Phuket SeaCanoe and Sea Kayak

Phuket SeaCanoe & Sea Kayak
Sea Canoe in Phang Nga Bay & around Phuket

Sea Canoe around Phang Nga Bay and Krabi is an amazing experience you really shouldn't miss!

Discover a unique and hidden world as sturdy canoes weave their way through a network of brilliant crystalline limestone caves, to reveal the mysterious hidden world of the "Hongs"

What are the "Hongs"

The "hongs" are actually collapsed cave systems in the interior of each island, only accessed by tough, purpose-designed inflatable canoes through sea-caves at low tide.

Open to the sky and filled with jungle flora and fauna,the hongs conceal a unique eco-system with monkeys, birds, fish, and apart from the sound of birdsong, complete quiet.

Local operators have so far gained access to dozens of hongs between Phang Nga and Krabi to the south. Each hong tends to have its own distinct character, and it's easy to spend days, even a week, visiting island after island.


Limited numbers of people are taken out at a given time; and experienced guides accompany every boat, not just to lead the way and to provide commentary, but also to advise on ways to conserve these precious natural resources.

Although there may be a week or two of inclement weather every year, sea canoeing is fun virtually any time of year in Phang Nga Bay - even in the "rainy season."

The islands and hongs often assume an surreal beauty in the rains and, inside the caves, stalactites sparkle even more. Still, for those who like their sunshine, December to March is highly recommended. (Read more about Phang Nga Bay)


Our editor's Sea Canoe Tours Reviews

Hong by Starlight

When other hong-via-kayak tour operators are winding down for the day, the John Gray Sea Canoe crew is just getting started. Is it laziness, the result of a late night out, or a simple case of ineptitude? Were I in charge, it would be a combination of all three. Not so with Mr Gray, the godfather of sea kayaking in Thailand. He developed the ‘Hong by Starlight' tour as a way to avoid crowds.

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

It's the late afternoon, and from the small plot of white sand I've laid claim to, I can see Phuket Island, the mainland province of Phang Nga, and a couple small, uninhabited islands - both inspiring Gilliganesque fantasies. Another boat arrives, an armada of inflatable canoes storms the beach, and tour guides do battle in a game of beach football while their charge flop on mats in the shade and reflect on the day.

Top 10 Best Tours in Phuket

Phuket has so much to see, visit and experience that it takes a good tactician to take it all in and plan ahead. Introducing Phuket.com's Top Ten Tours. Here you'll have a preview of the hottest tours available with a brief description of what they're about. From elephants at FantaSea to playing the same green as Tiger Woods to dining on a Chinese junk, it's all here and much, much more. Enjoy!

1. Full Day Phi Phi Island Tour by Speedboat

Our Number One tour gets you away from it all to one of the world's most beautiful islands and its surroundings in a matter of minutes. While everyone else is on their way to Phi Phi you're already there, island hopping, dropping in on the monkeys at Ao Ling, snorkeling the crystal clear waters in Hin Klang, and enjoying a fabulous lunch buffet on Phi Phi Island itself.

After lunch relax for an hour of two, get some shopping in and then check out beautiful Maya Bay, where 'The Beach' was filmed and also where tropical fish swarm around you as you swim among them.

2. Similan Island Stopover

It takes just 90 minutes to reach the Similans from Phang Nga Province. Majestic rock formations and lush verdant jungle await you with a marine life as rich and varied as it is world famous.

The diving and snorkeling at this nine-island archipelago is legendary and all this is augmented by the fact that there's absolutely no hurry to leave. You're here for the night so let the sounds, sensations and the atmosphere of these magical islands sink in and work its magic.

3. Phang Nga Bay Cruise on June Bahtra Junk

Our Number Three tour comprises good food, fantastic seascape and leisurely cruising; surely the hottest recipe going for a great day out. There are several ways to visit the majesty of Phang Nga Bay but this, cruising in a genuine Chinese junk, is the most laid back and idyllic way.

Visit a sea gypsy village perched above the water on stilts at the top of the bay, check out the 'Man with the Golden Gun's' lair at James Bond Island and take in some of the most impressive rock formations in the world. All this and a delicious Thai buffet, too. Superb.

