Phang Nga Bay: Sea Cave Kayak, Loy Krathong & Night Plankton

Summary

Kayak secret caves, float Krathong by fireflies, feast on Thai seafood

You’ll kayak through secret limestone caves in Phang Nga Bay with a local guide, spot wildlife up close, and float your own handmade Krathong under firefly-lit skies. Expect fresh Thai meals onboard and time to just drift or laugh with new friends. That last moment—watching your candle float away—sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first time we ducked under that low cave ceiling — my guide, Lek, just grinned and told me to lean back (“trust me!”). The light changed all at once, from that harsh midday glare on the water to this cool greenish shadow. You could hear the water dripping somewhere deeper in the rock. I’d seen photos of Phang Nga Bay before but being inside those limestone caves, it’s something else. There was this moment when a macaque stared right at us from the mangroves — not scared, just kind of judging our paddling skills (fair).

The whole afternoon felt like it moved in slow motion after lunch on the boat. I didn’t expect the food to be that good — Massaman curry with brown rice and these sweet little pineapples. Our group was pretty mixed: a couple from Berlin who kept trying to pronounce “hong” correctly (Li laughed when I tried too), some older folks who’d done this day trip from Phuket before. The guides were patient with everyone, even when someone lost their flip-flop off the side. We drifted through another cave at Hong Island and suddenly there were egrets everywhere, so white against all that green.

Making my own Krathong was clumsy but kind of meditative — folding banana leaves while the sun went down behind the cliffs. By then it was quiet except for a few voices and the sound of dinner plates (seafood again — so fresh). When we floated our Krathongs in the dark lagoon later, surrounded by tiny fireflies and this weird blue glow in the water (plankton? magic?), it felt less like a show and more like something you stumble into by accident and never quite forget. I can still smell that mix of saltwater and incense if I think about it too hard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay Kayaking and Loy Krathong

• Pickup from Phuket hotels
• Meet crew at Ao Po Pier
• Receive safety briefing
• Depart by escort boat
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Kayak through caves at Koh Phanak
• Travel to Hong Island
• Kayak and sightseeing at Koh Hong
• Relax at beach or kayak freely
• Make your own Krathong
• Dinner on the boat
• Float Krathong in Phanak cave
• See phosphorescent plankton
• Return to Phuket by boat
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this sea cave kayaking tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer is included anywhere on Phuket island.

What meals are provided during the Phang Nga Bay day trip?

You get lunch and dinner onboard—a Thai seafood or vegan buffet with drinks and fruit.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience needed; guides paddle for you through caves and hongs.

What’s special about floating a Krathong?

You make your own flower Krathong and float it after dark during a spiritual ceremony surrounded by fireflies.

How long does the tour last?

The trip runs from midday until about 9pm including transfers back to your hotel.

Are there any wildlife sightings on this day trip?

You might see macaques, kingfishers, egrets, sea eagles, brahminy kites, and more during kayaking sessions.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

What should I bring on the sea cave kayak tour?

A hat, sunscreen, camera/phone (dry bags provided), comfortable clothes—kayak gear is included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere on Phuket island—even airport transfers—plus entry fees for Phang Nga Bay sites. You’ll get all kayak equipment (with dry bag), life jackets, an experienced English-speaking guide paddling you through caves and lagoons, plus both lunch and dinner served fresh onboard with bottled water and herbal tea throughout.