Phi Phi Island vs James Bond Island

Q: Can you visit both in one day?

Not realistically from Phuket/Krabi. Each is a **full-day** program with long boat legs. Better to schedule **two days**, matching Phi Phi to your calmest-sea forecast.

Q: Which is more budget-friendly?

Headline prices are similar, but **James Bond** often has shorter sea crossings and includes canoeing; **Phi Phi** adds an **NP fee (~฿400)** and may require faster boats to fit more stops.

Q: Which is better for first-time visitors to Thailand’s Andaman coast?

**Phi Phi** delivers the classic beach-and-lagoon fantasy. **James Bond** is ideal if you prefer calmer waters, cave canoes, and marquee views without open-sea time.

Q: Which is better for kids?

Both work. **James Bond** has calmer bay cruising and canoeing; **Phi Phi** thrills with beach time and lagoons but can be choppier—pick weather windows carefully.

Q: How far are they from Phuket?

**Phi Phi** is **~1–2 hrs** by boat from **Rassada Pier** (fastest ferry ~**59 min**). **James Bond** sites are within **Phang Nga Bay**, reached via tour boats in roughly an hour from Phuket piers, within a full-day loop.

Q: What if I only have time for one?

Choose **Phi Phi** for beaches/snorkeling and the **Maya Bay** experience (if open). Choose **James Bond** for caves, karsts, and a photogenic, lower-swell cruise day.

Q: Which has the better signature experience?

**Phi Phi:** Standing on the sands of **Maya Bay** (within rules/hours). **James Bond:** Canoeing through **Hong/Panak** caves and the **Ko Tapu** photo stop.

Q: How long do you need at each?

Plan a **full day** for both. Allow recovery time between days if you’re sensitive to sun or motion.

Quick comparison – Phi Phi Island vs James Bond Island

Feature	Phi Phi Island (Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi NP)	James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan, Ao Phang Nga NP)
Location	Krabi Province; main hub Phi Phi Don with trips to Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh	Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket; visited on multi-stop bay tours
Price (adult)	Day tours typically ฿1,800–3,500 depending on speedboat/operator; NP fee ~฿400 adult (paid on arrival; not always included)	Day tours often 7–9 hrs; NP fee ฿300 adult/฿150 child (commonly extra) (Viator)
What is it?	Island group with white-sand beaches, lagoons, reefs; famous Maya Bay	Limestone karst islets and sea caves; stop at “James Bond Island” rock spire + canoeing
Travel time from Phuket	Ferry ~1.5–2 hrs (fastest ~59 min); speedboat ~1 hr (sea dependent) (Direct Ferries)	Speedboat cruise routes; pier to bay legs ~1 hr, whole tour day ~7–9 hrs incl. transfers (My Thailand Tours)
Timings	Tours run morning–afternoon; Maya Bay typically 07:00–17:00 when open; annual Aug 1–Sep 30 closure for conservation (reopens Oct 1) (Qbic Travel - Phuket, Thailand)	Full-day programs; typical 07:30–16:30 itineraries with multiple stops and lunch (My Thailand Tours)
Duration needed	Full day from Phuket/Krabi; overnight possible on Phi Phi Don	Full day
Queues / Average wait	Boat landing windows at Maya Bay; early trips help beat crowds; seasonal closures reduce impact (Qbic Travel - Phuket, Thailand)	Lines at canoe spots and the islet walkway; early departures/smaller boats reduce waits
Best time to visit	Nov–Apr (dry, calmer seas); showers/wind stronger May–Oct (Beyond Khaolak)	Nov–Apr (dry) for smooth bay water and clear views
Accessibility	Boat ladders, uneven sand/boardwalks; not wheelchair-friendly in most cases	Similar boat access and cave canoes; mobility support limited
Kid-friendly	Great snorkeling/lagoons; consider sea conditions for small kids	Canoeing and short walks; gentler bay waters than open sea
Highlights	Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island snorkeling (The World Travel Guy)	Khao Phing Kan (James Bond), Koh Panyee village, Hong & Panak caves, Lawa/Naka beach stop (Viator)
Dining	Day tours include lunch; many eateries on Phi Phi Don	Day tours include lunch (often on boat or Koh Panyee)
Nearby add-ons	Stay overnight on Phi Phi Don; dive trips	Pair with Phuket Old Town or Botanical Garden; combine with Samet Nangshe viewpoint

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time and prefer calmer waters plus canoeing? Choose James Bond Island- a scenic, lower-effort bay day with caves, villages, and that famous spire. Want beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling? Pick Phi Phi- it’s the classic Andaman postcard, but more sea exposure. Do both across two days: James Bond during a windier day; Phi Phi on the calmest forecast.

Book Phi Phi Island vs James Bond Island

From Phuket: James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Sunset Cruise Tour by Luxury Catamaran with Meals & Transfers

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

7 hr. 30 min. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

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From Phuket: James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Day Tour with Meals & Transfers

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

7 hr. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

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From Phuket: Phi Phi Island & Maya Bay Tour by Speedboat with Lunch & Hotel Transfers

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr. 30 min. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

‌

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From Phuket: Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay & Bamboo Island Tour by Speedboat with Lunch & Optional Transfers

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

8 hr. 30 min. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

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Major differences between Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island explained

Phi Phi Island beach with turquoise water and lush greenery.

