James Bond Island Area
Koh Tapu area · Khao Phing Kan anchorage
8°16.4'N 98°30.1'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
Set 85m radius in the anchorage area off Khao Phing Kan. Anchor well clear of the tour boat routes. The bay fills with tour boats from 09:00–16:00 — arrive early or stay overnight.
About This Anchorage
The anchorage near James Bond Island (Koh Tapu, featured in The Man with the Golden Gun) is one of Phang Nga Bay's most spectacular overnight stops. The area is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Anchoring away from the main tourist route gives access to the iconic scenery without the daytime crowds. The nearby Muslim stilt village of Koh Panyi is worth a visit for its floating mosque and fresh seafood restaurants.
Protected From
N · NE · W · E
Exposed To
S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- National park fee: approximately 300 THB per person per day
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Ao Phang Nga National Park entry fee required. Pay at park office.
Restrictions: Do not land on Koh Tapu (James Bond Rock) — restricted. Stay on marked tour routes when near the main formations.
Hazards
- !Heavy tour boat traffic 09:00–16:00 — creates wash and congestion
- !Submerged karst rocks throughout the bay — use caution at night
- !Tidal range 2–3m — mud flats exposed at low tide
- !Limited swinging room when tour boats anchor nearby
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 08:00 or after 17:00 to experience the bay in relative peace
- →Night anchoring is stunning — the karst formations are lit by moonlight
- →Visit Koh Panyi floating village for fresh seafood lunch
- →Kayak hire from tour operators to explore the sea caves (hongs)
Facilities
Floating restaurants at Koh Panyi stilt village (0.5nm away)
Nearest provisions: Phang Nga Town (10nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon season (November–April) is ideal. The bay is largely protected year-round but best enjoyed in calm season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the 2–3m Andaman tidal range means your boat's position changes dramatically with the tide. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the hongs, beaches, and karst formations with complete peace of mind.
Download Free for iOS