4. Phuket FantaSea Show

It's hot, it's wild, it's the ultimate in a family evening out – it's Phuket FantaSea. Set in 140 acres of seaside opulence, FantaSea has so many attractions going that it's impossible to list them here but let's start with one of Asia's biggest buffets. Able to seat 4,000 diners, FantaSea's buffet bursts with flavour and if that's not enough there are several other nook and crannies throughout the theme park where you can snack and dine. As for the show, think Las Vegas meets Thailand where fact, fiction and fantasy intertwine and frolic for 80 dazzling minutes. Never seen a flying elephant? You can at FantaSea. This is a real full-blooded extravaganza that will leave your head spinning. Unforgettable.

5. Golf at Blue Canyon

Hit the green with the greats. If Tiger Woods says Blue Canyon is, "One of the best I have ever played on" then who are we to argue against? With 720 acres of lush greenery and the mountains of Phang Nga Bay as a backdrop as you tee off at one of the two award-winning 18-hole courses, Blue Canyon at once impresses with its easy rapport with Mother Nature.

Built around, not over Mother Nature's contours, the courses are sumptuous yet challenging. Take the family – there are great facilities, including a top-rate spa, a large swimming pool, shopping and fine dining.

6. Sea Kayaking Hong by Starlight

The best of both worlds; Phang Nga Bay is rated tops in the 'Wow' factor by day but just imagine exploring it by night… Head off after lunch to discover the unforgettable sights of this scenic wonderland.

Dine on board your 'mother ship' and as the sun goes down paddle silently into the 'hongs' or caves of this magic domain and discover just what Mother Nature gets up to by night. Access to these hongs is only possible at certain levels of the tide so put yourself into the experienced hands of John 'Caveman' Gray and take it all in.

7. Whitewater Rafting and Elephant Trekking

The watery arteries of lush Phang Nga Province, just north of Phuket, are gush down from the mountains from June to November each year and this is when you can experience the thrill of your life by whitewater rafting down them.

Everyone knows that elephants are gentle creatures and what better way to get to know them better than by gently riding through the jungle on the back of one? You'll be amazed just how dainty a powerful pachyderm can be!

8. Phuket Eco Extreme by ATV


What's better than learning fascinating facts? Learning fascinating facts while having loads of adventurous fun, that's what. Zoom through the jungle, along beaches, through mud puddles while learning about the flora and fauna of Phuket. Experienced guides stop at key locations and point out unusual and interesting facets of wildlife on Phuket. The great thing about this tour is that although it's top-drawer adventure, it's very well thought out and absolutely safe as houses so take the kids along and discover more in a few hours than in days of reading about the jungle.

9. Khao Sok Jungle Safari Overnight Tour

Rafting down Mountain Rivers, elephant trekking through the leafy jungle, observing wildlife in its natural habitat and witnessing the spectacle of Phang Nga Province's Ratchaprapha Dam; you can do all this on the Khao Sok Safari Overnight tour. 'Base Camp' is made up of tailor-made luxury tents and from here you can venture forth to see wildlife unique to this area – the largest tract of tropical rainforest in southern Thailand. You will never forget the majestic Ratchaprapha Dam with its Cliffside walls rising vertically out of indigo-blue water and its teeming wildlife.

10. Romantic Sunset Cruise & Dinner by Ayodhaya

Phang Nga Bay is another world by night. Its silent serenity can leave a lasting impression on you and the sense of timelessness in this beautiful place is tangible. This cruise brings out the romantic in you: watch the sun sinking behind Phuket into the Andaman as you sip a glass of wine and watch the amazing scenery float by. Enjoy a Thai buffet while drifting in the velvet darkness listening to the night's million sounds all around you. Stretch out on the cushions strewn out on deck and count the stars above.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, found off the coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second most popular island destination in Thailand after Phuket.

While the island is continually shifting upscale, there's still a more rustic, backpacker-friendly feel about it than on Phuket. The long white beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are where the widest range of accommodation, dining and nightlife options may be found, while each of the smaller beaches such as Bophut and Choeng Mon have their own unique characters and facilities.

Koh Lanta

Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi are reached off the coast of Krabi, with most accommodation found on Lanta Yai. The beautiful quiet beaches of Lanta are its main draw, but there's some good diving in the area as well. The nearby sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are exciting dive destinations, easily reached on daytrips from Lanta. Regular car ferry service from the Krabi mainland and by passenger ferry from Phi Phi.