Nature & scenery

Phi Phi: Turquoise lagoons, reefs, and powder beaches capped by Maya Bay—access managed with hours/seasonal closures.

James Bond: Towering limestone karsts, calm emerald bay, sea-cave canoeing and village culture in Phang Nga Bay.

James Bond Island at sunset with limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.

Logistics & time

Phi Phi: Longer open-sea crossings (ferry or speedboat), full day; check NP fee (~฿400) and Maya Bay status (Aug–Sep closures).

James Bond: Bay cruising with multiple short hops; tours ~7–9 hrs; NP fee ฿300 usually paid on the day.

Colorful fish swimming around coral reef in Phi Phi waters.

Experiences

Phi Phi: Snorkeling, beach time, Pileh Lagoon swims, viewpoints (if overnighting).

James Bond: Canoeing through sea caves, Khao Phing Kan photo stop, lunch at Koh Panyee.

Tourists exploring rocky shoreline at James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay.

Crowds & timing

Phi Phi: Go early; choose smaller boats; note timed access at Maya Bay and conservation limits.

James Bond: Early/small-group boats reduce walkway and canoe queues; some operators depart from Phang Nga to beat Phuket crowds.

Canoe near limestone cliffs at James Bond Island, Thailand.

Costs & value

Phi Phi: Base tour + NP fee (~฿400); consider speedboat vs ferry time.

James Bond: Many tours include canoeing; NP fee ฿300 applies; look for packages including lunch and transfers.

What you’ll see at Phi Phi Island

Early morning aerial view of Maya Bay beach and surrounding cliffs in Thailand.

Maya Bay (Phi Phi Leh)

Iconic cove with boardwalk access and timed hours; closed Aug 1–Sep 30, reopening Oct 1.

Aerial view of Pileh Lagoon's emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and boats.

Speedboat near Viking Cave on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, with lush cliffs and turquoise water.

Aerial view of Bamboo Island with boats along the sandy shore and turquoise waters.

Buffet lunch setup on Phi Phi Don beach with a smiling host and scenic ocean view.

What you’ll see at James Bond Island

Tourists exploring James Bond Island with limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.

Khao Phing Kan & Ko Tapu (“James Bond Island”)

The classic needle rock and slanted cliff viewpoint from The Man with the Golden Gun.

Tourists kayaking through Ao Thalane with views of Hong Islands, Thailand.

Floating fishing village of Koh Panyee with limestone cliff and colorful buildings.

Kayakers exploring a narrow waterway surrounded by lush cliffs on Panak Island.

Beach and lush greenery at South Sea pearl farm, Naka Noi, Thailand.

Visiting Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island

Traditional Thai architecture by the water with boats, James Bond Island tour.

Phi Phi Island: Speedboat day tours from Phuket/Krabi include snorkel gear, lunch, and hotel transfers; expect NP fee ~฿400 on top unless stated. Maya Bay usually open 07:00–17:00 and closes Aug–Sep for reef recovery choose sunrise/early boats for space.
James Bond Island: Full-day Phang Nga Bay cruises (7–9 hrs) by speedboat or big boat with canoeing stops, lunch, and transfers; NP fee ฿300/฿150 often paid in cash on tour day.
How to do both (guided combos): Book two separate days with early departures; align Phi Phi with the calmest forecast and James Bond with windier days (bay is more sheltered).
DIY vs tours: DIY ferries to Phi Phi are feasible (Rassada→Tonsai; fastest ~59 min), but island-hopping still needs a local boat. James Bond logistics are best via organized tour for permits/canoes.

Phi Phi Island:

Address: Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand | Find on Maps
By ferry/speedboat from Phuket Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier (first boats ~08:30; fastest ferry ~59 min; speedboats ~1 hr).
From Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) also available. By car: Drive/ride to the pier; islands are boat-access only.

Getting to Phi Phi Island >

James Bond Island

Address: Phang Nga, Thailand | Find on Maps
By speedboat/big-boat tour from Ao Por or other Phuket piers; tour length 7–9 hrs including transfers.
By car: Self-drive to Ao Por if meeting operator there; island access requires a licensed boat.

Directions to James Bond Island >

Phi Phi Island

Tours run daily, weather permitting.
Maya Bay access 07:00–17:00 when open; annual closure Aug 1–Sep 30 with reopening Oct 1.
Duration: Full day from Phuket/Krabi.
Best time: Nov–Apr for calmer seas.

Phi Phi Island timings >

James Bond Island

Typical 07:30–16:30 day with canoeing and bay stops.
Duration: Full day.
Best time: Nov–Apr; bay is more sheltered than open sea, but early boats still beat heat and crowds.

Woman applying sunscreen on arm at a sunny beach.

