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Here is everything you need to know to arrange an island hopping tour in including the stunning James Bond island in 2026. This is one of the most iconic and serene things to do in Thailand. James Bond island is situated in the Phang Nga bay.
A Phang Nga bay island hopping tour can cost anything from 1,500 baht for a private boat (£30 or $40) up to 30,000 baht or more if you book a private tour online in advance with some companies (£600 or $800). For these types of prices you can normally share the tour with up to 10-15 people. But if you don’t have a large group these sorts of prices are well above most peoples budget range.
With such high prices, so many islands and so many starting points it can be overwhelming. Never fear. In this article we will break down everything you need to know about island hopping tours. We have travelled extensively around the Phang Nga bay area to research and find out the best information to help you arrange an Island Hopping Tour without blowing the budget…
Before you read on, not all of the island hopping tours in the area include a visit to the iconic James Bond island or the Phang Nga bay so a little research is needed in advance.
What are the Phang Nga bay island hopping tours?
The Phang Nga bay island hopping tours are one day boat trips that take you to some of the most beautiful and scenic islands and coral reefs around the Phang Nga bay marine park (อ่าวพังงา) on the south west coast of Thailand. The exact islands included and length of the trip depend on the tour company. If you are determined to see the iconic James Bond island (Khao Phing Kan เกาะเขาพิงกัน) it is important to check that this is included in your tour. Here are some of the types of tours to give you a feel for what is available:
- Speed boat tours (generally private)
- Private tours on larger boats
- Group tours (larger boats)
- Long tail boat tours
As you would probably expect, group tours tend to be cheapest. Some companies offer group tours but will only operate with a minimum number of passengers.
Top tip: Be willing to be flexible with dates and try groups on FaceBook to find people who may be willing to share a tour with you to reduce the cost. If you are travelling as a group or family private boat tours may be your best option.
What islands can you visit on an island hopping tour?
It is a great way to make friends, swim and sunbathe. Island hopping trips often stop at several islands, they generally include food and or one or two snorkeling stops. Here are some islands that you can visit in the area…
| Islands near Phuket (not in the Phang Nga bay) | Islands near Krabi (not in the Phang Nga bay) | Islands between Krabi and Phuket (not in the Phang Nga bay) | Islands in the Phang Nga Bay |
Raya island, Coral island, Mai Thon island | Poda island, Hong island Tub, island Chicken island, Bamboo island | Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Phi Phi (you can find resorts and accommodation on these islands) | James Bond island (Khao Phing Kan) Phanak island, Koh Panyee, Koh Sawang, Pingkan mountain, Lod cave |
What should be included in an island hopping tour of the Phang Nga bay?
The following things should be included in a good island hopping tour. As ever check before you book:
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel
- Soft drinks (you normally need to pay for alcoholic drinks if they are available)
- Snorkeling equipment rental for the trip
- Lunch (not always included)
- Insurance (check whether this is included)
- National park fees (these are a few hundred baht)
- Visits to around 5 islands or reefs
Some more specialised tours may include other activities such as dolphin spotting, beach BBQ, sunset spots, kayaking or glowing plankton spots.
What are the best places to arrange island hopping tours?
You can arrange island hopping tours in the Ao Phang Nga national park, by the beach in Ao Nang and also in Phuket. The cheapest option is to arrange a tour directly from the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Here is some more information about each option:
Option 1 Ao Phang Nga National Park (cheapest way to see the James Bond Island)
The cheapest place to arrange an island hopping tour is from the closest harbour. The harbour is located just north of the Samet Nangshe viewpoint in the Ao Phang Nga national park. There are several small tour operators that offer boat trips in the area. They will generally charge around 1,500 – 3,000 baht for a private boat tour, usually half a day (this is around £30 – £60 or $40 – $80). These will be simple tours that don’t include all of the add ons. You will normally need to pay 300 baht per person for national park fees (around £6 or $8) and around 300 baht per person for kayak rental. Coming in at around £8 per person (+ £6 national park fees) this is a fantastic option for a family or group. The only downside is that the habour in Ao Phang Nga is remote and hard to access by public transport. We recommend renting a car or bike if you are considering this option. Alternatively you can book a taxi using Grab.
Hanah Tour is based in the Ao Phang Nga national park and can offer private boats for 2,000 baht (excluding national park fees and not including kayak rental or lunch). They generally include 4 destinations: James bond island, Lod Cave, Pingkan mountain and Panyee island. We recommend booking a couple of days in advance.
Hanah Tour can be contacted on whatsapp +66933906568.
Alternatively drop them an email at: taweesin57533@gmail.com
Option 2 From the beach in Ao Nang (not including the James Bond island)
You can find pretty cheap island hopping tours to the islands near Ao Nang – however these do not include the James bond island and don’t get into the Phang Nga bay. The best way to arrange a cheap island hopping trip from Ao Nang is just to show up and book something directly with a travel agent. There are plenty of small offices around the town and along the beachfront.
