James Bond Island in Thailand – photo, description, map
Are there many films that everyone knows about without exception? Even if you have not watched a single series, the name is still heard. One of the most famous is the glorious epic film about the British super agent James Bond. At the box office, this series was second only to “Harry Potter”. Most of the men of our planet, after the very first episodes, wanted to be like a clever and intelligent spy. There is no need to talk about Bond women. Almost every girl at least once in her life dreamed of becoming like one of them – slender, charming, bright. And, most importantly, next to a courageous witty handsome man.
The man with the golden gun
In 1974, the next film “The Man with the Golden Gun” was shot. This tape is quite consistent with the exciting style of espionage passions in the spirit of agent 007. From the first frames, the viewer is involved in an interesting story about a very rich and cunning villain who wants to take over the world with the help of advanced weapons powered by solar energy. He, of course, is opposed by our experienced hero with his beautiful chosen one.
This picture delights with a rapidly developing plot, beautiful scenery, and a well-chosen cast. All the performers did a great job and they look amazing. Roger Moore, playing Bond, showed the height of elegance, and Britt Eklund, as his girlfriend, captivated with her dazzling appearance and unsophisticated gullibility.
And, it is quite natural that the ardent admirers of this detective would be happy to be in the place of their heroes. Moreover, it is not difficult at all. The second half of the tape was filmed in Thailand. Two islands in Phang Nga Bay used to be completely unknown, now they are visited by a huge number of tourists, wanting to get to know the place where the duel between the sophisticated bandit and the well-known savior of the world took place.
The picturesque panoramas of these reservoirs will not leave indifferent travelers traveling by boat. And the helicopter ride will make fans of the film feel like they were James when he arrived here in a small airplane in search of his enemy Scaramanga, hero Christopher Lee. Few people know that this actor is the cousin of Ian Fleming. The author of Bond wanted him to play Dr. No, but it didn't work out.
Khao Ping Khan and Koh Tapu Islands
On the beach between two hills, where Bond's seaplane landed, Nick Ned (Hervé Vilechaise's character), Scaramanga's amusing yet very colorful servant, treated James to 1964 Dom Perignen champagne. The owner, a bandit, opened the bottle with a spectacular shot from a pistol. The scene is memorable and it's easy to find the location where it was filmed. Now there are stalls with souvenirs. Shells, magnets, postcards, posters, beach decorations are not very expensive here.
Another interesting place in the USA is the Wooden Temple in Pattaya.
This island is called Khao Ping Kan. Two rocks covered with dense greenery are connected by a narrow isthmus. At high tide, it becomes even narrower, most of the sandy shores are hidden under water. As well as several caves that go deep into the cliffs. But the grotto that served as the entrance to Skamaranga's dwelling remains on top. This is a large crack in the rock, surrounded by thickets. It is quite recognizable if you imagine a shiny door built between the stones.
At a distance of about 40 meters from Khao Ping Kan is an even more marvelous island, which also claims the name of “James Bond”. And not in vain. In the film, this creation of nature was also filmed. Koh Tapu has a very unusual shape. With a height of 20m, its diameter at the base is 4m, and at the top – 8m. In Thai dialect, its name sounds like “wedge” or “nail”.
The locals have a legend about its origin. One day a poor fisherman cast a net in these straits and caught nothing but a rusty nail. History repeated itself the next day. The third time, annoyed, he cut the “catch” in half and threw it into the sea. One part of the nail stuck in perpendicularly, and remained standing.
In the film, a solar battery was attached to the top of the wonderful island, powering the weapon. On the screen, this building looks grandiose. The sparkling device slowly moves in search of a light source, leaning on a giant stone pillar standing in a turquoise sea. It doesn't look any worse in real life. Eagles living on stones add mystery to the impregnable rock. Moreover, the authorities forbade even close boat sailing in order to preserve the attraction. There is a complete calm in the lagoon so that the water does not “eat up” the calcareous rocks of the pillar.
The stability of a bulky stone block is striking. It seems that she is about to collapse on her side, raising waves. But, for how many years the island has been standing and pleases all the curious with its eccentricity. Especially photographers. This place is perhaps the most photographed in Thailand. Images of it can be found all over the world, starting from Phuket Airport.
The reason for this is not only involvement in the eminent spy. The uniqueness of the local nature is worthy of admiration for lovers of unusual landscapes. Mangrove thickets, fabulous islands with original relief, rare plants and animals surprise people who come on a tour of Ao Phang Nga Bay.
What to see on the island
Many caves, which can only be visited at low tide in a small canoe, amaze with the view of stalactites hanging down. The calcareous rocks of the cliffs, under the influence of water erosion, create fantastic pictures. It is impossible to swim by and not leave a picture as a keepsake. And you can watch the little monkeys eating everything in their path endlessly. They are called crab-eating macaques, but they eat not only crabs and snails. Do not disdain and fruits, and leaves, and insects….
Nearby, sea gypsies settled on a floating island of boats. This is an original people, visiting them you can see a lot of interesting things, buy a handmade gift, refresh yourself with a seafood sandwich, try drinks prepared by local craftsmen.
In addition to natural attractions, the bay is famous for its chic beaches with clear water and all amenities for vacationers. Thailand is a paradise for tourists, it will satisfy the tastes of fans of hot countries.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with one unique place in Thailand: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Thailand.