Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore hidden sea caves by kayak
- Witness stunning limestone cliffs
- Participate in the Loy Krathong ceremony
- Enjoy a traditional Thai dinner
- Experience the serene beauty of Phang Nga Bay at night
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Sea cave kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
- Traditional Loy Krathong floating ceremony
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Phuket
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
Itinerary
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
-
-
-
-
-
-
Pass by: -
Meeting point
Start Location
Ao Por Pier, Andaman Sea, Pa Klok, Thailand
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is suitable for all skill levels; no prior kayaking experience is required.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; cancellations are rare.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for kayaking and the evening weather.
- Bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Ensure you have insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- The tour program is subject to change due to weather & sea conditions
Traveler reviews
One of the best excursions in Phuket
Here’s a polished review that captures your experience: Our family had an absolutely unforgettable experience with John Gray’s Sea Canoe, and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Phuket. From the moment we arrived, the entire team made us feel incredibly welcome. The hospitality was outstanding, and everyone was warm, friendly, and genuinely passionate about making sure we had a great day. The food was exceptional, with an amazing selection of delicious Thai dishes throughout the trip. There was plenty to enjoy, and every meal exceeded our expectations. The canoeing experience itself was simply spectacular. Our guides were incredibly experienced and skilled, confidently navigating us through narrow cave passages into breathtaking hidden lagoons. It was amazing to watch how they expertly read the tides and water levels, knowing the perfect moment to enter each cave safely. Their knowledge and professionalism gave us complete confidence throughout the journey. We also loved being able to swim and canoe around the main boat, which added another fun dimension to an already incredible day. If you’re visiting Phuket, this tour is an absolute must. It’s beautifully organised, professionally run, and offers a truly unique way to experience the stunning limestone caves and hidden lagoons. This is one of the best tours we’ve ever done and, without question, one of the top experiences in Phuket. Highly recommended!
One of the highlights of our universities trip
Great experience. Our guide Dool was the best. Everything is set up perfectly and all you have to do is enjoy the moment. You get what you put into this experience. The more open you are to do doing different things like catching crabs or having a mud fight in a mangrove forest, the better the experience will be for everyone. Go out of your comfort zone as the guides have more fun when you have fun.
Greatest time in Phuket with John Gray
Definitely the best activity we had in Phuket! The trip was amazing, our guide Saman was amazing and everything was organized in the best possible way. It felt so personal in the best way possible and we cannot recommend it more to any other activity! The only thing is that they could not arrange the weather so because of the clouds we could not have the dreamed sunshine! So I blame them for that :) Just give them a chance, we are sure you will be glad you did it!
Amazing - Must do
This was an absolutely amazing and unique, one-of-a-kind experience that is a must-do for anyone in Phuket. This experience is one of my key highlights of my trip and is what comes to mind when I think of Thailand. The crew is very nice and experienced. This experience is worth the money and the day it will take.
Bond Island Experience
Well organised and included so many great parts to the day, definitely left with memories and had delicious food through out.