Hong-gazing around Phang Nga Bay
Imagine sitting in the middle of a lagoon, cloaked in darkness with not a whisper to be heard, as your kayak is paddled slowly in a circular motion. And as you look up, gazing at the stars, you catch glimpses of tall limestone formations lit by starlight. Phang Nga Bay’s limestone caves (also known as hongs) rise out of the water like imposing fortresses over south Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
The hongs are cave-like but roofless, round in shape but with vertical walls. Dense vegetation paints every surface green, with trees and their century-old roots sprouting from the cliffs.
With our silent sea kayaks, we glided through the caves and narrow passages that lead into the lagoons enclosed by these tall, cylindrical limestone cliffs. So peaceful and so humbling.
The kayak tour was led by John Gray - an adventure kayaker extraordinaire who has been exploring these caves for over 20 years. He is a univeristy lecturer, National Geographic documentary maker and a passionate environmentalist.
For more information on John Gray’s ‘Hong by Starlight’ kayak tours, visit www.johngray-seacanoe.com.
