Phi Phi Islands vs James Bond Island: Comparison Guide

Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island? That is the question.

Among the beautiful islands near Phuket and Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island are undoubtedly the most famous islands.

As many of you know, both islands appeared in Hollywood films. Phi Phi Islands was the filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’, while James Bond Island was featured in a James Bond film, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ featuring Roger Moore, and has since then been called after the movie character.

Many people who are considering taking a tour to Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island want to know which tour out of the two would be better for them. Each tour is a different type of fun, and in a perfect world, you would be able to take both tours. But, if you’re under pressure of time or budget, you should consider which one suits your taste better.

This post will give you an ultimate comparison guide for these picturesque island destinations. If you are thinking of taking the tours, be sure to read on! 😎

Note: James Bond Island is in the Phang Nga Bay, and these two names are often used interchangeably on tour names.

1. Location: Phi Phi Islands vs James Bond Island

James Bond Island and Phi Phi Islands are both located between Phuket and Krabi but in opposite directions. James Bond Island is to the north of Ao Po pier while the Phi Phi Islands are to the south.

This is one of the main factors that decide the price of the tours. Since Phi Phi Islands are closer to Krabi than Phuket, normally tours from Krabi are cheaper than the ones from Phuket.

• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Krabi
• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Phuket

Phi Phi Islands can also be toured around by a private traditional Thai long-tail boat that departs from Phuket. This tour is great for anyone looking for a quieter, more intimate Phi Phi Islands experience.

• Phi Phi Islands Private Tour by Ferry & Long-tail Boat – from Phuket

James Bond Island is the opposite. It is closer to go from Phuket than Krabi, therefore it is cheaper to take a tour from Phuket.

• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Phuket
• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Krabi

2. Phi Phi Islands Guide

• Things to do in Phi Phi Islands
  • Chill out by the beaches
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba diving
  • Spotting monkeys (at the Monkey Beach)

• Best for: People who love aquatic activities such as diving and snorkeling

Phi Phi Islands tours generally include snorkeling at Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Islands are the group of islands, and here are the main highlights that most of the tours go to.

1. Bamboo Island: an exotic island well known for abundant and strong bamboo trees.
2. Monkey Beach: where you get to see or feed the monkeys.
3. Phi Phi Don: the main town with many shops and restaurants.
4. Maya Bay: the filming spot of Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’.
5. Pileh Lagoon: where you can dive from the boat into the water and swim around for a while.

You can book a tour from Krabi or Phuket. If you want to avoid crowds, you can take a premium boat tour from Phuket, and have a lot more relaxing time. If you are traveling with your family or friends and want to have more private & luxurious time together, definitely choose the premium boat option! For more information, click below.

• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Krabi
• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Phuket
• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Premium Sunrise Tour – from Phuket

If you are staying on the Koh Phi Phi Don Island and would like to tour around the neighboring Phi Phi islands, here are some options for you! Cruise on the emerald blue ocean on a traditional Thai long-tail boat and snorkel underwater to see sea creatures. Both private and join-in tours are offered, so choose based on your preference!

• Phi Phi Islands 1 Day Join-in Tour by Long-tail Boat – from Koh Phi Phi Don Island
• Phi Phi Islands Private Tour by Ferry & Long-tail Boat – from Phuket

*Note:  As of June 2018, the Thai authorities have closed down Maya Bay indefinitely, prohibiting any visitors to enter the bay itself until further notice in order to salvage the area’s dying coral reefs suffering from warmer water temperatures and garbage left over by tourists.

But don’t worry; although you won’t be able to enter the bay itself, the boats will be able anchor down at the at the entrance of the bay, so you can admire the bay from afar. You will also be allowed to take pictures and spend some time swimming and snorkeling outside the boundaries of the bay.

Instead, we highly recommend visiting the beautiful Khai Island where you can snorkel in the coral reefs and fish. The good news is that you can get a huge discount for Phi Phi Island + Khai Island Tour while it lasts.

Book Phi Phi Islands & Khai Islands 1 Day Tour by Speedboat

3. James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) Guide

• Things to do in James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay)
  • Canoeing in midst of limestone cliffs
  • Cave sightseeing
  • Swimming & Sunbathing
• Best for: People who are looking for leisure and accompanied by young children or old parents

The Phang Nga Bay tours normally include more sightseeing than activity. That’s why it is more suitable for people who want to have a relaxing day riding a boat along the sea. Check out some of the highlights of the Phang Nga Bay tours.

1. Panak Island: where you can explore caves and observe red hawks flying by.
2. Hong Island: Try canoeing through the mangrove forest and explore the lagoon.
3. Panyee Island: the small village where you can have lunch and souvenir shopping.
4. James Bond Island: the filming spot of a James Bond film, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’
5. Naka Island: Enjoy swimming and beach lounging.

Whether you depart from Phuket or Krabi, try to take a speedboat as they help you save time than taking a big boat or long-tail boat. Also, there are premium boat options with more inclusions such as dinner and refreshments. Usually, premium boats are less busy due to the higher price. If you prefer not too many people on the boat, a premium tour will be a great option for you.

• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Tour by Speedboat/Big Boat – from Phuket
• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Tour by Speedboat – from Krabi
• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Premium Sunrise Tour – from Phuket
• James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) 1 Day Premium Sunset Tour – from Phuket 

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If you are wondering whether you can visit James Bond & Phi Phi Islands at once, it is totally possible with this 2D1N tour.

James Bond Island & Phi Phi Islands 1 Day/2D1N Tour – from Phuket

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Deciding which islands to visit in Thailand has just become very easy with Trazy’s Thai Island Paradise page! This page will help you learn a bit about the islands around Thailand, including those mentioned above and eventually help you decide where you want to go for an island getaway! You can search for the island tours from three different areas; Phuket/ Krabi, Pattaya, and Koh Samui/ Koh Phangan.

Not only can you search for island tours in each area, but you can also search for tours with discounts you can’t refuse! Personalize your trip by selecting appropriate options such as trip duration, departure location, boat type and so on to find the perfect island tour just for you!

Click here to choose your Thai Island Paradise now!

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If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask or comment in the comments section! Finally, don’t forget to visit Trazy.com for more travel tips and ideas for your next trip to Thailand!