Overview
Hong by Starlight is John Gray's signature trip, named one of National Geographic Adventure's top 50 adventures in 2003. From Ao Po, a support boat carries you and the sea canoes into Phang Nga Bay, and a guide paddles you through low sea caves into the hongs, hidden lagoons inside the limestone islands.
The day follows the tide: James Bond Island from the boat, the caves of Panak Island, then Hong Island's lagoon. After a Thai buffet at sunset, you head out in the dark to paddle among glowing plankton and float the krathong you made earlier.
Highlights
- Canoe through sea caves into hidden lagoons
- James Bond Island from the boat
- Thai buffet dinner at sunset
- Night paddle among glowing plankton
- Float a krathong you make on board
- Guides do the paddling, no experience needed
Itinerary
- 10:20Hotel pickupBetween 10:20 and 11:15, depending on your hotel
- 11:30Ao Po pierBoard the support boat; light lunch and safety briefing
- 13:00James Bond IslandSeen from the boat
- 14:00Panak IslandCanoe through the sea caves
- 16:00Hong IslandCanoe into the cave and the hidden lagoon
- 16:45Free timeMake a krathong, paddle yourself and swim
- 17:30DinnerThai buffet at sunset
- 18:30Night paddleCanoe among glowing plankton and float your krathong
- 20:00ReturnBack at Ao Po, then the drive to your hotel
What’s included
- Round-trip hotel transfer in Phuket
- Sea canoe with your own paddling guide
- Light lunch and Thai buffet dinner
- National park fee
- Life jackets and insurance
- Materials to make a krathong
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Dry clothes for the evening
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Insect repellent
Good to know
DaysEvery dayPickup10:20–11:15 from hotels in Phuket; back around 21:00–21:30Children7–12 half price; 6 and under freeTidesThe order of stops changes with the tidePrivate charterAvailable for your own group; see the private charter option