National park fees: Phi Phi ~฿400 (adult) and James Bond ฿300/฿150 (adult/child) are often paid cash on the day unless your ticket states otherwise- confirm inclusion.
Sea conditions: Open-sea Phi Phi can be choppy in monsoon; if traveling with kids or motion-sensitive travelers, consider James Bond (sheltered bay) on windier days.
Beat the crowds: Book first-departure boats; for James Bond, pick small-group or Phang Nga-departing tours to reach sites earlier.
Maya Bay rules: No direct boat entry, boardwalk access only; hours 07:00–17:00; closed Aug–Sep for conservation.
Canoe time: On bay tours, canoes are usually paddled by local guides; keep phones in dry bags and follow tide-window instructions.
Ferry vs speedboat (Phi Phi): Ferries are steadier and cheaper; fast ferries ~59 min exist but schedules vary: arrive 30–40 min early in peak months.
Sun & hydration: Tropical sun is intense on the water- use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and drink water frequently.

Frequently asked questions about Phi Phi Island vs James Bond Island

Can you visit both in one day?

Not realistically from Phuket/Krabi. Each is a full-day program with long boat legs. Better to schedule two days, matching Phi Phi to your calmest-sea forecast.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Headline prices are similar, but James Bond often has shorter sea crossings and includes canoeing; Phi Phi adds an NP fee (~฿400) and may require faster boats to fit more stops.

Which is better for first-time visitors to Thailand’s Andaman coast?

Phi Phi delivers the classic beach-and-lagoon fantasy. James Bond is ideal if you prefer calmer waters, cave canoes, and marquee views without open-sea time.

Which is better for kids?

Both work. James Bond has calmer bay cruising and canoeing; Phi Phi thrills with beach time and lagoons but can be choppier—pick weather windows carefully.

How far are they from Phuket?

Phi Phi is ~1–2 hrs by boat from Rassada Pier (fastest ferry ~59 min). James Bond sites are within Phang Nga Bay, reached via tour boats in roughly an hour from Phuket piers, within a full-day loop.

What if I only have time for one?

Choose Phi Phi for beaches/snorkeling and the Maya Bay experience (if open). Choose James Bond for caves, karsts, and a photogenic, lower-swell cruise day.

Which has the better signature experience?

Phi Phi: Standing on the sands of Maya Bay (within rules/hours). James Bond: Canoeing through Hong/Panak caves and the Ko Tapu photo stop.

Are they in city passes?

No standard city card covers NP islands; book direct with reputable operators and verify what’s included (fees, lunch, canoeing, transfers).

How long do you need at each?

Plan a full day for both. Allow recovery time between days if you’re sensitive to sun or motion.

Which is bigger?

They’re different experiences rather than single attractions—Phi Phi is an island group spanning multiple stops; James Bond is a highlight within the broader Phang Nga Bay circuit.

Phi Phi Island: Speedboat day tours from Phuket/Krabi include snorkel gear, lunch, and hotel transfers; expect NP fee ~฿400 on top unless stated. Maya Bay usually open 07:00–17:00 and closes Aug–Sep for reef recovery choose sunrise/early boats for space.
James Bond Island: Full-day Phang Nga Bay cruises (7–9 hrs) by speedboat or big boat with canoeing stops, lunch, and transfers; NP fee ฿300/฿150 often paid in cash on tour day.
How to do both (guided combos): Book two separate days with early departures; align Phi Phi with the calmest forecast and James Bond with windier days (bay is more sheltered).
DIY vs tours: DIY ferries to Phi Phi are feasible (Rassada→Tonsai; fastest ~59 min), but island-hopping still needs a local boat. James Bond logistics are best via organized tour for permits/canoes.

Phi Phi Island:

Address: Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand | Find on Maps
By ferry/speedboat from Phuket Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier (first boats ~08:30; fastest ferry ~59 min; speedboats ~1 hr).
From Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) also available. By car: Drive/ride to the pier; islands are boat-access only.

Getting to Phi Phi Island >

James Bond Island

Address: Phang Nga, Thailand | Find on Maps
By speedboat/big-boat tour from Ao Por or other Phuket piers; tour length 7–9 hrs including transfers.
By car: Self-drive to Ao Por if meeting operator there; island access requires a licensed boat.

Directions to James Bond Island >

National park fees: Phi Phi ~฿400 (adult) and James Bond ฿300/฿150 (adult/child) are often paid cash on the day unless your ticket states otherwise- confirm inclusion.
Sea conditions: Open-sea Phi Phi can be choppy in monsoon; if traveling with kids or motion-sensitive travelers, consider James Bond (sheltered bay) on windier days.
Beat the crowds: Book first-departure boats; for James Bond, pick small-group or Phang Nga-departing tours to reach sites earlier.
Maya Bay rules: No direct boat entry, boardwalk access only; hours 07:00–17:00; closed Aug–Sep for conservation.
Canoe time: On bay tours, canoes are usually paddled by local guides; keep phones in dry bags and follow tide-window instructions.
Ferry vs speedboat (Phi Phi): Ferries are steadier and cheaper; fast ferries ~59 min exist but schedules vary: arrive 30–40 min early in peak months.
Sun & hydration: Tropical sun is intense on the water- use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and drink water frequently.