Hong Island Longtail Sunrise Tour
8 hrs
48 hours before the tour
English, German and French
Included
Khao Lak
Hong Island Longtail Sunrise Tour – An Eco-Friendly Island Adventure in Phang Nga Bay
Join Phuket Travel Store on a unique and carefully planned early morning excursion to three of the most iconic limestone islands in Southern Thailand — Koh Hong, Panak Island, and the world-famous James Bond Island. Our Hong Island Longtail Sunrise Tour offers not only scenic beauty but also cultural encounters, peaceful exploration, and a deep respect for nature and local traditions.
Start Your Day Before Sunrise
We begin this adventure before dawn with a hotel pick-up in the Khao Lak area. By starting early, we achieve multiple goals: we minimize the impact of mass tourism, arrive ahead of the crowds, and experience Phang Nga Bay in its most serene and pristine state. You'll board a traditional Thai longtail boat, designed for navigating shallow coastal waters, offering a more sustainable and authentic mode of travel through the bay.
James Bond Island – A Cinematic Landmark
Our first stop is Ko Khao Phing Kan, from where you’ll view and photograph the legendary Ko Tapu, better known as James Bond Island. Featured in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, this iconic rock formation juts dramatically from the sea and is surrounded by limestone cliffs and tranquil coves. We arrive early to enjoy this breathtaking scenery in peace, allowing for undisturbed photography and reflection.
Koh Hong Island – Caves, Lagoons, and Canoe Exploration
From there, we cruise through emerald waters to Koh Hong, a standout among the islands of Phang Nga Bay. Known for its tidal caves, hidden lagoons, and towering karsts, Koh Hong is best explored by canoe. You’ll be guided by an experienced local paddler who will quietly take you through limestone caves carved by millennia of water erosion and sedimentary sculpting. With no need to paddle yourself, you’ll have your hands free to capture the surreal beauty of stalactites, stalagmites, and echoing caverns.
Panak Island – Off the Beaten Path
Most tours end there, but ours continues with a visit to Panak Island, rarely included in Khao Lak itineraries. Here, you’ll enjoy a quiet walk and another canoe ride through lush mangroves, internal lagoons, and secluded caverns. This leg of the journey showcases the less-visited beauty of Phang Nga and reinforces our mission to distribute tourism more evenly, reducing pressure on popular spots and supporting broader conservation efforts.
Lunch at Panyee Floating Village
Next, we visit the floating village of Koh Panyee, where approximately 1,600 people — mostly descendants of Javanese fishermen — live in stilt homes above the sea. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious Thai lunch prepared by local residents, followed by free time to explore the village’s narrow walkways, floating football pitch, and community markets. Purchasing local handicrafts here supports traditional craftsmanship and helps sustain the island’s economy.
Second Canoe Exploration – More Caves Await
After lunch, your captain will navigate to another peaceful spot for a second round of sea cave canoeing. These hidden chambers often reveal mirror-like lagoons, where silence and reflection replace noise and chaos. This experience is not only mesmerizing but also educational, as your guide will share insights into the geological evolution of the bay and its fragile ecosystems.
Temple Visit – Culture Meets Tranquility
Back on the mainland, our final stop is a visit to a Thai Buddhist temple. Depending on crowd levels, your guide will choose between the popular Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, home to a majestic reclining Buddha statue and a troop of macaque monkeys, or the quieter Wat Prachum Sueksa, offering a more reflective and uncrowded temple experience.
Monkey Observation in Phang Nga Park
If you miss the monkeys at Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, don’t worry — your tour includes a visit to a public park in Phang Nga, where resident macaques roam freely. Guests are advised to remove shiny objects and jewelry, as monkeys are known to be curious and occasionally mischievous.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Eco-Conscious Itinerary
- Locally Operated Canoe Tours
- Support for Village Economies
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
- Cultural Respect and Insight
This tour is ideal for nature lovers, early risers, photographers, and culturally curious travelers. Come explore the karst wonders, spiritual sites, and rich traditions of Phang Nga Bay with us — not just as a visitor, but as a mindful participant in sustainable tourism.
Book your Hong Island Longtail Sunrise Tour online today and discover a side of Thailand that’s authentic, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Itinerary
04.30 AM - 05.00 AM: Early Morning Hotel Pick-Up in Khao Lak
Your adventure begins bright and early! Our friendly driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in the Khao Lak area at approximately 4:30 AM. The exact pick-up time may vary slightly depending on your hotel’s location and the tide schedule, which ensures we reach the caves at the perfect time.
Don’t worry — we’ll confirm your exact pick-up time with you when you book your tour. Just be ready for an unforgettable day exploring Phang Nga Bay’s islands and caves at sunrise!
