Koh Tapu (which is Thai for ‘Nail Island) is an iconic landmark situated in the Phang Nga Bay near Thailand’s west coast. The name is a reference to the island rock’s unusual shape caused by erosion. The top heavy island rock tapers to a narrow base and boats are prohibited from getting too close to it due to its precarious nature. The rock is made up of limestone and is about twenty metres in height. Koh Tapu gained prominence when footage of it was used in the The Man with the Golden Gun, the popular 1974 James Bond film. The movie not only made the area an instant tourist destination but also led to Koh Tapu being nicknamed ‘James Bond Island’.
The base of Koh Tapu is constantly being eroded and the entire rock will eventually collapse, so there is no better time to visit it than the present. While one can get good enough views of the ‘Nail Island’ from boats it is better to head over to Koh Ping Ghan island and take in the view from there. Not only does it enable one to enjoy the surroundings more leisurely, but Koh Ping Ghan has a terrific beach that is constantly abuzz with activity. The Phang Nga Bay region spans an area of over four hundred square kilometres and contains around one hundred islands. The area can get pretty crowded especially during the tourist season, but is still worth visiting.
Tourists planning on vacationing in Phuket can easily visit the Phang Nga Bay area. Phuket, which is probably Thailand’s most popular island, is located in the southern part of the country just below the Phang Nga Province. The highly popular tourist destination is well-known for its top notch beaches and active night scene. The hospitality sector in the island is highly developed and finding good eateries and accommodation is a breeze.
Tourists looking for a good place to stay should try a Patong beach resort like the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The Phuket resort is situated in the most exciting and liveliest part of town, with all the island’s best restaurants, pubs and malls within easy reach.
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