s information page. (No need to bring your passport during the tour). They also gave us a baller ID/silicone wristband that we had to wear to indicate which group we belong to. They take back the baller ID after the tour.

During the orientation we were briefed about the places that we are going to visit, what to see and do, safety tips, etc. There are biscuits, tea, coffee, and water that you can have while waiting to leave for the tour.

The first stop of our tour is the Bat Cave in Panak Island. We were lucky that the water was not too high when we got there so we were able to get inside the cave. It was dark inside but our guide had a cap lamp with her so it served as our light. We didn’t stay long in the cave, the guide just showed us the stalactites and stalagmites, and the bats.

If you were able to read my previous post about the Phi Phi Island Tour I joined the day prior, I mentioned that I met a guy during the tour who was also traveling solo and happens to be a geologist too, just like me. We booked the James Bond Island tour together. It was interesting because when we got to the cave, he told the group that he is a geologist and he started sharing about how the stalactites and stalagmites formed. The other tour participants were listening at first, but it seems they weren’t interested about those things and only wanted to take pictures so one by one they started moving away from us.

James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan

From the Bat Cave, our next stop was the Ao Phang Nga National Park. It is where the James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan are located.

When you alight from the boat, the first that you will see is the Khao Ping Kan. It was formed from a crack. The rock slid down due to gravity fault. As the base of rock was scoured, the upper rock became heavy and slid down to rest in a leaning position.

Near the Khao Ping Kan there are stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.

As you walk further down, you will see Khao Ta Poo aka James Bond Island. It was originally a part of the island but was scoured out by the tide and was separated from the main land.

Visitors are not allowed to go near James Bond Island. While there were many tourists when we got there, the place wasn’t too crowded. Our guide said the place gets pretty crowded at a later time.

There are viewpoints where you can have your picture taken with the James Bond Island as your backdrop. Just follow the stairs. You can also take a picture by the beach.

If you follow the stairs you will reach the other part of the national park (picture below). It is also where the toilet is located.

Just like the Phi Phi Island Tour, for this tour participants are given a certain amount of time per stop before moving to the next. In this stop we were given 45 minutes to explore the national park.

Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village

Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village was our next stop. It is a Muslim village. It is essentially a floating housing area with restaurants, tourist shops, a school and a mosque. This is where we had our lunch and the food here was great. It was way better than what we had during the Phi Phi Island Tour. Food served were mostly Thai food, and I am very happy because we had Tom Yum soup again. If you’re on a vegan diet, you can tell your guide in advance so they could inform the restaurant to prepare a separate food for you.

After having our lunch, we still had enough time so we took a walk through the shops. They sell the usual stuff like shirts, bracelets, necklace, and other souvenirs. It is where I bought the postcard I sent myself and the other I gave to a friend. (I didn’t have time to go to the post office when I was in Phuket so I sent the postcard during my layover in Singapore. 😁)

Hong Island

After lunch, our next stop was the Hong Island. Here we moved to a bigger boat and from the bigger boat, we were grouped by two or three. Each group were assigned a canoe. Each canoe had a canoe paddler.

We were taken among the limestone cliffs rising out of the water and through caves. This activity reminds me so much of the kayaking activity in Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon in El Nido . Even the area where we canoed looks similar to the  Small and Big Lagoon.

I really enjoyed this activity, I prefer this over the visit to James Bond Island.

Naka Island

Our last stop was Naka Island. Here we were given more than an hour for swimming, chilling by the beach or pay extra and do some water activities like parasailing or jet ski.

There are sun loungers in Naka Island that are free to use even if you don’t order drinks.

We enjoyed swimming here and afterwards we walked to check out the far end of the beach. That part was not crowded maybe because there are no sun loungers there.

What to Bring During the James Bond Island Tour

Here are the recommended things to bring when doing the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket:

• sunblock lotion to protect you from damaging UV rays, preferably a reef-safe one like Magwai Sunscreen
• camera, better if it is waterproof
• dry bag  to keep your gadgets dry
• some Thai Baht to buy souvenirs, drinks on Naka Island and to give tip to the tour guides and the canoe paddler
• aqua shoes  to protect your feet from sharp rocks

I highly recommend the James Bond Island Tour if you are in Phuket. Like the Phi Phi Island tour, this tour is good even for solo travelers. Aside from me and my geologist friend, there was another girl in the group that was also traveling solo.

If you have to choose only one between James Bond Island Tour and Phi Phi Island Tour, choose James Bond Island Tour if you prefer swimming and Phi Phi Island Tour if you prefer snorkeling. Personally, I liked the James Bond Island Tour more because of the canoeing and the food at the Panyee Sea Gypsy village. The Maya Bay in Phi Phi Island Tour though is something that must not be missed so do both if you can.

For more pictures from the tour, check out my Instagram stories highlight.

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7 ways to go to james bond island.

7 WAYS TO GO TO JAMES BOND ISLAND

James Bond Island stands out among all other islands in Phuket, Thailand. As I was planning my trip there, I was stacked on ways to get there. I had to dig further, and I came across seven ways to get there offered by different tour companies. In this post, I am here to tell you the different ways to reach James Bond, which ways are reliable and convenient to you, let’s see together which are the best 7 ways to go to James Bond Island,

All about James Bond Island

If you prefer to check right away the best james bond island tour by speedboat, here you have it.

James Bond island tour by Speedboat from Phuket [with Island relax and National Park included]

If you wish to read more about James Bond Island and Phang Nga bay please go on reading!

James Bond Island is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands where you can enjoy cruising in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand.

The tours to this island are generally a full-day tour, and after the famous James Bond Movie, it became a tourist center: The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed in 1974 on the island. The island was previously referred to as just one of the other islands in the Phang Nga Bay.

You can enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this most beautiful region on this James Bond Island Tours, and then you can visit the gorgeous Hong Island (in Phang Nga Bay, let’s not forget there is also another Hong island in the Krabi province archipelago) and have fun canoeing in Hong’s mangrove forest.

James Bond Island Tours has a lot of beautiful, mouthwatering deals for tourists and highlights. The most popular is the rock that stands upright. The rock is called the most charming and one of Thailand’s most popular rocks because it’s shaped like a Scooby doo.

Being a full day trip, you have the opportunity to engage in various activities and water sports such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, sightseeing, and taking pictures of beautiful and unforgettable moments.

Tours to James Bond Island are usually conducted via speed boat, large boats, long-tail boats, catamarans, this helps to shorten travel time and extend the time you use to engage in various Island activities, move smoothly throughout the various islands of the itineraries. You can also enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak.

The James Bond Tours Packages or day trips will provide a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beautiful kayaking or canoeing lagoon and passages. This will give you the chance to see the spectacular scenery, where hidden lagoons are available to enter the magnificent, majestic caves.