Peaceful Visit to James Bond Island
Step aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat and cruise through the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay to the iconic James Bond Island. Featured in the classic 007 movie The Man with the Golden Gun, this limestone islet — officially known as Ko Tapu — is one of Thailand’s most photographed natural landmarks.
Thanks to our early morning departure, you’ll likely arrive before the crowds, giving you a rare chance to experience the island in peace. Take your time to admire the scenery and capture stunning photos of this famous spot before we continue our journey to the breathtaking Hong Island.
Canoeing into the Magic of Hong Island
As the morning sun rises over Phang Nga Bay, we make our way to the spectacular Hong Island, bathed in the soft, golden light known to photographers as the Golden Hour or Magic Hour. During this brief window just after sunrise, the limestone cliffs appear to glow, creating perfect conditions for capturing breathtaking photos.
Thanks to our carefully timed schedule, a hidden opening reveals itself — inviting you to glide into Hong Island’s secret lagoons by canoe. Let your experienced paddle guide lead you through serene waters, past towering cliffs and intricate cave formations. This peaceful moment, illuminated by the soft morning light, is one of the most magical highlights of the entire tour.
Discover the Hidden Wonders of Panak Island
Get ready to explore the breathtaking Panak Island, a majestic karst island filled with natural surprises! Known for its intricate network of caves and caverns, Panak is a dream destination for adventurous explorers and amateur spelunkers alike.
Some of these ancient caves lead to mysterious sinkholes and hidden lagoons, sculpted by nature over thousands of years. With your knowledgeable local guide, you’ll venture through this stunning landscape on foot and by canoe, uncovering the secret beauty tucked away inside the island. It’s a thrilling and immersive experience that showcases the untouched magic of Phang Nga Bay.
Lunch and Local Life at Panyee Floating Village
No visit to Phang Nga Bay is complete without stopping at the iconic Panyi Village — also known as Koh Panyee — a unique community that appears to float above the sea. Home to around 1,600 residents, this remarkable floating village was founded by Javanese settlers in the late 18th century, and today their descendants continue to preserve a proud and vibrant culture.
You’ll enjoy a delicious Thai lunch lovingly prepared by the Panyee people, featuring fresh local ingredients. After lunch, take time to explore the village, browse for handmade souvenirs, and learn about the fascinating history and daily life of this tight-knit sea-based community. It’s a cultural highlight that offers a genuine glimpse into Thailand’s coastal heritage.
Final Sea Cave Canoeing Adventure
Before we return to the pier, get ready for one more unforgettable sea cave canoeing experience in the heart of Phang Nga Bay. Over thousands of years, water erosion has shaped these majestic karst islands into a stunning labyrinth of sinkholes, limestone caves, and hidden caverns — the very formations that helped earn the bay its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Let your paddle guide take you through serene, untouched waters as you explore even more of the bay’s natural wonders. It’s the perfect, peaceful ending to a day filled with beauty, exploration, and discovery.
Peaceful Visit to a Traditional Thai Buddhist Temple
As your journey through Phang Nga Bay comes to a close, we make one final meaningful stop at a traditional Thai Buddhist temple. Depending on the day, your guide will take you to either the well-known Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, famous for its reclining Buddha statue inside a cave and its troop of resident monkeys, or the quieter Wat Prachum Sueksa.
While Wat Tham Suwan Kuha is impressive, it often becomes crowded with large tour groups from Phuket. To ensure a more peaceful and personal experience, your guide may choose Wat Prachum Sueksa, where you can enjoy the tranquil temple grounds, take beautiful photos, and reflect in a serene atmosphere — without the crowds.
It’s the perfect cultural ending to a day of natural beauty, local encounters, and spiritual discovery.
Meet the Monkeys at a Scenic Phang Nga Park
If you’re hoping to see monkeys and your tour includes the peaceful Wat Prachum Sueksa instead of the busier temple, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! We’ll take you to a picturesque public park in Phang Nga, where you can safely observe resident macaques in their natural habitat.
These playful and curious monkeys are always entertaining to watch, but be cautious — they’re known to be fascinated by shiny objects. To avoid any surprise snatchings, we recommend leaving loose jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, in the minivan before entering the park.
It’s a lighthearted and memorable way to end your day, especially for wildlife lovers and families.
02.00 PM - 02.30 PM: Relaxing Return to Your Hotel in Khao Lak
After a day full of exploration and unforgettable sights, our friendly driver and guide will return you to your hotel in the Khao Lak area at around 2:00 PM. The exact time may vary depending on your hotel’s location, sea conditions, and the tide schedule, but we’ll make sure your journey back is smooth and comfortable.
