Rising from the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island—better known as Ko Tapu—has captivated visitors for decades as much for its cinematic fame as for its stark limestone beauty. Part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the needle-like spire stands as a sentinel among a landscape of towering karsts and secret grottoes where sea caves invite explorations by long-tail boat. The site gained worldwide renown after appearing as Scaramanga’s hideout in The Man with the Golden Gun, turning the island into a pilgrimage for film buffs and nature lovers alike. Even as boats arrive in droves, the atmosphere remains rugged and cinematic, a place where wind and water carve silence around the jagged rocks and turquoise water.

Emerald Lagoon sits within Ao Phang Nga National Park, where dramatic limestone karsts rise from turquoise waters to create a living postcard of southern Thailand. Ko Tapu, the slender rock pillar that dominates the lagoon, has become an iconic symbol of the area and a magnet for photographers and hikers alike. The site shot to international fame after it was used as Scaramanga’s hideout in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), anchoring its legend in cinema history. Today, visitors arrive by long-tail or speedboat, drawn by the surreal light, the emerald water, and the sense that nature and cinema history share the same horizon.

James Bond Island sits within Ao Phang Nga National Park, where towering limestone karsts rise from emerald-green waters and Ko Tapu, the tall Needle Rock, anchors the seascape. The location gained fame as Scaramanga’s hidden lair in The Man with the Golden Gun, turning a remote bay into a symbol of cinematic intrigue. Today the area blends film folklore with spectacular natural beauty, drawing visitors who glide through turquoise seas on long-tail boats while jagged cliffs reflect in the water. The atmosphere is a mix of adventure, mystery and postcard-perfect scenery that keeps fans and travelers returning for the next shot.