For anyone who wants to get the true picture of Thailand’s beauty, James Bond Island Tours are recommended. It’s a wonderful place to relax with friends and family and enjoy a memorable escape from work stress.

One of Phuket’s top things to do is a trip to Khao Phing Kan or James Bond Island.

Read about these seven ways to get from Phuket to James Bond Island.

Whole afternoon on James Bond Island by full-day water safari

Try a full-day water safari, offering easy hotel pick-up from the west coast of Phuket. Choose whether you want to travel by streamlined speedboat or traditional longboat from Thailand and trace a route north to Phang Nga Bay.

Your host will treat you to a seafood feast fit for 007 before arriving at James Bond Island.

The whole afternoon is devoted to discovering the wonders of James Bond Island, where you can search inside caves for villains, sunbathe on the beach where Roger Moore performed his famous duel, and discover Ko Tapu, the iconic mushroom-shaped rock.

This adventure gives you the most time on the beautiful shores of James Bond Island, of all the things to do in Phuket.

Visit multiple islands in the Phang Nga Bay in a single day

James bond island by big boat.

These tours are going to take you where you want to go. A full-day excursion to Ao Phang Nga National Park, where James Bond Island is nestled next to more than 100 protected islands, helps you to jump on the island.

Your guide breaks the journey with stops on the islands of Talu and Naka, with chances of swimming along the tour route, cave, and kayaking.

While circumnavigating James Bond Island, your guide will tell you about the technical challenges involved in filming the film with local lore.

Until leaving, drive into the emerald shallows near Ko Tapu and see if you can see the mysterious lurking Francisco Scaramanga in the greenery of the jungle.

Spend extra time exploring Phang Nga Bay

Premium James Bond island tour by Speed boat – Phuket [with Naka island – from Royal Phuket Marina]

A full-day deluxe tour helps you to immerse yourself completely in the collapsed cave systems and ancient archeological sites of the island.

Come to think about it; it’s possible that Bond, too, would have wanted to spend some extra time here exploring. In the morning, the interior lagoon of kayak Hong Island explores its otherworldly shades of emerald and turquoise blue.

Go to James Bond Island in the afternoon, where your guide will allow you to apply your MI6 skills to get to know the hidden caverns of the island. You are also invited to explore the eastern beach, where local vendors are offering shell and wood souvenirs.

All the way to Ao Phang Nga National Park

Full-day tour of James Bond Island and Ao Phang Nga National Park, filled with Thai breakfast and lunch, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights of the serene marine park.

Stops on Hong Island and Naka Island complete the experience as well as the opportunity to ride a long-tail speedboat to the fishing village of Koh Panyee.

An afternoon visit to James Bond Island reveals the filming locations of the resort, as well as details on the island’s geological history and its surroundings.

If you wonder what to eat back in Phuket, refuel with Lucky 13 late-afternoon snack.

Visitors go crazy about their cheeseburgers, while hearty sandwich options such as falafel and local chicken after a long boat trip are a welcome treat.

Likewise, you can go to Patong Beach to wet your whistle at the Iguana Beach Club with a made-to-order cocktail— an idyllic seaside bar that seems to have been pulled straight from a spy movie.

James Bond Island from Phuket

James bond and khai islands tour, the premium james bond and khai islands speedboat.

Premium James Bond and Khai islands Speedboat from Phuket

Speedboat Premium James Bond and Khai Islands Speedboat provide free land transfers from Kamala, Patong, Kalim, Phuket Town, Kata Beach, Karon, and such a low fee, just 100 Thai Baht per person for land transfers from all other Phuket locations.

This is always considered a premium Speedboat tour and James Bond, and Khai Islands Natural Park Fees included in the price!

Departure is from the famous Boat Lagoon luxury Pier

Fast speedboat tours to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are one of Phuket’s best island tours. You will visit the islands and the Bay, a must-see in the area, with Premium James Bond and Khai Islands.

The most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see in Phang Nga Bay!

Speedboat’s Premium James Bond and Khai Islands take you to explore one of Phuket’s best tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974, Khai Island, a small gem just south of the most spectacular Phang Nga National Park.

James Bond island tours carry you to the mountains, to see spectacular island cliffs, to see beautiful magnificent caves where deep lagoons open up.

Love all these inclusions with James Bond island tour packages such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, check-in at the beautiful Boat Lagoon Pier or the nearby Royal Phuket Marina for light coffee and tea breakfast, drinking water, lunch buffet, natural park fees. Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Experience sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong, visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, having a great lunch buffet in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring ice cream caves and diving and snorkeling on the island of Khai!

James Bond tour by big boat

Phang nga canoe highlights tour by big boat.

James Bond island by Big boat – Phuket

James Bond island big boat tour from Phuket

Phang Nga canoe highlights tour by Big boat – Phuket

Phang Nga canoe highlights tour offers free land transfer from Chalong, Patong, Kalim, Kata, Karon, Kathu, Kamala, Phuket Town.

An easy and low price of 200 Thai Baht per person for land transfer from Naithon, Naiyang, Rawai, Nai Harn, Surin beach, Bang Tao and Laguna, Sirei Bay, and Panwa.

This tour also has as well the National Park fees already included in the price!

The canoe of Phang Nga highlights Big Boat tour–Phuket is an Exclusive Big Boat full-day trip.

The canoe of Phang Nga highlights the Big Boat tour–Phuket. Exclusive Big Boat full-day trip.

Discover James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974, experience four great moments of canoeing at four incredible locations like James Bond Island, Panak Island, Hong Island, Lawa Island, and enjoy visiting James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan.

Discover all the most famous sites of the beautiful Phang Nga National Park with canoeing, witness the most spectacular scenery from the sea, explore the secret lagoons, the caves.

This trip is highly recommended for enjoying canoeing and getting a true view of nature in Thailand and taking amazing pictures.

Phang Nga canoe highlights Phuket’s Big Boat ride. There are Soft drinks, coffee, teas, drinking water, buffet lunch on the deck, four canoeing experiences. You will be provided with a Life belt, tour guide, coverage.

The Phuket Sunrise James Bond island tour by speedboat

Luxury sunrise james bond island tour by speed boat.

Luxury Sunrise James Bond island tour by Speed boat – Phuket

Explore Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island, Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai, Hong Island, Phi Phi Island and other popular luxury tours.

Phuket’s full-day ride. Sunrise James Bond Speed Boat Island Tour is always one of Phuket’s most sought after island tours.

Discover one of the best tours in Phuket, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was filmed in 1974, located in the Phang Nga National Park with the most spectacular scenery in South Thailand.

Sunrise James Bond island tour brings you where secret lagoons open up in the rocks to meet the amazing majestic caves.

This trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of nature in Thailand and shoot amazing pictures.

Luxury Sunrise James Bond island will take you to all new and amazing destinations by speedboat, our goal is to show you all the most beautiful spots when there are no crowds and other tourists.