Phang Nga Bay

The nicely sheltered Phang Nga Bay, dotted with tiny islands of dramatic shapes, is an ideal place to explore by boat. The most popular stopping-off points are Koh Ping-Gan - better known as James Bond Island - and Koh Pannyi, a floating fishing village built on stilts.

If you're hoping to find yourself in the company of hordes of tourists and trinket-sellers, these are the places to go. More appealing ways to see the bay are through yacht charters, sea canoe trips or cruises on Chinese junks.

Koh Kaew

This speck of an island is found just offshore at the southernmost tip of Phuket, and can be seen from the Phromthep Cape viewpoint. Long-tail boat transfer to the island can be arranged in Rawai. So far, there's not much here besides a large Buddha statue.

Koh Bon

Koh Bon, just 15 minutes off the shore of Rawai, is a beautiful tiny isle with soft white sands and good snorkelling sites.

The salas, sun loungers and other facilities on shore are "exclusively for the use" of guests staying at The Evason Phuket Resort and Spa, which advertises Koh Bon as its own private island. The only accommodation is a luxurious honeymoon suite, also operated by The Evason.

Koh Lone (or Lohn)

Koh Lone, situated in the middle of Chalong Bay, remains a quiet, lush place with only a few upmarket resorts in operation.

There are few daytrips going here, but it's easy to organize a long-tail boat for the 15-minute trip from Chalong Bay.

Maiton Island

The popular Maiton Island Resort is situated on this island. The resort boasts the whole island to itself and there are no day trips offered to this island. For a world of your own, this is the perfect choice.

Koh Khai Nok

Just east of Phuket, Khai Nok is a tiny, idyllic island - little more than a forested lump poking out of the sea ringed by white sand and coral. Good snorkelling though the currents can be quite strong at times. Great for a daytrip - there's no place to stay here. Reached within 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket or by joining a boat tour around the area.

Maphrao (Coconut Island)

This island of fishing villagers is reached within 10 minutes by long-tail boat from Laem Hin pier on the east coast of Phuket. A peaceful place with agro-tours and homestay with local families available. The island's rich mangrove forests can be explored by boat. Between Phuket and Maphrao are some rustic floating restaurants with live seafood held in submerged pens to select for a fresh seafood meal. Near the restaurants are a few lonely floating bungalows for rent - perfect for a night or two of solitude, though it's not clear where waste from the toilets ends up.

Rang Yai Island

A small, uninhabited island that has developed into an activity centre for groups. Spend the day kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, playing volleyball and more, or relax in the shade on the sandy beach. There's no place to stay here but camping may be arranged.

Naka Yai and Naka Noi

Koh Naka Yai, a small island just 10 minutes by long-tail boat off the east coast of Phuket, is rapidly transforming from a sparsely inhabited fisherman's island to an upscale resort getaway.

And the reason the resorts are coming is clear: Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of paradise - beaches of fine white sands lined with coconut trees, incredible views across Phang Nga Bay, no roads, and (so far) very little noise aside from chirping birds and cicadas. Naka Noi is most famous for its pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip.

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

Two large islands (together about 138 sq km) right in the middle of Phang Nga bay between Phuket and Krabi.

While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. Some innovative, community-driven eco tours and small-scale, mostly family-run bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture. Airport Suite Bangkok

Racha (Raya) Islands

The Racha (or Raya) islands, directly south of Phuket, offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the area with numerous coral formations and clear waters.

Racha Yai is also a fine place to just relax on its soft white sands. Racha Noi, farther to the south, is uninhabited with only one tiny beach. The diving between Racha Yai and Noi is usually very good and offers a chance to see big fish, although generally for advanced divers as the current is very strong. See also "Diving in Racha Yai and Racha Noi"

Surin Islands

This remote, wild chain of 5 islands is located about 160 km north of Phuket near the Burmese border. The Surins are best known for their abundance of large marine life including leopard sharks and manta rays. Usually explored on liveaboard dive trips. The most famous site is Richelieu Rock for near-guaranteed sightings of whale sharks. Blanketed with jungle vegetation, the islands' interiors are also great for hiking; there are better trails here than in the Similans. Basic accommodation available on one island only.

Similan Islands

For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similan archipelago, which is rated as one of the world's top dive destinations. The tropical beauty of the pristine 9-island group will appeal to non-divers as well - the virgin jungle, fine sands and unusual granite formations on the islands are nearly as breathtaking as the depths of the sea that encompasses them. Accommodation is limited to basic government-run bungalows and tents that get booked up very quickly - it's therefore recommended to join a liveaboard trip and stay on the boat.

