Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

Enjoy an afternoon of sea cave exploring in Phang Nga Bay, including the limestone caves and hidden cliff-lined lagoons discovered by John Gray in 1989. Expect a great nature and wildlife adventure with an experienced guide and enjoy the best Thai seafood buffet during your holiday aboard the convenient escort boat. Finish your trip after dark by floating your own self-made flower “Kratong” in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show.

Highlights

• 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

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What’s Included

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

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pickup from remote locations in Phang Nga, or from private villas/rentals

Additional Information

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