Enjoy all these inclusions with the Luxury James Bond Island Tour Package, such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, lunch buffet, park fees! There is a provision of a Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour on the island of Panak and Hong Island while canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong.

You will visit James Bond Island, enjoying a great lunch buffet on the island of Koh Yao Noi, exploring ice cream caves and swimming and relaxing on the island of Koh Yao Yai!

The top sunrise tours and premium tours .

If you also want to check the Premium serviced tour route to James Bond Island and the Bay of Phang Nga.

Sunrise James Bond island tour offers free to pick up and drop off anywhere in Phuket at your hotel!

Check-in at the Pier and Light Breakfast Luxury Royal Phuket Marina.

3 great points of this tour?

• Fees of the Natural Park included in the ticket cost as well!
• There is a vegetarian menu on request!
• Transportation is here. Sunrise James Bond Island Tour starts with pick-up from your hotel and move to Royal Phuket Marina (Phuket’s most luxurious pier) for check-in in our lounge and light but full breakfast.

James Bond island long-tail boat tour

The very typical tour to james bond island with local longtail boat.

Delicious lunch included in the tour rate, fees included in the cost of the National Park!

James Bond long-tail boat tour on the island–free hotel pick up and drop off from Patong, Karon, Kata; only 200 Thai Baht per person for land transfers from Phuket Town, Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Laguna, Nai Yang, Mai Khao.

In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see! James Bond Island by Speed Boat takes you to discover one of the best Krabi tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man was filmed in 1974 with The Golden Gun.

Located in the Phang Nga National Park, the most stunning scenery used to film some of the helicopter scenes in the Jurassic Park movie.

James Bond Island Tour takes you where secret lagoons open up into the rocks to meet the amazing majestic caves.

Also, this trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of nature in Thailand and shoot amazing pictures, because you will be riding the local longtail boat that gives so many picturesque moments to shoot really nice unique pictures.

Enjoy all these inclusions with the James Bond Island Tour Package, such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, lunch buffet, park fees! Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Enjoy canoeing in Talu Island’s man groove forest, visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, enjoying a great buffet lunch in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring the ice cream caves!

James Bond Island by Speed boat

The island of James Bond by speedboat. James Bond island travel package with buffet lunch, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, natural park fees! Life jacket, security, tour guide.

Enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong.

Visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, enjoy a great lunch buffet in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring the ice cream caves and swimming and relaxing on the island of Naka or Lawa!

Once again this is for most of the visitors the first choice, and not by chance because this tours will give you the little thrill adventure feel of riding a speedboat, with so many inclusions and basically very low prices.

• James Bond tour of the island Natural Park fees included in the rate. James Bond Island by Speed Boat Offer Free Land Transfer ONLY from Patong, Kalim, Kathu, Kata Beach, Karon,
• Only 200 Thai Baht per person for Land Transfer from Kamala, Surin Beach, Bang Tao, Laguna, Phuket Town, Chalong.
• Speedboat tour of James Bond Island is always one of Phuket’s best island tours. In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see!
• James Bond Island by Speed Boat takes you to explore one of Phuket’s best tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974. It is located in the Phang Nga National Park, with the most spectacular scenery used to capture some helicopter scenes in the Jurassic Park series.
• James Bond Island Tour also takes you to the hidden lagoons.

James Bond island from Krabi

The krabi tours.

James Bond Island full day Speed boat tour–Krabi Now accessible regular by minivan and long-tail cruise on the latest James Bond Island tour from Krabi! Free pick up and drop off at Your Hotel in Krabi Town / Klong Muang / Ao Nang–the Tour Price includes delicious lunch!

Speedboat tour of the James bond island is always one of Krabi’s best island tours. In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see! James Bond Island Tour brings you to discover the amazing majestic caves where secret lagoons open in the rocks.

This trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of the nature of Thailand and to take amazing pictures.

You will love all of these inclusions with the James Bond Island Tour kit, such as transportation to and from the pier.

There are soft drinks, coffee, and tea, drinking water, buffet lunch, park fees. Life jacket, cover, a guide for the tour. Experience sightseeing at the Phan Nga river, sightseeing at the Raman Waterfalls, and canoeing at the Suwant Tokuha Cave Temple.

Love a trip to James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan, enjoy a great buffet lunch at Panyee Island’s fishing village.

James Bond Island from Khao Lak

James Bond island tour by Speed boat from Khao Lak

You will Love all these inclusions with James Bond island tour packages such as transportation from point to pier and back, soft drinks, check-in at the beautiful Royal Phuket Marina for light coffee and tea breakfast, drinking water, lunch buffet, natural park fees.

There is a provision of a Life jacket, insurance, tour guide. Enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, while canoeing in Hong Island’s caves and lagoons. Visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, and you will have a fantastic buffet lunch in the fishing village of Panyee Island, discovering ice cream caves and swimming and snorkeling on Khai Island!

The Island and the Bay itself are the region’s must-see, the Phang Nga Bay has the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see!

James Bond island tours bring you where hidden lagoons open up into the rocks, to see spectacular island cliffs, to see magnificent caves.

James Bond island tour from Khao Lak is always one of the best island tours from Khao Lak. James Bond island tours Natural Park fees already included in Khao Lak Hotels and Resorts price and land transfer.

Why is Phuket so famous? Here we come up with a list of many ideas why!

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Phuket: James Bond Island Day Trip by Speed Boat with Lunch

Enjoy pickup and drop-off to and from your hotel to the pier, where your journey across emerald waters and the blue ocean takes place for this day tour around the island and caves. Refresh yourself with a complementary buffet lunch.

Cruise along Phang Nga Bay and stop for sightseeing at Panak Island, famous for its emerald lagoons and deep caves. Take in the scenery of stalactite formations and high limestone cliffs.

Next, travel to Hong, or Talu Island and enjoy canoeing inside an ancient cave. See all the mysterious rock formations, some shaped by nature that look like animals.

After a canoeing session and sightseeing, you will have the chance to visit the floating Muslim village of Panyee Island. Enjoy a buffet lunch and a walk around the village, full of friendly locals.

Next, visit the iconic James Bond Island, also known as Khao Ping Kan. The unique formation of this nail-shaped island is nature’s mystery and has made it the icon of Phang Nga Bay.

After sightseeing on James Bond Island, explore Ice Cream Cave to see the phenomenal stalagmite and crystal formations inside. Try canoeing in the cave, full of emerald green water.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Lawa Island, or Naka Island (one of the islands will be chosen depending on the weather). Go for a swim, or relax on the island with free time to enjoy the ocean before heading back to the pier.

