Review: Khao Lak James Bond Island Canoe Trip with Lunch

Have you ever thought about going to a place that feels totally unreal? Like something straight out of a movie? Well, that’s pretty much Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island! This review is about my experiences on a trip there from Khao Lak, and also a canoe ride – complete with lunch! Was it fun? For sure. Was it worth it? I mean, let’s get into the good stuff.

Getting There and Setting Sail

Okay, first off, getting picked up from my hotel in Khao Lak was smooth sailing. Early, yes it was, but very smooth. The drive to the pier was actually longer than I thought it would be, but the views along the way helped pass the time quickly. When we arrived, the place was already buzzing with people. Lots and lots of excited chatter as everyone gathered for their boat rides.

The boat itself? It was a fairly sizable speedboat. There were so many other tourists packed on it – families, couples, solo adventurers like myself, I supposed. We zipped off like we had somewhere very important to be once we set off. It did not take long before the views opened up – stunning cliffs popping out of the water, that kind of thing. Pretty unforgettable, in a way. That the trip out to Phang Nga Bay itself was half the fun.

Exploring Phang Nga Bay by Canoe

So, the canoeing bit was definitely a high point. Getting into the canoe with my guide – they were really great, I should point out – and slipping into the quiet waters? Very, very special. Paddling through these hidden lagoons and caves? That’s something you don’t see every day, that’s for sure. It felt like we were the very first people discovering the area. A really hushed kind of beauty.

What I remember the most is just how quiet it was. Apart from the gentle splash of the paddle and the odd bird call, of course. It’s almost a complete escape. You are enclosed in these towering limestone cliffs, so it is very easy to feel like you’ve entered another place entirely. Definitely bring a waterproof camera. Actually, taking photos doesn’t capture the actual moment, I can say now. Still, the trip’s highlight for me. Without a doubt!

James Bond Island: A Tourist Hotspot

Okay, James Bond Island. Ko Tapu, that’s its local name, is the super famous rock from “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Expecting something? Well, prepare for hordes of other people doing exactly the same. To be brutally honest, the place was extremely busy. It felt like the beach was very, very crowded, so snapping that ideal picture? Really tough.

Despite the crowds, it is really unique seeing it with your own eyes. Is it as magical as the photos suggest? Arguably, no. Is it still interesting? Yes, indeed. I took my photos, walked around a little, and kind of soaked up the vibe. But honestly, that whole crowd kind of detracted from the overall feeling of just standing where a movie legend took place. This is probably why the canoeing was the best bit of the day, after all. Far less crowded!

Lunch on the Water

Lunchtime came, and we went back to the big boat for our meal. A good spread, was served as a buffet, of all sorts of tasty Thai stuff, like rice, curry, some chicken dishes, some veggie stuff too. So, plenty to choose from! I loaded up my plate and ate while taking in the view. It’s not, like your five-star dining experience, in fact it was quite chaotic because so many people were queuing at the same time. The food was just fine after spending hours out in the sea air. And also, the tour company did a solid job of catering for everyone. So, not bad overall.

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

So, let’s break it all down, then. The things that made the tour awesome? The scenery is truly breathtaking, and Phang Nga Bay is seriously stunning. That the canoeing experience was superb and getting up close with nature in the hidden lagoons was very awesome. A bonus? Getting lunch included just made things simple, in some respects.

Now, a few downsides to point out. James Bond Island, for me, anyway, it’s super busy, so just manage your expectations, like your. This made it a little less pleasurable to spend time there. Also, the boat can get a little cramped, actually, but hey, that is the price you pay for seeing somewhere great, right?

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

To sum it all up, that Khao Lak James Bond Island canoe trip with lunch? Yes, arguably, it’s well worth it. Should you expect empty beaches at James Bond Island? For sure not! It has become too popular for that, anyway, so don’t expect to be alone there. The canoe part alone is super memorable. So too it’s just getting out on the water and seeing Phang Nga Bay, in the first place.

If you are okay with sharing the sites with a crowd and are wanting to experience a memorable boat tour mixed with some exploration, I reckon that you should grab this tour! You should consider going, especially when the weather’s favorable, in a way. You might want to book in advance. This place has visitors pretty much all the time, that is a guarantee!

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