John Gray’s Hong by Starlight from Phuket with Sea Kayaking & Loi Krathong Floating
Sea cave exploring literally inside Phang Nga Bay’s marine geology
Highlights
- Kayak into hidden caves and lagoons of Panak Island
- Cruise around the iconic rock pinnacle at James Bond Island
- Be guided by highly trained and experienced tour guides
- Eat healthy Thai food including lunch & dinner
- Float your self-made flower “Kratong” in bioluminescent waters
What to expect
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.
Marvel at the iconic James Bond Island, immortalized in the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun" and capture stunning photos of the famous rock pinnacle, Koh Tapu.
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 - 11:30: Hotel pickup in Phuket
- 11:30 - 12:00: Meet the John Gray Sea Canoe Crew at Ao Po Pier
- 12:00 - 12:20: Depart for Phang Nga Bay by twin-engine escort boat
- 12:20 - 12:40: Receive a safety briefing and site information from the lead guide
- 12:40 - 13:00: Indulge in a delicious, freshly prepared lunch served on board
- 13:00 - 13:30: Cruise around the iconic James Bond Island, capturing stunning photos from the boat
- 13:30 - 14:00: Continue your journey towards Panak Island
- 14:00 - 15:00: Paddle into 1 or 2 hidden caves at Phanak Island with a local expert
- 15:00 - 15:30: Proceed to the stunning Hong Island
- 15:30 - 16:30: Explore the lagoon of Koh Hong by kayak, where a majestic pinnacle pierces the sky
- 16:30 - 17:15: Relax with a refreshing swim or paddle around the island at your own pace
- 17:15 - 17:45: Craft your own Krathong flower with our expert guide
- 17:45 - 18:45: Savor a healthy, freshly prepared dinner on the boat at sunset
- 18:45 - 19:15: Float your handmade Krathong in the mystical cave of Phanak Island
- 19:15 - 19:30: Witness the magic of glowing plankton
- 19:30 - 20:30: Make your way back to Phuket
- 20:30 - 21:00: Return to the place of lodging
- * The tour program is subject to change due to weather & sea conditions
Inclusions
- Hotel round-trip transfer on the entire Phuket island including airport pick-up and drop-off service
- Full board meal plan with lunch, dinner, fruits, bottled water, herbal tea and coffee
- Comfortable and modern twin-engine escort boat
- Caveman's SOTAR sea kayaks
- Kayak equipment including a dry bag
- Life jackets
- National Park entrance fee
- Basic travel accident insurance (covers injuries sustained only during the trip. It does not cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions)
- Professional and experienced English speaking guide
- CPR and first aid trained crew
Important Information
- Bring a towel, bathing clothes, dry and warm clothes for the way back, sunglasses, sun cream and a camera or smart phone (at your own risk, dry-bags are provided).
- This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back or neck problems.
- You do not need previous kayaking experience.
- There is a minimum of 10 people required to run this activity! On the rare occasion that we should be required to cancel this trip, we will inform you in advance and offer a different travel date, an alternative activity or provide a full refund.
Reserve your spot
Foreigners
Thai Nationals
Price Breakdown
- To guarantee a booking, book no later than 14 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- During high season (November - April) and on National Holidays, book as early as possible as seats sell out fast.
- Due to bad weather or sea conditions, the tour may be postponed or cancelled with a full refund.
- You can cancel up to 24 hours prior to departure date and receive a refund (minus payment fees). Read our Terms & Conditions.
Activity Details
- Availability
- Schedule 12:00 - 20:30
- Duration 8.5 hours
- Means of transport Escort boat & sit-on-top kayak
- Guidance Highly skilled English speaking tour guide
- Group size 10 - 45 people
Places of Interest
Similar Activities
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