• Free cancellation
• Duration 8 – 9 hours
• Live tour guide
• Explore the caves of Panak Island on kayaks in Phang Nga Bay
• Canoe around the island of Koh Hong and discover its emerald lagoons
• Enjoy lunch in an old Muslim village island, built on stilts at Panyee
• Sit back and relax on a comfortable speed boat and enjoy a friendly crew
• Explore the famous James Bond Island, the iconic island of Phang Nga Bay
• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Patong, Kata, Karon Beach, Kamala, Tri Trang, Kalim, Surin and Bang Tao Beach
• English and Thai-speaking guide
• Buffet lunch
• National park fees

Not suitable for

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People prone to seasickness

Important information

What to bring, not allowed, know before you go.

• This tour is weather-dependent. If the tour is canceled you will be offered a different date for the tour
• The Songkran Festival will take place from 13 to 15 April. During this time, drop-off at hotels will not be possible because of the festival in the streets. Instead, you will be dropped off at the nearest possible location to your hotel

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Welcome to James Bond Island Tour

James Bond Island, known originally and locally as Koh Tapu , found fame through the 1974 Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun". The film starred Roger Moore and Christopher Lee but it was the scenic landscape that helped turn the previously unknown Phang Nga Bay into a major tourist attraction in Southern Thailand.

James Bond Island Tour Day tour Packages include by Longtail Boat, Speed Boat or Big Boat. The James Bond Island tour packages offers plenty of time and a great way to explore and to sightseeing many islands around Phang Nga Bay such as Panak island, Hong island and more. Canoeing you can enjoy the many sea caves and the great landscape of Phang Nga.

Online Booking James bond Island Tours

James Bond Island Big Boat Tour

On our James Bond Island Tour and Cruise the Phang Nga Bay one of the most spectacular scenic regions of Thailand. The area is located 25kms North East of Phuket. It consists of numerous dramatic limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the sea.

James Bond Island 4 in 1 Tour

James Bond Island 4 in 1 Tour of Phang Nga are so dramatic that they strike we into all who venture here. If you are really nature lover and concentrate to environment, it is completely appreciated.

James Bond Island 5 in 1 Tour

James Bond Island 5 in 1 Tour of Phang Nga are so dramatic that they strike we into all who venture here. If you are really nature lover and concentrate to environment, it is completely appreciated.

James Bond Island Speed Boat Tour

The breath taking scenery of The Phang Nga National Park and James Bond Island are a must do Tour on any visit to Phuket. The majestic limestone sea mountains of Phang Nga towering out of the sea are so beautiful and majestic and offer outstanding beauty.

James Bond Island Khai Island Speed Boat Tour

Phang Nga Bay Sea Angle Cruise

Phang Nga Bay is a must do tour on any visit to Phuket, The area is located approximately 25kms North East of Phuket It consists of numerous dramatic limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the sea.

James Bond Island Tour Video

James bond island tour phuket thailand.

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Day tours to the islands without Chinese tourist ? - Patong Forum

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Day tours to the islands without Chinese tourist ?

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This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

Tour companies take whomever signs up for their day trips. And they will fill their boat with however many tourists they feel is appropriate. Even if you sign up for the more expensive small group sailing tours, there is no guarantee that a group of travelers from China won't sign up for the same. If it is that much of a problem....

TAKE a private Boat if you do not wish to travel with Chinese people but you never know you might find them to be nice people if you tried to get to know them

Are there any other nationalites that you don't want to travel with?

No matter where you are in the world you will need to mix with people from countries other than your own.

#3 even in your own country not just when you travel

for me the whole point of traveling is to meet and mix with people from other countries and cultures - I prefer to to avoid people for who they are not where they come from, the colour of their skin, not their religion.

One of my favourite tours was with a group of Chinese and I was the only non Chinese person and I had a lovely time with them (true it was in China)

It ended up being so much better than the James Bond island trip we had booked.

Hi Clara. People traveling in large groups from their home country tend to stick together, and have package holidays that include accommodation, tours and whatever else. The companies that sell the group tours tend to use the cheaper tours for these activities, or tour companies they run themselves, to maximize their profit.

On the other hand premium tour companies tend to attract independent travelers who are willing to spend a bit more for a better experience. So they don't get big mobs of people from just one country.

As it happens, when it comes to nationalities there seem to be more Russians about than Chinese, and all those I have met have been nice people.

Cheers, Pete

#7 Have you traveled with British and Australians young people I suspect they are both louder and more likely to vomit.

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The Ultimate 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

P huket is the largest island in Thailand and is well known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. In order to see the best of this island, putting together a 5-day Phuket itinerary is a good way to maximise your time.

In five days, you can have enough time to explore the island’s many beaches, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach, as well as immerse yourself in Thai culture by visiting local temples and sacred sites, diving into cooking the Thai cuisine, and exploring the bustling markets.

You can also take advantage of Phuket’s proximity to nearby islands such as the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island, which allow you to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Thailand.

If you’re thinking of spending 5 days in Phuket but not sure what to do or where to go, below is the ultimate 5-day itinerary for Phuket.

Is 5 days enough for Phuket?

Where to base yourself in phuket, stop 1: hit the beach or sit by the pool, stop 2: take a traditional thai cooking class with pat, stop 3: visit wat chalong and the big buddha, stop 4: enjoy an indulgent dinner at the hilton, stop 2: catch the sunset at the after beach bar in kata, stop 4: eat street food at the local karon temple night markets, stop 1: indulge in a thai massage, stop 2: old town phuket, stop 3: try water sports such as jet ski or parasailing, stop 4: simon cabaret show, stop 1: maya bay, stop 2: lagoon swim, stop 3: snorkeling spot, stop 4: lunch at don phi phi, stop 5: swimming spot, stop 1: elephant sanctuary, stop 2: bang pae waterfall, stop 3: promthep cape, getting around phuket, best time to visit phuket, save this to pinterest:.

Planning your trip to Phuket last-minute?

Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Phuket! Here are some of the top tours, hotels, and useful items you may need before your trip!

Top Experiences and Tours in Phuket

• Visit the Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket (a must for animal lovers!)
• A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands (see the iconic Maya Bay!)
• Watch the Simon Cabaret Show (an unmissable thing to do at night)

Top Accommodation and Hotels in Phuket

• Amari Phuket, Patong Beach (luxury resort, near the nightlife but away from the noise)
• Ozo Phuket, Kata Beach (a quiet resort, excellent for couples)
• Pullman Phuket, Karon Beach (excellent location, ideal for families)

Phuket, Thailand is the perfect place for those wanting an indulgent getaway – whether for just the weekend, or a longer stay.

Personally, I think 5 days is the minimum number of days you need in Phuket as there is so much to see and do, plus you want to have a good amount of time to really enjoy the beaches and top attractions.

We stayed at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa for 6 nights and had a fantastic family holiday enjoying all that was on offer on Thailand’s largest island.

We first visited Phuket 10 years earlier on our honeymoon and were not impressed. That was because we stayed in Patong Beach, the area notorious for wild party nights and a chaotic mess of street markets, pubs, and go go bars.