Phi Phi Islands

Part of a marine national park in Krabi province, the two stunning islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley are an integral part of many visitors' itineraries - and are now the second most popular destination in the Andaman region of Thailand, after Phuket. Diving, snorkelling and a whole host of tours and other activities on offer. A wide range of accommodation on Phi Phi Don; the rugged Phi Phi Ley is uninhabited.

Coral Island

A very popular destination, also known as Koh Hei (or Hey or Hae), only 15 minutes by boat from the southern end of Phuket Island.

As the name suggests, it's perfect for snorkelling close to the shore, and there are other water sports available.

Islands around Phuket

While there's plenty to see on Phuket, several smaller surrounding islands, each offering unique sights of their own, are easily accessible within an hour or two by boat. Many have excellent snorkelling and diving sites, while others simply offer nice patches of sand on which to spend a quiet day. To reach them, hire a long-tail boat or charter an island-hopping tour. Accommodation is available on a number of the islands - some of it rustic, some very exclusive.

Cape Panwa Beach

Cape Panwa Beach is divided into two parts by a 300-metre long seaside esplanade. The western part is right next to the Thai Navy Headquarters and is only 70 metres long and not that wide. Fishermen use it to beach their long tails and small boys do spectacular jumps and dives off the safety railings at high tide.

Ao Yon Beach

There are actually two Ao Yons lying south of Capa Panwa and they are separated by a rocky headland. Ao Yon junior is home to a large shrimp farm but is actually very attractive and virtually deserted with a great view out to Chalong Bay and Lone Island.

Locals sit under the tree line and small children like to play at the far western end, where an ice cold stream coming down from the hills (there is a waterfall behind the beach) meets the sea.

Panwa Beach

The lovely Cape Panwa, just south of the busy Phuket Town, remains a peaceful, unspoiled gem of a place. Its lush hills, sandy coves, mangroves and tidal flats offer a quiet place to explore away from the crowds.

Chalong Bay

This bustling bay, a major launch area for boat and dive trips, is filled with bobbing vessels of all shapes and sizes throughout the year. Plenty of casual restaurants, dive shops, fishing charter and tour operators, watersports equipment suppliers, Internet shops and even yoga and Reiki centres are packed into the short street leading to the pier.

Rawai Beach

First "discovered" by King Rama VII in the 1920s, Rawai is Phuket's longest-established beach resort, though the sea-gypsy village at its north end probably hasn't changed much over the years.

The beach is lined with open-air seafood stalls and restaurants for casual dining under the shade of the casuarina trees. A popular launching point for boat trips to Racha, Coral and other islands.

Ya Nui Beach

Ya Nui lies in the shadow of two of Phuket's loveliest viewpoints; Phrom Thep and the viewpoint featuring large white windmill/propeller power generators.

It's a charming little cove featuring good snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. During high season there is a line of sun loungers for hire (200 baht a set) as well as a stand that rents out masks, fins, kayaks and body boards for very reasonable prices.

Laem Ka Beach

Laem Ka is unique for various reasons. First of all it's the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket that offers good swimming and secondly, it's a total full-on Thai experience.

This sheltered, 150 metre long, boulder-framed beach is the ideal picnic spot as from midday on it is shady and cool. For many locals it offers the opportunity to chat away Sunday afternoon while their children splash around in Laem Ka's safe and blue waters just metres away.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach will surprise you. For a start, it's stunningly beautiful; one of the most attractive of the many wonderful beaches Phuket has to offer. It also features safe swimming all year round.

It's compact and has a great view right across Patong Bay. The beach itself is barely 150 metres long and there is another small beach next to it, reached by a path through the rocks.

Emerald Beach

Snuggled into the headland south of Patong, Emerald Beach ('Hat Tri Tra' in Thai) is the perfect place for sun lovers and those who are dead serious about going for the maximum tan.

There is a long line of northern-facing sunbeds along this 500-metre beach and it is popular with guests from the nearby Merlin Beach Resort, being the nearest large beach to it.

