Amazing Phang Nga Bay Day Trip with Kayaking & Snorkelling

Ao Phang Nga National Park covers 400 square kilometres of limestone karsts, sea caves and mangrove channels, and this eight-hour day trip from Phuket focuses on kayaking the hidden lagoons at Hong and Panak islands rather than rushing through the usual James Bond circuit. Buffet lunch, unlimited drinks and hotel pickup are included.

After pickup in Phuket, the minivan runs to the pier where you board the tour boat. Panak Island is the first kayak stop, paddling with a local guide into sea caves and hongs, the hidden lagoons inside the islands that are only reachable through low tidal tunnels. Hong Island follows with more kayaking through mangrove channels and wider enclosed lagoons ringed by limestone cliffs. Swimming and snorkelling fit around the paddling stops. Buffet lunch is served on board, with unlimited beverages and refreshments through the day.

Works well for first-time kayakers since the guides do most of the actual paddling on the canoe segments, you sit back and take photos. Not a strenuous day but expect hot sun and reflective glare off the water, so bring hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for valuables. Souvenir photos, DVDs and gratuities are extra, and the Ao Phang Nga National Park fee (around 300 THB) isn’t included. Suits families and mixed-ability groups wanting the bay without the James Bond crowds. The buffet lunch, unlimited beverages, kayak and paddle, hotel pickup and drop-off and refreshments are included. Souvenir photos, DVDs and gratuities aren’t. A 4.5 rating across 80 reviews is decent for the format, a reasonable mid-market choice between the cheapest crowded tours and the premium yacht options.