On our second stay in Phuket, we decided to stay in Karon Beach , which was perfect.

It is a much quieter destination more suited to families and those wanting to relax and appreciate, rather than paint the town scarlet!

We discovered that Phuket attracts many type of travelers, but where you base yourself really impacts your experience. If you stay in Karon Beach, Kata Beach or Kamala Beach, you can avoid the nightlife of Bangla Road and enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.

If you want to party, then Patong Beach is the place to go.

Wherever you stay, you can rent a car or scooter to get around and still be able to see the best of Phuket.

Honestly, all of Phuket’s attractions are within a scooter ride and it really doesn’t matter where you base yourself. You just got to pick an area with the vibe that’s right for you.

In the following Phuket itinerary, we’ve captured all of the highlights of Phuket, allowing you time to really get a sense of the Thai culture, discover the most beautiful scenery and indulge in the laid-back Phuket way.

Day 1: Phuket Town and Karon Beach

We’re going to assume that you arrive in Phuket the night before, so our first day in Phuket on this itinerary will be the first full day you have available.

If you traveled a long way, or if you landed in the morning, use the day that you arrive as a rest day before you start exploring.

On your first full day, rise early for breakfast in your hotel. Depending on where you’re staying, you might want to spend some time in the morning hitting the Phuket beaches and cooling off with a morning swim.

Some excellent beaches for a swim are Karon Beach, Kata Beach (And Kata Noi Beach, a smaller beach near Kata), Nai Harn Beach, Layan Beach or even Patong Beach in the day time.

You might also need to use your morning to get orientated, such as picking up a sim card and hiring a car or scooter, so use this morning as a chilled morning to get yourself ready for a Phuket adventure.

Thailand is full of difficult decisions, like should I drink a beer or a cocktail, or swim at the pool with ocean views or cross the road to swim in the warm ocean, with views?

You will find there is plenty of time to enjoy the beaches or swim by the pool in this 5 day Phuket itinerary, as we want you to have a relaxing vacation and enjoy the number one thing to do in Phuket – visit the beaches.

At the beginning or end of each day, allow some downtime by the pool or on the beach.

After lunch, opt to take a Thai cooking class with Pat. This is your first introduction to Thai culture and a way to mingle with the locals and learn from them.

Visiting Pat’s home and learning to cook Thai food was one of our Phuket highlights.

Pat’s home Thai cooking school first opened in 1996 in Phuket Town and has since been featured in many print media publications and TV programs.

Our experience began in the local market gathering the supplies for the food we were soon to prepare.

We had a lesson in the various uses of vegetables and herbs in Thai cooking as we walked through, picking up each new one to smell and feel the textures.

This introduction was the perfect way to get a feel for the basics of a delicious Thai meal and what sets it apart from the cuisine of its Asian neighbours. I certainly had a better understanding of where I was going wrong with my own attempts of cooking Thai food at home.

Pat’s open aired kitchen is attached to the side of her home and she never has more than 8 people per class , maintaining that small, homely feel.

After a welcome glass of iced lemongrass tea, we donned the aprons and set to work chopping, peeling, mortar and pestle bashing to create some of my favourite Thai meals: tom yum goong, spring rolls, green curry, som tum and banana in coconut milk.

What I loved the most was sharing the experience with Kalyra. She eagerly followed us through the markets learning about the different ingredients and enthusiastically helped me prepare the food. My Junior – Masterchef even rolled a near perfect spring roll.

I was even impressed with my ability to finally produce a delicious Thai meal thanks to Pat’s expert guidance.

Not far from Phuket Town is the stunning Wat Chalong . I was suffering from Bangkok belly on our visit and could barely focus on the aesthetic designs of the temple complex.

We’ve visited a lot of wats in South East Asia, and this one certainly had its own unique flare. Craig was more than impressed and found it to be a perfect temple for those new to Thailand.

The Grand Pagoda dominates the temple grounds–it’s cool and breezy location makes it just as popular as the splinter of Buddha’s bone that rests inside.

The pagoda walls depict Buddha’s life story and immense golden statues of the various Buddha poses sit in the main hall. Choose the one you wish to worship to most.

Pay attention to the fire crackers going off inside the brick oven out the front of the ordination hall. Thai people set them off to celebrate if they receive any good luck.

The Big Buddha sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and is 45 meter high and can be seen far and wide across Phuket.

Not only is it a place of tranquillity to receive your blessings, but it’s one of the best viewpoints in Phuket which has 360 degree views of the island.

The Buddha’s body is layered with Burmese marble which shines in the sun, making it a symbol of hope and a guarding force of protection.

It’s a great place to visit for sunset as it has sweeping views.

I have one rule in Thailand. No Western food allowed.

I would even put it in my black book of crimes you should never commit. My second rule is you should never stop eating, no matter how full you are.

Who cares you cooked up a smorgasbord for lunch, you have had a whole afternoon to digest it. It’s time to top up!

You can have an indulgent Thai dinner at the Thai Thai Restaurant at the Hilton. It’s a great way to ease into Thai cuisine when you’re not ready for street food yet.

Enjoy it, because tomorrow I’m sending you to a night market!

What I love the most about dining out in Thailand – and this restaurant excelled at this – is the outstanding service.

Our head waiter, Pop, was always on hand to ensure we were happy and content. He shared many stories with us of Thailand and his own life, always with an affectionate giggle.

We enjoyed crab cakes and Thai prawn salad for entrees, followed by slow cooked tilapia in coconut milk and Phuket yellow noodles.

I had to finish dinner with my favourite Thai desert—mango and sticky rice; Craig opted for the coconut ice cream and tried unsuccessfully to convince me his was better.

Lucky Kalyra was asleep in the chair or she would have backed him.

Now you can go back to your room and collapse. The pillows will mould around your head so you feel like you are sleeping on clouds.

Day 2: Phang Ngha Bay Boat Tour

Your day will start early so first stop will be the poolside breakfast buffet. Eat up as today is a BIG day!

Stop 1: Go on the James Bond Island Tour of Phang Nga Bay (Full Day)

I never wanted to go on his tour before because it was so James Bond focused, and I have never watched a movie.

Our friend Roger recommended it as one of his favorite things to do in Phuket , so we decided to give it a chance.

James Bond Island was made famous by his movie “ The Man with the Golden Gun ” It does not mean much to me, but the island itself is very picturesque and photo worthy.

Check prices and availability for James Bond Island Day Trips here.

Many of our followers on facebook recommended the Sea Canoes as the best way to enjoy the limestone tunnels and caves.

This was not really an option with our little ones, so we did a full day tour taking in four of the islands in the Phang Nga Bay area.

The seas were a little rough and the water murky, but if you arrived on a day when the Andaman Sea was blazing with its crystal clear emerald waters and the dramatic limestone mountains, I’d imagine it would be stunning.

