Ko Tapu

Ko Tapu

Ko Tapu, also known as James Bond Island, is located in Phang Nga Bay National Park in Phuket. The island was originally called Ko Tapu, which means "nail" in Thai, a name derived from its distinctive shape. Unlike typical islands with clear shorelines, it stands straight up from the sea like a nail—hence its name.

The name change from Ko Tapu to James Bond Island came about because the island was featured in the 1974 James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun." Since then, the island has gained international fame through the Bond movies, leading most outsiders to refer to it as either James Bond Island or simply 007 Island in Chinese. Locals more commonly call it “Cabbage Island” or “Jade Cabbage,” as this rocky outcrop rises abruptly from the sea, narrowing at the base due to erosion while widening and flattening at the top. A few sparse green trees grow on it, and from afar, it indeed resembles an upright cabbage—strikingly similar to the “Jadeite Cabbage” housed in the Palace Museum.

Many Chinese visitors refer to it as the “Ruyi Jingu Bang” (the Monkey King’s magical staff), and upon closer thought, the nickname makes perfect sense. Standing firm against centuries of wind and sea erosion, it remains proudly upright in the ocean—truly a marvel of resilience.

Khao Phing Kan

Must-visit reason: One of the world’s most famous movie-named islands

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Thailand [Thailand]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Phuket Province [Phuket Province]