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We get asked this question all the time: “Can I visit both James Bond Island and the Phi Phi Islands in one day?”
I hate to break it to you, but the short answer is no—you can’t. It’s just not feasible to visit Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tapu (James Bond Island), in a single day, at least not in a way that lets you actually enjoy either destination.
Sure, it’s technically possible to be at both places in one day, but you’d spend most of your time in transit, leaving barely any time to appreciate the beauty of either spot.
If you’re hoping to visit both, the best advice we can give is to spread it out over two days. This way, you’ll get the full experience at each location. But if you’re short on time and can only dedicate a single day, it’s way better to pick one location and enjoy it fully rather than trying to cram in both.
I get why this could be confusing. You’re probably thinking, “Why not just combine both islands into one tour? They’re both in Phuket, right?” Actually, no! Neither James Bond Island nor the Phi Phi Islands are part of Phuket. James Bond Island is in Phang-Nga Province, and Koh Phi Phi belongs to Krabi. The locations are the total opposite direction from one another!
Once you consider the geographical locations and the travel times involved, it becomes pretty clear why trying to see both in a single day just doesn’t work.
Where Are The Phi Phi Islands
Contrary to what many believe, the Phi Phi Islands aren’t actually part of Phuket. These stunning islands are located in Thailand’s Krabi Province, about 40 kilometres away–to the south. Because they’re relatively close, day trips from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi are super popular, which often leads to the misconception that the islands belong to Phuket—but they’re very much their own destination!
Where is the James Bond Island
James Bond Island, officially known as Koh Tapu, is located in Phang Nga Bay, within Thailand’s Phang-Nga Province, about 35 kilometres away–to the north. While it’s easy to reach from Phuket, it’s important to note that the island isn’t actually part of Phuket itself. The ‘James Bond Island’ itself is one of the most iconic attractions, and it draws a lot of attention, although there are many other attractions within the Phang Nga Bay that can be visited on a James Bond Tour.
How Far apart are the Phi Phi Islands and the James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) and Koh Phi Phi are 60 kilometres apart as the crow flies, but in reality, it’s closer to 75 kilometres due to the route taken to navigate there, around the Koh Yao Islands. This journey alone takes around 3 to 4 hours on a typical twin-engine speedboat.
Now, add the 40-kilometre trip from Phuket to Phi Phi, plus the 35 kilometres back from James Bond Island to Phuket. There would be a massive amount of distance to cover. So much so, that it makes visiting James Bond and the Phi Phi Islands on the same day massively impractical.
Why Can’t We Offer a Combo Tour to Phi Phi and James Bond
We want our guests to have the best possible experience—not just with us, but with Thailand as a whole. After all, no one likes to feel rushed, right? Our tours are designed to embrace a laid-back, easygoing pace. That’s why we don’t offer a combined tour for the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island. Sure, it might sound tempting, but trust us—it’s not the way to go!
Here’s why booking a single tour to visit both islands in one day just doesn’t work:
- The Distance
- Comfort
- The Costs
- The Lack of Time
We already mentioned the distance—these two spots are much farther apart than most people realise. Yes, they’re both accessible by boat from Phuket, but they’re in completely opposite directions. Phi Phi Islands are to the south, while James Bond Island sits up north, both are in different provinces to Phuket.
But even if distance weren’t an issue, there are other reasons why combining the two into one tour isn’t a great idea.
For starters, spending a big chunk of your day on a speedboat is not as glamorous as it sounds. While these boats are perfect for short hops between beaches—like in Koh Phi Phi—after five hours, they start to feel bumpy, noisy, and let’s be honest, not all that fun, even for seasoned travellers.
Then there’s the issue of time. When you’re on the move all day, you’re left with barely an hour (if that) to explore each island, rushing between Phi Phi and James Bond leaves hardly any time to actually enjoy these incredible places.
And let’s not forget the cost. A tour like this would require chartering a private speedboat with twin engines running for at least five hours straight. The fuel costs alone would skyrocket the price, making it an expensive and exhausting day.
In short, you’d be paying a lot for a high-speed blur of two incredible places, with little time to soak in the beauty of either. And that’s definitely not the experience we want for you!
How To Visit Both the Phi Phi Islands and The James Bond Islands When Staying in Phuket
If you’re keen to visit both the Phi Phi Islands and the James Bond Islands during a trip to Phuket, the best way to truly enjoy each destination is by taking two separate full-day trips. Spend one day at James Bond Island, and another at Phi Phi. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of these incredible spots without feeling rushed.
We offer private tours for small groups to both locations, and if you book both tours together, you’ll get a discount!
However, if a private tour isn’t within your budget, don’t worry—there are plenty of shared day tour options available as well. We recommend checking out ‘The Phi Phi Tours Company’, but you’ll find lots of other great choices for shared tours to both islands.
Which is Better: James Bond Island or Phi Phi Islands
If you’re trying to decide between visiting the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island, it really comes down to personal preference—there’s no easy answer because the two places are so different. It’s hard to compare them since each has its own unique vibe and experience.
Phi Phi is perfect for snorkelling, with its iconic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering a more tropical, relaxed feel. On the other hand, Phang Nga Bay (where James Bond Island is located) is better suited for kayaking, surrounded by dense, dramatic landscapes that give off a real sense of adventure and exploration.
Keep in mind, Phi Phi tends to be busier, especially at Maya Bay, which draws in a lot of tourists. But the same goes for James Bond Island’s Koh Tapu. That said, if you opt for a private tour, you’ll always have the chance to explore quieter, less crowded spots at both Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.
If you ask me. Personally, I would choose Koh Phi Phi, simply because that’s where we’re based, and it’s a place we know inside and out from years of running tours there. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better than James Bond Island—it’s just different. Ultimately, it all comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for!
How Can I Book a Tour to James Bond or Phi Phi
Five Star Thailand is located in the Phi Phi Islands and we specialize in private tours to both Koh Phi Phi and James Bond, you can find out more about these packages here:
Private tours provide a unique experience, but for those who prefer the atmosphere of a group tour, or those who prefer a more budget friendly approach, the Phi Phi Island Tours Company provides shared tour services.
