When The Man with the Golden Gun hit the big screen in 1974, no one could have predicted how one dazzling limestone rock in Phang Nga Bay would become one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks. Nearly 50 years later, “James Bond Island,” as it’s now famously known, continues to attract thousands of travelers each year — all chasing that cinematic moment when Roger Moore’s 007 faced off against the villainous Francisco Scaramanga.
From Silver Screen to Scenic Wonder
Directed by Guy Hamilton and starring Roger Moore, The Man with the Golden Gun marked the ninth installment in the James Bond series. The film whisked audiences across Asia — from Hong Kong to Bangkok and the breathtaking coastlines of southern Thailand.
But it was Khao Tapu, a needle-like limestone formation rising from the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, that stole the spotlight. Its mysterious shape, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and turquoise seas, became forever linked to Bond’s world of glamour and intrigue. Soon after the film’s release, locals began calling it Ko Tapu – James Bond Island, and it hasn’t lost its fame since.
The Birth of Film Tourism in Thailand
Before Bond, Thailand’s beaches and islands were largely known to adventurous backpackers and locals. But after the movie’s success, Phang Nga Bay transformed into a must-see travel destination. Tour boats started offering day trips specifically branded around “James Bond Island,” and the small fishing villages nearby saw an economic boom from the growing wave of international visitors.
Local guides still recount stories of the film crew’s time there — the helicopters, the gadgets, and the Hollywood magic that briefly turned this quiet corner of Thailand into an action-movie set.
“People didn’t even know this place existed before James Bond,” says a local tour operator in Phang Nga. “Now, it’s one of the top destinations in the world.”
Bangkok’s Cameo Appearance
The Man with the Golden Gun didn’t just shine a light on Thailand’s islands — it also featured Bangkok in several key scenes. Eagle-eyed fans will recognize the Lumpini Boxing Stadium, the Democracy Monument, and the city’s bustling canals. These glimpses of 1970s Bangkok serve as a nostalgic time capsule of a city on the verge of modernization, blending tradition, energy, and the unmistakable chaos that Bond seemed to thrive in.
Legacy That Lasts
Nearly half a century later, “James Bond Island” remains a global symbol of adventure and cinematic allure. It’s more than just a scenic stop — it’s a story. A story of how one film connected Thailand to millions of movie lovers around the world, long before the rise of social media and travel influencers.
Today, travelers from all corners of the world continue to stand on the same sandy shore where Roger Moore once stood, posing for photos that echo a moment in film history. And with Thailand’s growing popularity as a filming location — from The Beach and The Hangover Part II to The White Lotus and Jurassic World: Rebirth, to name a few — it’s clear that 007 helped set the stage for a legacy that continues to roll.