Although the island of Phuket is a stunning and exotic setting in its own right, one of the biggest draws for people booking a Phuket holiday package is the opportunity to indulge in some island hopping! At many sites over Phuket it is possible to hire a long-tail boat or book onto an island hopping tour to explore these landmarks.

James Bond Island. Located off Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand, this island became a star in its own right when it was chosen as the site of Scaramanga’s lair in the James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’!

The island has several separate parts to it; the iconic column like rock, famous as the site of the lair, is situated just off  Koh Khao Phing Kan (also considered part of James Bond Island) and is called Koh Tapu (meaning Nail Island). The rock is a very distinctive shape, wider at the top and slim at the bottom. This  formation is  under the protection of Ao Phang Nga National Park and since 1998 boats have not been allowed to sail too close to the island. This ban is part of a programme to slow the erosion of the limestone rocks that if unchecked could eventually result in its collapse.

The best viewing opportunities of Scaramanga’s lair are at Koh Khao Phing Kan and the majority of boats land here. This small island doesn't have much else to do but support the tourists island.  It has a few caves and a collection of stalls selling souvenirs, refreshments and shells, but is still a great stop off point!

All in all a great place to begin your island hopping habit while on a great Phuket holiday!