Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

Thalang District, TH
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1217 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    National Park entrance fee
  • inclusion
    Professional and experienced English speaking guide
  • inclusion
    Kayak equipment including a dry bag
  • inclusion
    Lunch, dinner, bottled water, herbal tea & seasonal fruits
  • inclusion
    Hotel round-trip transfer on the entire Phuket island including airport pick-up and drop-off service
  • inclusion
    Caveman's SOTAR sea kayaks
  • inclusion
    Life jacket
  • inclusion
    Basic accident insurance

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Hotel pickup from remote locations in phang nga, or from private villas/rentals

Meeting Point

Meet at Ao Po Pier in the north-east of Phuket. The exact meeting time will be confirmed by email after you have made the booking.

Meeting point

Andaman Sea, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110 , Thailand

End point

End Point

Meet at Ao Po Pier in the north-east of Phuket. The exact meeting time will be confirmed by email after you have made the booking.

Meeting point

Andaman Sea, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110 , Thailand

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Burasari Phuket
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Novotel Phuket Vintage Park
Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
Get picked up from your hotel on the entire Phuket Island. If you are staying on the hill, you have to come to a nearby hotel. The exact pickup time will be confirmed by email after you have made the booking. Pick-up and drop-off service from/at Phuket Airport is also available. In this case let us know the flight number of arrival/departure flight.

What to expect

1
John Gray's Sea Canoe

This full-day kayak trip from Phuket starts at midday to avoid the crowds, with a convenient pickup service by luxury air-conditioned minivan from the entire Phuket Island. Don’t eat lunch, as you will be served a healthy and nutritious meal onboard the comfortable and modern twin-engine escort boat after leaving from Ao Po Pier. During the boat ride you will watch a raptor show and get a detailed briefing about the nature and geological site of Phang Nga Bay. Learn the basic do’s and don’ts of how to securely enter the caves and hongs. Start the first kayaking session with your well-educated and experienced guide through limestone caves and lagoons in the dramatic setting at Panak Island. The hand-made kayaks are specially designed for your trip, and you can feel absolutely safe because there was never a capsize, a puncture or any accident. Your professional guide paddles you and your partner through 'Tidal Nape' sea caves inside Phang Nga Bay’s marine limestone karstic islands into 'hongs' (Thai for room). The hidden cliff-lined lagoons are populated with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mud-skippers, egrets, sea eagles and brahminy kites. Return to the escort boat and move on to the second island with two more caves and hongs to explore. You will finish after dark by floating your own self-made flower “Krathong” in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show. Guests say that the evening Loi Kratong ceremony complete with fireflies and dinoflagellates (bio-luminescent plankton) is a 'spiritual experience'. Eat a delicious seafood/vegan buffet on the trip back, you return to the pier two hours after sunset. Only the highest-quality ingredients are used to prepare the lunch and dinner, fresh from the local market. Seafood is net caught and chickens are free range. Brown, red, and black rice is served with homemade Massaman curry. Itinerary: • 10:30 - 12:00: Hotel pickup service in Phuket • 12:00 - 13:00: Meet the crew at Ao Po Pier & get instructions • 13:00 - 13:10: Departure by escort boat to Phang Nga Bay • 13:10 - 14:10: Enjoy lunch on board the tour boat • 14:15 - 16:15: Kayak into the cave at Koh Phanak • 16:15 - 16:30: Continue to Hong Island • 16:30 - 17:30: Sightseeing & kayaking at Koh Hong • 17:30 - 18:15: Free time for relaxing at the beach or kayaking • 18:15 - 18:45: Make your own Krathong & have dinner on the boat • 18:45 - 19:15: Float the self-made Krathong in the cave of Phanak Island • 19:15 - 19:30: See phosphorescent plankton • 19:30 - 20:30: Head back to Phuket • 20:30 - 21:00: Transfer to your hotel

Duration 600 minutes
2

Ao Po Pier

-

Duration 60 minutes
3
Phang Nga Bay.