The floating Muslim village at Koh Paynee was a fascinating stop.

The silted homes joined together in the mud swamps in front of a large limestone rock island was started 200 years ago by 3 Indonesian families now hosts nearly 1700 people and over 300 families.

We really loved our small kayak tour through the mangroves and tunnels of one island and swimming at Naka Island . It’s a full day tour and popular, but an enjoyable day out.

Do not delay in heading straight to the After Beach Bar on the hill behind Kata Noi. This place is legendary for sunset drinks and a relaxed vibe.

We arrived here after a day of cruising the beaches of the West Coast of Phuket. As soon as we arrived and saw the amazing views and felt the cool breeze we were happy.

It didn’t even faze us that we had chosen the one day in our two weeks in Thailand that was cloudy!!

Luckily there was a small break in the clouds so we were able to see a beautiful pink orb poking through.

Sit back with a cocktail and enjoy. Just don’t order a mojito – they were awful and they tried to charge me for three of them!

If you are not too exhausted, head to the Karon temple night markets held every Tuesday and Saturday night for some incredible street food and to shop for souvenirs.

The shopping here is cheap! It is mostly clothes with the odd tourist artifacts like lanterns and Buddha statues thrown in.

You can even pick up a cheap bowl of curry noodles for 30 baht and Thai banana pancake for 40 baht.

Day 3: Culture Day: Thai Massage, Phuket Old Town, Cabaret Show

After a long day on the boat yesterday, you might want to give yourself a little treat. I highly recommend you get yourself a Thai massage at least once on your trip.

Alternatively, you can visit a resort spa and opt for a relaxing hot stone massage or aromatherapy treatment.

You cannot come to Thailand without worshipping your body with a Thai massage. Crime number 10 to never commit in Thailand!

We’d already had our cheap 200 baht massage in Bangkok before arriving to Phuket and would definitely say it’s a good idea to get one before a flight home.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of a Thai massage, allow me to explain.

A Thai massage is a traditional form of bodywork that originated in Thailand over 2,500 years ago.

It is a type of massage that combines acupressure, stretching, and deep tissue techniques to help release tension and promote relaxation.

During a Thai massage, you typically lie on a mat on the floor while the practitioner uses their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to various points on the body.

The massage therapist may also use gentle stretching movements to help improve flexibility and range of motion.

Essentially it’s a cross between massage and some kind of sports yoga.

Thai massage has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, boosting energy levels, and reducing muscle tension and pain.

Thai massage is often performed fully clothed, without the use of oils or lotions. It is becoming increasingly popular in western countries as a way to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.

If this doesn’t sound relaxing to you, you can ramp up the feel good factor with a special spa treatment.

They may be expensive in comparisons to the ones you can get on the beach or in a room with 10 other people, but in comparison to Australian prices they’re really quite cheap.

A body scrub and a Thai-herbal-heat massage later we felt like new and improved version of ourselves. We possibly couldn’t get any more relaxed.

Disclaimer: Our stay at Hilton Arcadia was hosted in part by Thailand Tourism and Hilton Arcadia Phuket, though all thoughts, ideas and opinions in this guide are our own.

After a massage, you are probably feeling more energized and ready to explore. So take a trip over to Old Town Phuket, a charming and historic district located in the heart of Phuket.

One of the main reasons to visit Old Town Phuket is its fascinating mix of architecture. The district is home to beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings, some of which date back to the 19th century.

These buildings give visitors a glimpse into Phuket’s colonial past and offer a unique backdrop for exploring the area.

In addition to its stunning architecture, Old Town Phuket is also home to a vibrant street art scene.

Keep an eye out for colorful murals and graffiti that adorn the walls of many buildings throughout the district.

After exploring Old Town Phuket, head over to Patong Beach to try your hand at some watersports.

Patong Beach is a great place to try parasailing, jet skiing, or even just rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and hit the ocean.

If you’ve never tried any adventurous water sports before, this is a great place to try it because the prices are cheap and the bay is sheltered so you don’t get a huge strong wind blowing you in all directions.

One of the best things to do in Phuket at night is to attend a cabaret show.

A cabaret show in Phuket is a unique and entertaining experience that allows you to dive into Phuket’s long-standing traditions and history.

The shows are known for their elaborate costumes, stunning stage design, and talented performers. They offer a variety of performances, from traditional Thai dances to contemporary pop numbers, the shows cater to all tastes and interests.

The performances are also family-friendly, making them a great activity for travelers of all ages.

Check prices and availability for Simon Cabaret Show here.

Day 4: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Another popular day trip from Phuket is to the Phi Phi Islands, which are arguably the most beautiful islands in the Thailand archipelago.

You can stay on the larger of the two islands, Don Phi Phi, if you have more time, but it’s also easy to see the highlights on a day trip.

Check prices and availability for Phi Phi Islands Day Trips here.

The tour departs from Phuket at around 8am in the morning and you will hop into a speedboat or long tail boat and head to Phi Phi Islands. I would suggest getting a speedboat tour as they are faster, so you can visit more stops.

The first stop is Maya Bay, usually. The boat tours may swap these stops around so you can visit Maya Bay at a time when there are less people.

It’s the highlight of a Phi Phi Islands day tour because it’s Thailand’s most beautiful beach. It was made famous after it appeared in the movie The Beach starring Leonardo Dicaprio and is a protected beach.

It was closed for around five years or so due to overtourism, but now it’s open again for day tours only. You cannot swim in the beach, but it’s beauty is worth the journey.

You can sit back and admire the stunning limestone cliffs that surrounding it, and maybe even spot a black-tip reef shark in the water if you’re lucky.

The next stop is Pileh Lagoon, a hidden gem located between tall cliffs. It’s a great place to swim in the emerald-green waters of the lagoon and take in the breathtaking views around you.

If you didn’t see much marine life swimming in the lagoon, then don’t worry. The next stop is a snorkel spot at one of the best spots in Phi Phi Islands.

It’s usually a spot around Viking Cave, a sea cave that looks out into the open waters of the Andaman Sea.

Here is a great spot to discover the colorful coral and marine life that inhabit the waters, and marvel at the beauty of the underwater world.

I mentioned earlier that Don Phi Phi Island is the largest island in the Phi Phi Islands and is much more developed than the others.

It’s a great place for lunch at a local restaurant and to browse the market shops that line the two streets on the island.

Usually, if the weather is good, the tour will end with a swimming spot at a remote uninhabited island.

Usually, you will visit Bamboo Island, a small and secluded island with clear waters perfect for swimming.

Soak up the sun on the white sandy beach or swim in the crystal clear waters before you relax on the boat and enjoy the ride back to Phuket.

Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary, Bang Pae Waterfall, Promthep Cape

On the last day, we will visit some of the lesser known attractions and wildlife sanctuaries.