Ao Sane Beach (Jungle Beach)

A little beach reached via a dirt road that runs through the car park of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club in Nai Harn. Sometimes called "Jungle Beach". Usually a quiet and peaceful place, with decent coral outcroppings off its mostly rocky shore. Just one very inobtrusive resort here, the Baan Krating.

Nai Harn Beach

With most of its beachfront land occupied by a temple, Nai Harn has been spared from over-development, with only Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club and Baan Krating, another resort nestled into the hill at its north end. The soft sands and clear waters make Nai Harn an ideal swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing spot, though conditions can be dangerous in the monsoon season of May-October.

Mai Khao Beach

An endless stretch of fine sand; the only real getaway on the west coast of Phuket. Aside from the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, the area is largely undeveloped with only a few bungalow operations and a campground on the beach. Take a stroll and watch the crabs scuttle, swing on a hammock under the trees or enjoy a refreshing swim.

Nai Yang Beach

The casuarina-fringed Nai Yang, together with Mai Khao in the north, forms the longest and most secluded stretch of beach in Phuket, about 10-km altogether.

Two hotels sit on the south end of Nai Yang, while the north enters into Sirinath National Park, a protected marine and coastal area. A good spot to rent a beach chair or gorge on barbecued seafood while lounging on mats spread out in the shade.

Nai Thon Beach

One of Phuket's best-kept secrets. Approaching this quiet beach of silky white sand is spectacular in itself - a drive on the coastal road from the south takes you through forested hills while the northern approach winds through a lovely valley and small village. Once you arrive, swim, sunbathe and marvel at how few people have discovered this little piece of paradise.

Laem Singh Beach

This small, hidden gem of a beach just south of Surin is accessible only by walking down a fairly steep path from the road. Even so, it can get busy in the high season so get there early for a beach chair.

A few rustic restaurants offer cold drinks and food. A pretty, quiet place to wile away an afternoon.

Kamala Beach

This well-enclosed bay and fishing village has developed rapidly in recent years yet it still retains a small-town feel. Popular with families, Kamala Beach is lined with casual restaurants and food stalls, with good snorkelling at the rocky north end.

Pansea Beach

Pansea is a tiny cove of glittering white sand - but only accessible to the rich and famous guests of The Chedi and Amanpuri Resorts.

Surin Beach

Naturally beautiful Surin is known as 'Millionaires Row' due the the top-end celebrity haunts Amanpuri, Twinpalms and The Chedi amongst the luxury resorts there, as well as the many US$ 1 million+ houses that sit proudly on top of the hills overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Although popular with tourists it's not a busy resort town, more like a coastal village. Fine white sand and turquoise water has ensured that the picturesque beach is very popular with tourists and Thais alike.

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao is a study in contrasts, with the luxurious resorts and villas along its 6km (4 mile) stretch of beach just a few minutes' away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did - by fishing, farming and rubber tapping.

The northern tip of the beach, so far untouched by development, is still an area where visitors might find that they have the beach to themselves. Apart from going to the beach and a few bars and restaurants there's not much that you need to leave your resort for.

Kata Noi Beach

This small bay of stunning white sand, separated from Kata by a headland, is a quiet and peaceful retreat.

The Kata Thani Resort complex dominates the area, while a few shops, small hotels and restaurants line the beach road. A nice place for a relaxing snorkel or swim.

Kata Beach

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices many with its white sands and clear waters.

Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to it's spectacular beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and not to mention varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. April to September surfers flock to enjoy Kata's somewhat small waves.

Karon Beach

Karon, featuring an incredibly long stretch of squeaky white sand, is less hectic than Patong but it still offers a full range of facilities, dining and activities. While it's a fast-growing area, Karon is nicely spread out and rarely feels crowded.

Karon is concentrated around three main areas. In the Karon Plaza area on the south end there a number of budget guesthouses, restaurants and bars. The side sois are worth exploring, particularly the one that leads to a small art community. Nearby, on the beach road leading to Kata, is the football stadium, which hosts both local and international sporting events.

Patong Beach

Patong is the most famous - some would say infamous - beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play.

By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, chic lounge bars, beer bars and of course discos. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.

Phuket Beaches

Few islands can boast of such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world's finest beaches.

Whether one wants to sample the frenetic pace of Patong or find solitude on a remote stretch of sand in the north, Phuket's beaches have it all for the sun seeker. The monsoon rains of May-October can bring unpredictable swimming conditions, so heed the posted flag warnings.