In Search of James Bond's Island.

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The area around Phang Nga on the mainland is surrounded by spectacular lime karsts both in the sea and on land.
Amongst them is the famous James Bond island. A tall lime karst that featured in one of the films.

A popular way to see it is by going on an very expensive tourist excursion by mini bus and speed boat,from any of the surrounding areas. The problem with these excursions, apart from the expense is that you end up being herded around like cattle and not spending too much time doing what you actually want to do. The trip is also combined with a visit to the floating village.that nestles between the lime karsts.
We'd read about a public ferry that went from Ko Yao Noi, the island we were currentl on, to Phang Nga and it weaved its way through the maze of lime karsts.
There was only one boat a day and it set off at the rediculously early hour of 7.30am. The cost was 200 Baht whereas the trips cost around 1,500 Baht per person. Another advantage was that it was an old traditional wooden long boat. Slower than a speed boat but much more comfortable and better for being able to see around you.
Bright and early on our last day on the island Jak met us to take us the twenty minute drive to the pier. Som came too.
We arrived at the pier far too early, probably because we declined a breakfast stop in a local cafe. ( Couldn't face rice and fish before 7am).

We said our goodbyes to Jak and Som but they insisted on standing on the jetty waiting for the boat to leave so they could wave us goodbye.
Three more tourists arrived plus a handful of local people and ten minutes behind schedule, we set off, Jak and Som still standing there.
Within minutes we were surrounded by the lime karsts.
For the rest of the one and a half hour journey we were sailing through the maze of spectacular lime karsts, we passed the floating village but never caught sight of the James Bond island. Or at least we may have but to be honest we were surrounded by so many lime karsts it was probably there just hiding behind another one. Not that it really mattered, the whole area was beautiful and I don't really see why one island should get all the attention.

When we arrived at Phang Nga we were greeted by the local bus driver touting for customers. By the time we'd retrieved our bags the other three tourists were climbing into the bus and handing over 200 Baht to go to the bus station in town. We had been reliably informed by Jak that the fare was 20 Bhat. We questioned the driver about this who promptly jumped in his cab and drove off. He'd obviously ripped the tourist off and didn't want them to know.

So.... We were left standing. Now what? There was no sign if any other buses or even taxis for that matter! This area tends only to be served by tour companies charging inflated prices for the excursions. Groups are brought in on dedicated mini buses so no real need for public transport. Most locals just jump on a bike!
As there was only one boat a day the chances are that was the only public bus too.
All we could do was set off walking and try to thumb a lift. Not a happy prospect!
Then lady luck played her hand. Within seconds a car pulled up and a nice lady asked where we were going. When we told her the main bus station in town she gestured us to get in and chatted to us about her sister who lived in Europe.
A short while later we were zooming past the falling apart, rickety, public bus in a smooth air conditioned car. Ha!
We arrived at the bus station with just ten minutes to spare before the bus to Krabi was due. We never would have made it in that thing!! We thanked the lovely lady and tried to pay her for her trouble, she wouldn't hear if it and said she was now off to do the shopping for all her neighbours who were not able to do it themselves. What a good Samaritan!
Much of the road to Krabi was also surrounded by lime karsts and from our seats on the top deck of the bus we had amazing views. Much better than a cramped mini bus and only 75 Baht.

Once in Krabi we made our way to the guest house and literally within minutes the heavens opened. How lucky we had been to do the boat and bus. journey in good weather.

Next day at the airport for our flight to Bangkok we met a French couple on Honeymoon who'd payed a crazy amount to do a ' trip' to see the lime karsts and spent most of their time sitting on a mini bus going round collecting other tourists. By the time they got on the speed boat at Phang Nga the weather had changed and they barely saw anything and the stop on the floating village was aborted!
Reminded us why we like to do things independently rather than organised trips.

And that's it! Apart from a couple of nights in Bangkok our time here in S. E. Asia is over until the next time.
Time to return home.

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Photos

Gecko Bar. A great place to people watch
And believe me we saw some sights!

Day out on the river boat.
What a contrast!

Comments

[Eileen]

Well we have really enjoyed your latest adventure! Wonder where we will go next? Have missed our matters in the pool. See you soon ?Xx