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is one of the most popular and rewarding experiences in Thailand, and allows tourists to see these majestic animals up close while supporting their welfare and conservation efforts.

One of the main reasons to visit an elephant sanctuary in Phuket is the opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

However, not all sanctuaries provide a safe and ethical environment for elephants, so you do need to do your research carefully.

An ethical sanctuary allows you to observe them roaming freely, socializing with other elephants, and engaging in natural behaviors such as bathing and grazing but without getting involved.

Most of the elephants have been rescued from the tourism or logging industries.

Check prices and availability for Elephant Sanctuaries here.

Bangae Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction in Phuket’s Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.

One of the main reasons to visit Bang Pae Waterfall is its breathtaking beauty.

It is the largest and most impressive waterfall on the island, with water cascading down a series of rocky tiers.

You can cool off in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls or take a dip in the natural pools along the trail.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bang Pae Waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest, making it a great place to explore and hike.

Another great sunset spot in Phuket is Promthep Cape, located at the southernmost point of Phuket island.

One of the main reasons to visit Promthep Cape is its breathtaking views. The cape overlooks the Andaman Sea and offers panoramic views of the coastline, islands, and surrounding mountains.

The sunset views from Promthep Cape are particularly stunning and draw large crowds of visitors every evening.

The best way to get around Phuket is to hire a scooter and drive yourself. It’s going to save you money, and also allows you the freedom to travel at your own pace.

With a family, a scooter isn’t a good option, but you can also hire a car as well.

Alternatively, you can take taxis. This is a convenient and reliable way to get around Phuket. They can be found at Phuket International Airport, major hotels, and tourist areas.

However, taxi fares in Phuket can be expensive, especially for long distances, so you might want to use a ride-share app such as Grab or Bolt.

Tuk-tuks are an experience in Thailand. They are three-wheeled vehicles that are a popular mode of transportation in Phuket.

They are cheaper than taxis, but prices can be negotiated, so it’s important to agree on a price before getting in.

Songthaews are like bus versions of tuk tuks. They are converted pickup trucks that operate as shared taxis.

They are a budget-friendly option, but routes and schedules can be limited, and they also take a long time to get from A to B, making them less convenient for travelers with specific plans.

The best time to visit Phuket depends on your preferences and travel plans, but winter is our prefered time of year to visit.

Phuket has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year, though it does have a long rainy season from June to October which can get in the way of your beach time.

The peak tourist season in Phuket is from November to February, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. December is the busiest month and can be crowded, so book accommodation and tours in advance.

The temperatures during this time are milder, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and beach hopping.

The sea is also calm during these months, making it ideal for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

March to May is the hot season in Phuket, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C.

April is also a time when you see pollution from the north come down to the south, which doesn’t usually reach Phuket, but it does mean you get a lot of people fleeing the north to escape the pollution and residing in Phuket.

So, expect accommodations to be booked up in these months as well.

This can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during the day, but the evenings are cooler and perfect for exploring the island’s nightlife scene.

Final Thoughts on This 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

Phuket is an island that offers so much to see and do, and 5 days is the perfect amount of time for those looking to explore the island’s diverse attractions and experiences.

I hope this Phuket itinerary gave you some inspiration about what to do and how to spend your days in Phuket.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us in the comments.

• Phuket by Categories and Locations ✳️
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• 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
• ⛱️ Patong Beach
• ⛱️ Kata Beach
• ⛱️ Karon Beach
• ⛱️ Kamala Beach
• ⛱️ Bang Tao Beach
• 15 ISLANDS NEAR PHUKET
• 🏝️ Phi Phi Islands
• 🏝️ Similan Islands
• 🏝️ Coral Island
• Seaplane Travel Coming to Phuket
• 62 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
• 19 Best Tours
• 24 Best Things to Do in Phuket with Kids 🧸
• All Things to do in Phuket with Kids
• Best Things to Do for Couples
• Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town
• 23 Most Instagrammable Spots in Phuket 📷
• Phang Nga Bay
• Phuket Attractions Directory ✳️
• 24 BEST HOTELS IN PATONG BEACH 🧳
• 13 BEST HOTELS IN KATA BEACH 🧳
• 10 BEST HOTELS in KARON BEACH 🧳
• 11 BEST HOTELS IN KAMALA BEACH 🧳
• 11 BEST HOTELS IN BANG TAO BEACH 🧳
• 6 BEST HOTELS IN MAI KHAO BEACH 🧳
• 8 BEST HOTELS IN PHUKET TOWN 🧳
• 41 Best Hotels in Phuket
• 22 Best Beachfront Hotels ⛱️
• 13 Best Family Hotels 🧸
• 11 Great Hotels on Islands Nearby 🏝️
• Best Hotels in Phi Phi Island
• All Our Hotels Reviews ✳️
• 10 Things to Do in Phuket at Night
• Patong Nightlife
• Bangla Road Walking Street
• 21 Best Beach Clubs 🏖️
• 22 Best Rooftop Bars
• 5 Best Go Go Bars
• Phuket Nightlife Directory ✳️
• 38 Best Local Restaurants in Phuket
• 18 Best Restaurants in Phuket
• 24 Best Restaurants in Patong Beach
• Michelin Restaurants in Phuket 🍽️
• Phuket Restaurants Directory ✳️
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• Jungceylon Phuket
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• Phuket Weather ☀️☁️🌧️
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23 Most Instagrammable Spots in Phuket

• Best of Phuket , Hot Pages , Instagram , Photos , What to Do?
• Last updated 22 July 2022 9 April 2024

Where to get the best selfie in Phuket?

What are the best places for your Instagram photos in Phuket? Pictures and selfies have become part of our lives. They are a fantastic way to keep travel memories alive for a very long time, not to mention the irresistible bragging rights on Instagram. Who doesn’t enjoy posting tropical beach photos and sharing them with friends freezing in the snow or those bored at the office? You know this will drive your friends green with jealousy, but they did it to you last year, and you did it the year before anyway. So to help with your holiday photos, here is a collection of places people shoot the most and the best places to visit in Phuket . Have fun and share your photos with us on our Instagram !

1. Big Buddha Phuket

The Phuket Big Buddha is a 45-meter-high white marble statue built at the top of a steep hill. It started around the year 2000 and is slowly moving toward completion. People love to take photos with the Big Buddha in the background and the bird’s view from Nakkerd Hill. On one side, you can admire Chalong Bay, and sometimes Phang Nga Bay , which is not often. On the left side of the Buddha statue, a platform offers a beautiful bird’s view of Kata Beach . On the way down, you also can stop at one of the panoramic bars to capture some photos of Karon Beach .

Popular Ways to Discover Big Buddha

Baan teelanka – the upside down house in phuket.

