Koh Tapu, known for its remarkable feature of a towering rock formation standing prominently in the sea near Phang Nga Bay, gets its name from its resemblance to a large nail protruding deep into the water when viewed from a distance. This destination is one of Phang Nga’s most famous tourist attractions, to the extent that a Hollywood film was shot here in 1974. The movie, James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun, is what led to the island being popularly known as James Bond Island among tourists from around the globe. Visiting Koh Tapu typically forms part of a cruise itinerary exploring the scenic wonders of Phang Nga National Park. The journey usually begins at Surakul Pier and takes about half a day, passing through stunning landscapes featuring various mountains and islands such as Koh Ma Joo, Tham Lot, Koh Phanak, Koh Hong, Koh Panyi, and Khao Ping Kan, before finally arriving at Koh Tapu. However, tourists are prohibited from approaching Koh Tapu closely, as mandated by local authorities and relevant agencies. This restriction is due to the erosive forces of the sea that have worn away the submerged portions of the rock over time, making them significantly smaller than the prominent upper section. There are concerns that these weakened lower parts could collapse at any moment.
Khao Tapu - Khao Phing Kan
Province: Phangnga