From Ao Nang you can arrange trips to Hong island – a great spot for snorkeling. It is possible to do this trip in a traditional Thai long tail boat for 500 – 700 baht (around £10 – £14 or $13 – $18) + (the 300 baht national park fee). You can also arrange trips to Koh Phi Phi and surrounding islands to see stunning sea karst cliffs for 800 – 1000 baht (around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25) + (400 baht national park fee). For sunset tours including dinner and snorkelling expect to pay around 750 baht. Sea Kayaking trips to the sea caves cost around 600 – 700 baht for half day trips (this is around £12 – £14 or $15 – $20)
The Ao Nang Longtail boat Service Club is based at AoNang pier. They offer tours for around 2,000 baht per boat to Pod Island, Tub Island and Chicken island (not in the Phang Nga bay). Their boats can take around 4 people. They can also offer return trips to one island for 300 baht per person but will only depart when boats are fully booked. You will need to book when you turn up.
Option 3 From Phuket (expensive but convenient option!)
Phuket is more expensive but convenient for booking island hopping tours. You can arrange tours to some of the islands near Phuket (Koh Raya, Coral island and Mai Thon island). Alternatively you can arrange tours up into the Phang Nga bay and see James Bond island.
One of the cheapest companies offering all inclusive day trips to the Phang Nga bay in Phuket is Two Sisters Travel. Their itinerary is as follows: Panak island, Panyee island, Hong island kayaking, James bond island and Naka island. They include all of the following: Hotel transfer, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, insurance, snorkelling gear and kayaks, life jackets and national park fees. Two Sisters Travel charges 3,500 baht per adult (£70 or $100) and 1,700 baht for children 4 – 11 years old (£32 or $40). This may seem expensive but there are companies that charge as much as 30,000 baht for private tours of the Phang Nga bay! This is around £600 or $800. It would actually be cheaper to take a PADI open water diving course and see the islands this way.
You can also arrange private longtail boat trips to that Phang Nga bay for around 6,000 baht per boat (£120 or $150). The best way to do this is to speak to a boat operator at Rawai bay or Chalong Pier. Alternatively speak to a travel agent in Phuket to find contacts.
Top tip: Like anything in Thailand the price of island hopping tours is normally flexible so be prepared to barter and shop around. We will list a few companies that offer tours to help you compare prices.
If you’re planning a trip to Phuket don’t miss our FREE one week Phuket itinerary.
Summary of island hopping tours of the Phang Nga bay area
Here are the key details in brief…
How much do island hopping tours cost? There is a huge range of prices depending where you book at what you want to see. For Phang Nga bay tours (including James Bond island) the range is roughly 1,500 baht – 20,000 baht or more for a boat (£30 – £400 or $40 – $500). Online companies in Phuket are most expensive. Small local tour operators are cheaper. For cheap island hopping tours of the islands near Ao Nang you can pay as little as 500 baht per trip.
What is the best place to arrange an island hopping trip? If you are determined to see James bond island and the Phang Nga bay the cheapest option is to book a tour in the Ao Phang Nga national park.
When is the best time of year to take an island hopping tour? Most trips are day trips or can be done in a morning or afternoon. You can generally book tours one day in advance. November – April high season- the weather is more likely to be sunny. May-November is rainy season.
What do you need to bring on an island hopping tour? Bring sun cream, swimming stuff, a change of clothes and a towel.
Can you stay in the Phang Nga bay?
There isn’t much accomodation in the Phang Nga National Park itself so most people stay in nearby locations such as Phuket, Krabi and Ao Nang. There is one luxurious resort perched just in the south of the Phang Nga National Park. We will tell you about this one soon….
You can also stay on some of the islands to the south of the Phang Nga bay national park (Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Phi Phi) and this is a great way to organise boat tours including the James Bond island.
You can also find a good range of guest houses, bungalows, villas, bamboo huts and resorts on Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Phi Phi. This is a great way to arrange boat tours of the Phang Nga bay. We have featured a few of the higher end resorts here, but you can also find cheaper options on booking.com.
Here are our TOP PICK island resorts near the Phang Nga bay. If you plan to book one of these please do click through our links- we earn a little commission at no extra cost to you so its win win.
Zeavola Resort (Koh Phi Phi)
On Koh Phi Phi don’t miss the stunning and luxurious Zeavola Resort on Koh Phi Phi. This impressive luxurious resort has a private beach, outdoor pool and decadent spa. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this jungle island and take in the views whilst enjoying the serene luxury of a 5 star resort.
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Find out the latest prices at the Santhiya resort now
Located on the west coast of Koh Yao Yai, the decadent Santhiya Resort offers convenient access to Phuket and to the Phang Nga bay. It is also a great spot to enjoy the stunning tropical sunsets over the ocean. Many of their packages offer speed boat transfer (confirm before booking). We love the wooden eclectic interiors and luxurious furnishings. Their villas and private suites offer stunning ocean views. Their 4 bedroom villa with a private pool is out of this world! It’s worth a look even if you don’t book a room here.
Paradise Koh Yao (on Koh Yao Noi island)
Located on the north tip of Koh Yao Noi island this luxurious resort is actually in the Phang Nga bay National Park. With an infinity pool, private beach and array of luxurious dining options Paradise Koh Yao lives up to its name. The perfect luxurious perch for exploring this stunning part of the world.
Paradise KohYao offer a speed boat “Hidden Phang Nga package” starting at around 3,500 baht per person (£70 or $100). Children 1-3 FREE. Children 4-11 half price.
BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. No surprises that this place fills up fast… Find out prices at Paradise KohYao NOW
