John Gray’s Private Hong by Starlight Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking

Phuket , Thailand

John Gray’s Private Hong by Starlight Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking

Active

(9 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover “Tidal Nape Sea Caves” and hidden cliff-lined lagoons found by John Gray in 1989 at your own pace with just your group and the paddle guides. Avoid the crowds and get the most private dramatic experience you can imagine with great nature and wildlife literally inside Phang Nga Bay’s marine limestone karstic islands including the floating of your own self-made flower “Kratong” in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show.

Available options

Pickup from Phuket Airport

Airport Pickup<br/>Pickup included

Hotel Pickup in Phuket

Hotel Pickup<br/>Pickup included

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

Detailed itinerary

This private sea cave kayaking 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. After a health checkup at Ao Por Pier, you will cruise by a spacious 2-deck tour bout into Phang Nga Bay and will receive a detailed briefing about the nature and geological site. You will also learn how to securely enter the caves and hongs (Thai for room) by the hand-made SOTAR kayaks which are specially designed for this trip.

Stop 2

It will then be time to start paddling through limestone caves and lagoons with your highly experienced guide in the dramatic setting of Panak Island. Your professional guide will paddle you and your group through the 'Tidal Nape' sea caves inside Phang Nga Bay’s marine limestone karstic islands. The hidden cliff-lined lagoons are populated with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mud-skippers, egrets, sea eagles, and brahminy kites. Later, return to the escort boat and move on to the second place named Hong Island - which has two more caves and hongs for you to explore.

You will finish after dark by floating your own self-made “Krathong” flower in a spiritual and spectacular natural light show. This evening Loi Kratong ceremony complete with fireflies and dinoflagellates (bio-luminescent plankton) is bound to be a spiritual experience. You'll finally savour a delicious seafood/vegan buffet on the trip back, before returning to the pier 2 hours after sunset.

Itinerary:

• 10:30 - 12:00: Hotel pickup service in Phuket
• 12:00 - 12:15: Undergo a short health checkup by our staff
• 12:15 - 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
• 14:10 - 16:15: Paddle by kayak into the lagoons of 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
• 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

What's not included

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

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important 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

Meeting point

Meet at Ao Po Pier in the north-east of Phuket. The exact meeting time will be confirmed by email after you have made the booking.

Important notes

• Let us know your room number after you have checked in at the hotel.
• Show the ticket voucher on your mobile phone to the staff of John Gray Sea Kayak.
• Bring towel, dry and warm clothes, sunglasses, sun cream and a camera or smart phone.

About Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a premier beach destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a mix of modern resorts and traditional Thai charm, it offers something for every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most famous and developed beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and shopping.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities and dining may incur costs)

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Big Buddha Phuket

The Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the island and a sense of tranquility.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is known for its emerald waters, limestone karst formations, and the famous James Bond Island.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town is a charming area with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and a rich cultural heritage.

Historical Half day to full day Free (entry to some museums may incur costs)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (without shrimp and fish sauce)

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with chicken or tofu for vegetarians

Massaman Curry

A rich and mildly spicy curry with potatoes, onions, and tender pieces of meat (usually chicken or beef), cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (with tofu and vegetables)

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with coconut cream and sesame seeds.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available (ensure no fish sauce is used in the sticky rice)

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Zip-lining Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather conditions. The skies are clear, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for beach activities and island hopping.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Phuket is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, petty crimes and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of aggressive street vendors and touts.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.

Getting there

By air

Phuket International Airport • 32 km from Phuket City

By bus

Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the island. However, schedules can be unpredictable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Patong Phuket Town Karon Kata Rawai

Day trips

James Bond Island

50 km from Phuket • Full day trip

James Bond Island, located in Phang Nga Bay, is famous for its stunning limestone karst formations and appearance in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun.'

Similan Islands

80 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Phi Phi Islands

46 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Festivals

Phuket Vegetarian Festival • Late September to early October Loy Krathong • November (full moon night) Songkran • April 13-15

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Bargain for better prices in markets and with street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile.
Try local street food and dishes to experience the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Use reputable tour operators and transportation services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.