Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand

Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

Outty Ranking 94 4.9 · 1,242 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $12190+ Club
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Outty Ranking

94/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 1,242 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating worth booking?

Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating is a 10-hour experience in Phuket, Thailand, from $121 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,242 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
94 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (1,242)
Duration
10 hours
From
$121 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    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

    Not included

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

    What you'll see and do

    1. John Gray's Sea Canoe

      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

      600 minutes here

    2. Ao Po Pier

      -

      60 minutes here

    3. Phang Nga Bay.

      -

      60 minutes here

    4. Ko Pa Nak

      -

      120 minutes here

    5. Ice Cream Cave

      -

      60 minutes here

    6. Hongs of Phang Nga

      -

      120 minutes here

    7. Koh Panak Cave

      -

      90 minutes here

    8. -

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Phuket

    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.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    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.

    Options you can book

    • The Naka Island Resort

      If you stay at The Naka Island Resort, we offer a pickup by longtail boat directly from the hotel pier. Pickup included

    • Meet at Phuket Deep Sea Port

      If you arrive by cruise ship at Phuket Deep Sea Port, please meet the driver at 7 Eleven at the entrance of the port. Pickup included

    • Hotel pickup in Phang Nga

      Get picked up from your hotel in Phang Nga area like Samet Nangshe Boutique. Pickup included

    • Meet at Ao Po Pier

      Meet at Seaview Shop at Ao Por Pier in the north-east of Phuket at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

    • Meet at Patong Tender Port

      If you arrive by cruise ship at Patong Tender Port, please meet the driver in front of Seaview Patong Hotel. Pickup included

    • Hotel pickup in Khao Lak

      Get picked up from your hotel in Khao Lak. Pickup included

    • Pickup from Phuket Airport

      Get picked up from the arrival terminal of Phuket Airport. Pickup included

    • Hotel pickup in Phuket

      Get picked up from your hotel on the entire Phuket Island. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Trip Store Krabi

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 2Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 3Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 4Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 5Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 6Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating in Phuket, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,242 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    1,242 verified traveler reviews for Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,178
    4 star
    39
    3 star
    14
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    Lance_M · September 2026

    We had a brilliant time...

    We had a brilliant time kayaking in and out of lagoons and caves. Floated a flower display in the bat cave and the sight of the luminescent plankton was a bonus. Lunch and dinner on board with fantastic variety of food. Big shoutouttoSonnyourguideand Zinourkayakcaptain

    via Viator

    AussieGadabout · August 2026

    Great Cave Exploration but too much wasted time

    Everything the other reviewers said is true: the caves are amazing and unique - a must see. And the food was amazing too. Unfortunately the 4-5 hours after Hong Island was really just a waste of valuable vacation time.

    via Tripadvisor

    276russellp · August 2026

    Thoroughly recommend!

    Such a great experience - our 3rd time (over many years) and our friends first time. Guides were superb, great knowledge of the wildlife and control of the kayak. The food on the boat 😘 If you’re in Phuket, this is must do!

    via Tripadvisor

    Crystal_G · August 2026

    Best experience of the trip !

    Best experience so far ! The guides and crew were amazing. The whole trip was a cultural experience to never forget. The candlelight ceremony at dusk was amazing.

    via Viator

    gualtieros287 · August 2026

    Amazing caves

    It was wonderful, for me it the caves were so impressive.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $121 to $5,873
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    435
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Trip Store Krabi, who run 151 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.0 and 3 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Trip Store Krabi runs

    Why this scores 94

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)94
    Listing quality (10% weight)71
    Local standing (8% weight)94
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phuket.

    How much does Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating cost?

    +

    Prices start at $121 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phuket usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating take?

    +

    Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phuket is not rushed.

    Is Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,242 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Phuket, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    Around 435 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phuket can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phuket and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phuket within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Phuket?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Phuket experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, James Bond Island by Big Boat w/ Sea Cave Canoeing and Lunch, Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Phuket?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Phuket?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    Included: Basic accident insurance; Life jacket; Professional and experienced English speaking guide; National Park entrance fee; and Kayak equipment including a dry bag. Not included: Hotel pickup from remote locations in Phang Nga, or from private villas/rentals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Phuket. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    Across 1,242 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?

    +

    There are 8 options to choose from, including The Naka Island Resort, Meet at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Hotel pickup in Phang Nga, Meet at Ao Po Pier. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating.

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