The Upside Down House Museum and Attractions is one of the most unique and popular tourist attractions in Phuket. It's a great place to get creative and snap some mind-boggling images and videos. With plenty of crazy things to do, this wacky museum is sure to provide hours of amusement for visitors of all ages. Read more

2. The Chartered Bank in Phuket Town

The old Chartered Bank in Phuket Town is definitely the hottest selfie spot on the island now. A small crowd of young people are engulfed in their selfie fashion show at each corner of the intersection of Phuket Road and Dibuk Road. It’s almost entertaining but also difficult to walk through without photo-bombing someone’s selfie. The old Chartered Bank (on the right) and the old police station with the clock tower on the left have both been converted into a museum a few years ago, called the Peranakan Baba Museum.

Popular Ways to Discover Phuket Town

3. soi romanee in old phuket town.

The historical centre of Phuket town is beautiful, and it gets even better each year as the municipality improves roads and infrastructure while owners renovate their houses. Many colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouse facades are an irresistible opportunity for selfies and a great playground for photographers of all kinds.

Interested in Old Phuket Town and South Phuket Tours

Discover a variety in Phuket, from authentic local cuisine to stunning Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Advertise on Phuket101!

4. Mai Khao Plane Spotting

Planespotting on Mai Khao beach was long unknown. However, it slowly grew in popularity because large jets come close to the beach; it’s a jaw-dropping and unique photo to take. Its popularity exploded when in 2016, it became forbidden to stand on the beach directly in the path of planes. This announcement triggered even more people to come and stand in front of landing planes, there was no better advertising, and Mai Khao is now a selfie paradise! Just keep in mind that planes only land above the beach during the high season !

5. Phuket Sign in Patong Beach

This setup is a relatively new addition to the Patong scene, with six colourful letters standing in the central part of the beach for anyone to take selfies. It looks good at any time of the day, but sunset time is popular.

6. Ma Doo Bua Cafe

Ma Doo Bua Phuket is a new cafe and restaurant whose sole purpose is to provide an irresistible background to the new generation of selfie lovers. The main catch is an artificial lake covered with those unusual giant circular floating leaves called Victoria Amazonica, a species of flowering plant, the largest of the Nymphaeaceae family of giant water lilies.

7. Karon View Point

Many people take a short break at Karon View Point (often called Kata View Point). The view from up there is legendary, and everyone has a photo of the three bays, namely Kata Noi , Kata Beach and Karon Beach in the far. It’s beautiful all year round, but the view is even more striking with a blue sky. People don’t stay long because there seems to be nothing much around; however, in the evening, you should stop for a drink or dinner at the beautiful Heaven Rooftop Restaurant located somewhere on the hill below.

8. Bangla Walking Street Sign

Bangla is a strange place: some hate it, and most love it. There are not many such streets in the world. It’s where you’ll find the famous beer bars, Live music bars, fantastic clubs and famous Go-Go bars ! Most people stop at the renowned sign ‘Bangla Walking Street’ or ‘Welcome to Patong Beach’ and take a selfie to add to their bucket list.

9. James Bond Island

This standing rock featured in the old James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ is the subject of photos that strongly remind us of the Pisa Tower in Italy. People pretend to lean against it, push it, hold it in the palm of their hand and do all kinds of funny poses. It’s a very touristic place, but it is a beautiful location. Read more

Popular Ways to Discover James Bond Island and Koh Panyi

10. wat chalong.

Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered temple in Phuket. It is so beautifully crafted and such an impressive landmark it naturally became an Instagram favourite. Remember that Wat Chalong is a Buddhist temple, and you should behave quietly and respectfully. Remember not to wear too short skirts or too short pants (they should be below the knees).

11. Phi Phi Viewpoint

Phi Phi islands are famous and very scenic, and of course, everyone pictures the famous Maya Bay from the movie The Beach. The Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the impressive spots for a selfie photo or a memory. It’s not too hard to reach, but remember that there are two levels, and the most iconic birdview of the two bays of Phi Phi main island is from ‘Viewpoint 2’. There is also a small but unavoidable entry fee.

Popular Ways to Discover Maya Bay

12. samet nangshee.

Samet Nangshe is located just outside Phuket Island and requires a bit of drive, but it is truly impressive. It is worth the effort, not only for your selfies but as a place to admire once in a lifetime. Up there, you will find some accommodations and restaurants to spend time in if you wish.

13. Naithon Beach Staircase

The Naithon Beach staircase is easy to find if you know where to look, but most people miss it because the entrance is very narrow and tucked between a wall and dense vegetation. If you enter Naithon Beach from the south, with the ocean on your left, the staircase will be on your left as you go down the hill before entering the small city opposite Malaiwana villas.

14. Splash Beach Club

The Love Swing at Splash Beach Club is a popular selfie spot located south of Patong Beach on the way to Paradise Beach . There is an entrance fee of 100 baht, and it is not always open, so don’t hold your breath and have a plan B!

15. Baba Nest Rooftop

16. Akoya Star Lounge

17. Tann Terrace

18. Three Monkeys Restaurant

Three Monkeys restaurant is set in the Jungle somewhere between Phuket Town and Chalong, part of the popular Hanuman World Zipline attraction. With a beautiful and somehow unusual design, the Three Monkeys restaurant has been a success from day 1, attracting a crowd of teenagers and young families. The restaurant is surprisingly large, built on several levels on the side of a hill overlooking the Chalong area.

19. Baan Ar Jor House Museum

Baan Ar Jor is a historical house located in the north of Phuket. Each room of this superbly renovated house from 1936 is a fantastic playground for selfies.

20. Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape is probably one of the oldest photo locations on the island. Twenty years ago, when I first arrived in Phuket, Promthep was already famous. From 6 pm to 6:30 pm, a little crowd would gather to admire the sunset over the iconic cape. With the arrival of mobile cameras, it just became more popular, and buses now offload a hundred tourists to Promthep Cape daily.

21. Laem Singh Viewpoint

It was not easy to see Laem Singh Beach from the road until a couple of years. Although it was not a secret beach, people loved it and would make an effort to walk up and down the steps to get there for the day. For a long while, Laem Singh beach remained closed to the public because the land leading to it was private, but recently it became possible to go back by boat from Surin beach or with a bit of walk around the rocky cape. A scenic viewpoint with a convenient parking space is now a must-stop and must-shoot location.

22. Windmill Viewpoint

A little less known but equally popular is the Windmill viewpoint overlooking Ya Nui beach . It would be easy to miss the small road leading to the outlook if not for the large electric propeller that marks the location, visible kilometres away.

23. Coconuts Cafe

Coconuts Cafe is an excellent little venue hidden near Chalong Bay. The house is set in an immense garden where customers can enjoy delicious cakes and drinks while taking photos, sitting at little white tables in the natural surroundings.

Map of Phuket’s Best Instagram Spots

More reading

16 Best Places to Watch Sunset in Phuket!

23 Best Rooftop Bars in Phuket