Phang Nga Bay sunset cruise with sea canoeing from Phuket

Paddle sea caves, make a Krathong, watch the sunset from the water

A five-hour activity combining sea canoeing through limestone caves at Hong and Panak Islands with a sunset dinner cruise on Phang Nga Bay, departing from Phuket. You paddle into sea caves under professional instruction, craft and float your own Krathong (a traditional Thai ritual buoyant), and return to the boat for a Thai buffet dinner as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. Round-trip hotel pickup from Phuket is included; a guide speaks English throughout.

The Experience

The day starts at 2pm when you arrive at Ao Por Pier, check in and get a briefing on safety and the bay itself. By 2:30pm you're aboard the big boat heading into Phang Nga Bay with fresh coconut and Thai dessert in hand. At 3:30pm you switch to canoes at Hong Island, where you paddle into caves carved by diamond stalactites and separated by limestone sea stacks. A professional guide teaches you how to make a Krathong—a small buoyant decorated with flowers—as you move toward Panak Island.

At Panak Island, you paddle into the cave where the Krathong ritual takes place: you float your handmade Krathong and offer a prayer to the goddess of water, a moment that anchors the day's spiritual side. By 5:30pm you're back on the boat for a freshly cooked Thai buffet—seafood platter, Tom Yum, fried fish, fried rice, vegetarian and halal options available—while the sun drops over the water. The boat heads back to Ao Por Pier, where your driver meets you for the return to your hotel. The whole arc runs five hours, from the first briefing to the pier at 7pm.

Life jackets and an experienced guide are provided; the boat carries insurance under Thai law. The minimum group size is ten people, and the operator will notify you in advance if a departure cannot run, offering an alternative date, a different tour, or a full refund. Children aged 0–3 travel free; ages 4–11 or under 130cm in height pay a child rate. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns, though it suits all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup from Patong, Kalim, Kata, Karon, or Phuket Town.
• life jacket and professional guide throughout.
• canoeing instruction at Hong and Panak Islands.
• materials to make your own Krathong.
• Thai buffet dinner on board with seafood, vegetarian and halal dishes.
• fresh coconut and Thai dessert on arrival.
• coffee, tea, soft drinks and seasonal fruit.
• insurance coverage under Thai law.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in central Phuket without a car—the included pickup from your hotel means you skip arranging transport to the pier, and the fixed five-hour schedule lets you plan the rest of your day around a single departure time.

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Top questions

What exactly is a Krathong and why do we make one on this tour?

A Krathong is a small buoyant traditionally decorated with flowers and candles, used in a Thai water ritual to pay respect to the goddess of water. On this tour, you craft your own Krathong during the paddle to Panak Island, then float it in the cave as part of the spiritual practice that closes the day.

How much paddling experience do I need for the sea canoeing part?

No experience is required. A professional guide teaches you how to paddle and handles the instruction throughout the canoeing sessions at Hong and Panak Islands, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

Does the price include the national park fees for Phang Nga Bay?

National park fees are not included in the tour price. The fee is 300 THB per adult and 100 THB per child, payable separately at the pier.

What if my hotel is outside Patong, Kalim, Kata, or Karon—is pickup still available?

Round-trip pickup is included from Patong, Kalim, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town at no extra charge. Hotels in other areas like Tritrang, Bangtao, Surin, or Kamala incur a 100 THB surcharge per person; Panwa, Rawai, Naiharn, and similar zones cost 200 THB extra. Alternatively, you can arrange a private vehicle transfer for 2,000 THB per vehicle (up to 8 people).

What time does the boat leave and when do we return to the pier?

Check-in and briefing start at 2pm, the boat departs at 2:30pm, and you return to Ao Por Pier at 7pm, for a total of five hours on the water and in the caves.

What food options are available if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

The Thai buffet dinner aboard includes vegetarian and halal dishes alongside the seafood options. The menu rotates between options like fried noodles, tempura, vegetable fritters, and fried rice, so dietary needs can be accommodated—confirm your preference when you book.