Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,235 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 $1975 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 1,235 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 (1,235)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $1975 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 gu
What you get
- 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
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
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
Ao Po Pier
-
60 minutes here
Phang Nga Bay.
-
60 minutes here
Ko Pa Nak
-
120 minutes here
Ice Cream Cave
-
60 minutes here
Hongs of Phang Nga
-
120 minutes here
Koh Panak Cave
-
90 minutes here
-
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
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.
Pickup from Phuket Airport
Get picked up from the arrival terminal of Phuket Airport. 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
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 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
Hotel pickup in Phuket
Get picked up from your hotel on the entire Phuket Island. Pickup included
Hotel pickup in Phang Nga
Get picked up from your hotel in Phang Nga area like Samet Nangshe Boutique. 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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,236 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
1,236 verified traveler reviews for Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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
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
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
Amazing caves
It was wonderful, for me it the caves were so impressive.
via Tripadvisor
One of the most incredible travel experiences I’ve had!
I can’t recommend this tour highly enough. The guides were incredible and the actual caves and scenery were heavenly. Our guides were locals, their knowledge and love for what they do was felt by all. We had children 12-15 yrs old with us. And as a Mum I felt completely safe with the care that was taken by all the guides on this experience. It’s definitely a must do when visiting Thailand.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1975 to $5873
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 432
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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 $1975 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 1,235 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?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating?
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Around 432 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?
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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?
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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, Phang Nga Bay Canoeing & James Bond Island Tour from Phuket. 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?
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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?
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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.
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