Buzz
Two islands off the coast of Phuket are famously named after the iconic 007 spy.
Khao Phing Kan, also known as Ko Khao Phing Kan, is the collective name for two adjacent islands located on the west coast of Thailand, in the Phang Nga Bay within the vibrant Andaman Sea. This destination is renowned not only for its enchanting beauty but also for being dubbed the 'James Bond Island,' closely linked to the famous film franchise.
In the Thai language, Khao Phing Kan means 'twin peaks,' aptly describing the natural terrain of these two islands.
In 1974, the James Bond film crew sought a new destination for the charming secret agent with a lavish lifestyle. Eventually, Khao Phing Kan was chosen, and scenes in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' unfolded, providing cinema enthusiasts with the concept of a Southeast Asian travel paradise.
After appearing in the film, locals and tourists became familiar and delighted with the name 'James Bond Island,' overshadowing the original name of the island, which gradually faded away.
Just a short distance from the tourist paradise of Phuket, travelers can step onto this secluded and untamed, deserted beach.
Khao Phing Kan comprises two islands with steep, towering slopes, covered in lush green tropical forests. The island possesses a diverse landscape featuring green jungles, white sandy beaches, and some wild caves.
The seawater at the beaches is relatively shallow and exhibits a captivating emerald green color, providing clear visibility all the way to the bottom.
The most prominent feature at Khao Phing Kan is a large limestone rock standing upright, towering at 20 meters, emerging from the water's surface, approximately 40 meters from the northern shore of Khao Phing Kan.
Legend has it that this area was once the residence of a fisherman. Every day, he would return home with a plentiful catch. However, one day, he couldn't catch any fish but found only a single nail entangled in his fishing net. Enraged, the fisherman used his sword to split the nail in two. Immediately, one of the halves leaped out of the boat and plunged into the sea, forming the now-famous Ko Tapu rock.
Today, James Bond Island has become a retreat for James Bond enthusiasts and anyone who loves untamed nature and thrilling adventures.
Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – From Xzone
MytourJune 27, 2013
