John Gray's Hong by Starlight: Kayaking and Loy Krathong
Activity provider: Oh-Hoo
Highlights
- Sea cave kayaking at Hong Island
- Evening Loy Krathong ceremony
- Caveman's SOTAR sea kayaks
- Full-board lunch, dinner and tea
- Comfortable twin-engine escort boat
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
Picture this: you’re paddling through a narrow cave opening in complete darkness, your guide’s headlamp casting eerie shadows on limestone walls as you emerge into a secret lagoon. That’s the magic of John Gray’s Hong by Starlight tour. The word “hong” means “room” in Thai, and these hidden chambers inside Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts feel like nature’s private sanctuaries. What sets this tour apart is the timing – you’ll experience these caves at dusk and under starlight, when most day-trippers have gone home. The evening culminates with the traditional Loy Krathong ceremony, where you’ll float your own handmade krathong (decorated basket) on the water while making a wish. The silence, broken only by gentle water lapping against your kayak, creates an almost spiritual atmosphere you won’t find on crowded daytime tours.
This is a full 10-hour commitment, starting with pickup anywhere in Phuket (though you’ll need to meet at a nearby hotel if you’re staying up in the hills). Groups are capped at 30 people. Your English or Chinese-speaking guide handles all the paddling through the cave entrances – you just sit back and soak it in. The day includes lunch and dinner, plus you’ll get proper Caveman’s SOTAR sea kayaks with dry bags for your belongings. The modern twin-engine boat is comfortable for the journey out to Phang Nga Bay, and all national park fees are covered. Everything flows at a relaxed pace, giving you time to appreciate each hong without feeling rushed.
Insider Tip: Book this tour for a new moon phase if possible – the darker skies make the starlight experience even more magical, and you’ll see more bioluminescence in the water.
The price point is fair for what you get, and reviewers consistently back up the quality. This suits anyone with basic fitness levels, but skip it if you have back problems, heart issues, or you’re pregnant. Weather can cancel cave entries, so have backup plans during monsoon season.
Safety Tip: While the difficulty is rated easy, caves can be tight spaces – let your guide know immediately if you feel claustrophobic.
Included
- insurance
- equipment
- meals
- water
- guide
- hotel_pickup
Meeting point & area
View larger map →Meeting point: Or, you can also get picked up from anywhere in Phuket. If you are staying on the hill, you have to come to a nearby hotel
Good to know
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Before you go
• Public transportation options are available nearby • 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 • Child ticket age between 6-12 years. • Children aged 0-5 years can travel for free. • Vegetarian food is available upon request, please indicate your special dietary requirements at checkout. • This tour may not be able to accommodate Halal restrictions. • Guests who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease and bone diseases are not recommended to join the tour • A minimum of 10 people is required to run this tour