-

Duration 60 minutes
4

Ko Pa Nak

-

Duration 120 minutes
5
Ice Cream Cave

-

Duration 60 minutes
6
Hongs of Phang Nga

-

Duration 120 minutes
7
Koh Panak Cave

-

Duration 90 minutes
8

John Gray's Sea Canoe

<nil>

-

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The tour program is subject to change due to weather & sea conditions
Provided by Trip Store Krabi

What our experts say

  • icon
    Don't miss the raptor show on the boat.
  • icon
    Try to spot the bioluminescent plankton.
  • icon
    Bring a waterproof camera for stunning views.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for kayaking.
  • icon
    Enjoy dinner on the boat with local flavors.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Phang Nga Bay with John Gray's Hong by Starlight tour. This extraordinary adventure takes you on a captivating journey through limestone caves, hidden lagoons, and breathtaking cliffs that were discovered by the renowned explorer, John Gray, in 1989. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders as you kayak through these stunning landscapes, guided by experienced professionals who prioritize your safety.

What to expect?

During this 600-minute tour, you can anticipate an unforgettable exploration of Phang Nga Bay's remarkable features. Begin your adventure by meeting at Ao Po Pier, where you'll be picked up by a luxurious air-conditioned minivan. Feast your eyes on a raptor show and receive a detailed briefing about the bay's nature and geological sites as you embark on a comfortable boat ride. Delve into the dramatic setting at Panak Island, where you'll navigate through limestone caves and lagoons in specially-designed kayaks. Encounter fascinating wildlife, including macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, and sea eagles. Continue your voyage to the second island, where two more caves and hongs await your exploration. As the sun sets, indulge in a spiritual experience by crafting your own flower "Krathong" and witnessing a spectacular natural light show. Conclude your adventure with a delectable seafood or vegan buffet, featuring only the finest local ingredients. Your return journey affords you the chance to appreciate the beauty of Phuket under the starlit sky.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who appreciate the beauty of untouched landscapes. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or with family, John Gray's Hong by Starlight tour ensures an extraordinary experience for all. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature, discover hidden gems, and learn about the region's rich biodiversity. With experienced guides and a focus on safety, this tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. With such a diverse range of experiences, this tour appeals to a wide audience looking to create cherished memories in one of Thailand's most remarkable locations.

Why book this?

Embark on an adventure that transcends the ordinary and connects you deeply with the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay. John Gray's Hong by Starlight tour offers a unique experience, curated by experts who understand the intricacies and hidden treasures of this remarkable destination. From the moment you step aboard the luxury escort boat, you'll be immersed in a journey that combines thrilling exploration with relaxation and indulgence. This tour sets itself apart with its focus on sustainability, including net-caught seafood and free-range chicken in the delicious buffet. The evening Loi Kratong ceremony, accompanied by fireflies and bioluminescent plankton, offers a truly magical experience that words cannot capture. Book this tour and witness firsthand the beauty and spiritual power of Phang Nga Bay.

Good to know

Aside from the stunning natural beauty, it's important to note that John Gray's Hong by Starlight tour prioritizes the safety and comfort of its guests. The specially-designed kayaks offer stability, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The highest-quality ingredients are used in the gourmet seafood and vegan buffet, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. Meeting at Ao Po Pier, located in the north-east of Phuket, provides convenient access to the tour. The exact meeting time will be communicated to you via email after you book your spot. Prepare for an adventure that will exceed your expectations and create memories to last a lifetime.

Reviews

Guests who have experienced John Gray's Hong by Starlight tour rave about the unspoiled beauty of Phang Nga Bay. The kayaking sessions through limestone caves and hidden lagoons left them in awe of the region's natural wonders. The encounters with a diverse range of wildlife, including macaques, kingfishers, and sea eagles, provided unforgettable moments. The evening Loi Kratong ceremony, where they floated their self-made flower "Krathong," was described as a deeply spiritual experience, especially when surrounded by mesmerizing fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. The friendly and knowledgeable guides enhanced the overall journey, ensuring everyone's safety while sharing fascinating insights into the bay's history and geology. Guests also praised the mouthwatering seafood and vegan buffet, prepared using only the freshest ingredients from the local market. Overall, this tour garnered immense satisfaction and left guests yearning for a return visit.

Select Currency