You’ll arrive with plenty of time to relax and unwind — maybe even catch some afternoon sunshine or enjoy a stroll on the beach as the sun sets over the North Andaman Sea. It’s the perfect ending to a truly memorable day in Phang Nga Bay.
Includes
- Round-trip transfer from your hotel in the Khao Lak area
- National park fees
- Life vests
- Lunch
- Water and soft drinks
- Paddle guide
- Professional tour guide
- Accident insurance
What To Bring?
- Sun screen
- Mosquito repellant
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera (with waterproof case/bag)
- Comfortable shoes
- Spending money
- Temple clothes (knees and shoulders covered)
Customer Testimonials
Wunderschönes Erlebnis mit Elefanten!
Das war einer der schönsten Ausflüge, die wir je gemacht haben. Die Elefanten leben hier wirklich artgerecht - kein Reiten, kein Zwang, einfach nur Ruhe und Respekt. Wir konnten sie füttern, mit ihnen spazieren gehen und sie aus nächster Nahe erleben. Die Atmosphäre war total entspannt, nichts war überlaufen oder touristisch übertrieben. Auch die Guides waren super freundlich und haben viel über die Tiere und den Hintergrund des Projekts erzählt. Man merkt sofort: Hier steht das Wohl der Tiere an erster Stelle. Für alle, die Tiere lieben und auf verantwortungsvollen Tourismus Wert legen, ist das ein absolutes Muss. Danke an Phuket Travel Store für diese besondere Erfahrung!
Phi Phi Islands a blast!
We had the most amazing experience on the Phi Phi Islands X-Large Tour with Phuket Travel Store! Everything was seamless from start to finish. The team was super friendly, professional, and really cared about making sure everyone had a great time. The boat was clean and comfortable, and we appreciated the small group size — it never felt crowded. We visited all the highlights like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and relax. The water was crystal clear and full of marine life! What really stood out was the attention to detail and the knowledgeable guide who shared fun facts about the islands. Lunch was delicious, and the whole day felt like a dream. Highly recommend booking with Phuket Travel Store — this was by far the best tour we’ve done in Thailand!
Worth Every Baht – Stunning Views and Zero Crowds!
I chose one of the more premium tours from Phuket Travel Store that included an early start and scenic viewpoints — and it was absolutely worth it! The early departure meant we got to enjoy breathtaking locations without the crowds, which made the experience feel truly exclusive. Everything was well-organized, and the guide was both friendly and knowledgeable. The views were stunning, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the whole day was filled with fun and unforgettable moments. Highly recommend if you want a smooth, high-quality tour experience in Phuket!
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety measures are in place?
Full safety briefing conducted before departure
"Sea Excursion" Life jackets, first-aid kit, VHF radio, GPS navigation
"Land Excursion" or "Transfers" All vehicles are regularly inspected and fully licensed, experienced and professional drivers with proper training, Seat belts available in all vehicles and Compliance with all local transport and safety regulations.
Local regulations followed strictly (e.g., respecting ecological preservation zones in in all national parks)
Crew trained in emergency procedures
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes! We cater to dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other allergies. Meals can be customized—just let us know when booking.
What should I pack? Depends your excursion!
Swimwear
Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
Hat & sunglasses
Light cover-up or evening jacket
Towel
Waterproof camera or dry bag
Any personal medications
Sport shoes
Deck shoes
Clothing that covers shoulders and knees (e.g., long pants or long skirts and sleeved tops)
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 48 hours before excursion departure date/time
No refund if canceled less then 48 hours before excursion departure date/time
Can the itinerary be flexible on the day of excursion?
Yes—crew and tour guide will adapt the route based on weather conditions, sea currents, tide level, traffic..etc. They’ll brief you in the morning and adjust the plan for safety and enjoyment.
How do I reserve a excursion?
Easily book your next adventure direct at our website.
Share your desired date, guest count, guest names, pickup place and dietary needs.
Checkout and pay securely online through our trusted encrypted payment gateway.
Your e-ticket and payment confirmation will be sent to your email within seconds.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept secure online payments via Red Dot Payment: major cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Visa Electron, UnionPay), Thai e‑wallets, QR‑based payments, one‑click capture, recurring billing, and e‑invoices.
We accept Google Pay and Apple Pay (Global), and a wide range of popular payment methods across Asia and Oceania.
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Pay securely through our trusted Red Dot Payment gateway—choose from cards, e‑wallets, QR payments, subscriptions, one‑click or e‑invoice options.
How far in advance do I need to book?
To secure your trip and preferred time slots—especially during November–April peak season—we recommend booking 2–3 months in advance. However, short-notice charters may be possible depending on availability.
Do your excursions include accident insurance coverage?
Yes, all our excursions include accident insurance coverage for your safety and peace of mind.