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Amidst the labyrinth of limestone cliffs that line up ahead, Phang-Nga Bay holds a hidden beauty and mystery for visitors to unravel.
The adventure started at Ao Por Pier where tourists started to board the large excursion boat packed with kayaks, refreshments and lots and lots of excitement. After everyone settled in, off we sailed towards the beautiful phang-Nga Bay.
As the boat approached the entrance of Bat Cave, passengers hauled themselves down onto the kayaks to explore its wondrous interior. It was dark and winding inside, and the entire ceiling was covered with bats hanging completely still. We paddled on quietly and finally reached a large lagoon on the other side.
Surrounding the lagoon were impressive limestone cliffs. We could hear sounds of the wild calling out to greet us as the kayak continued on to the lush mangrove forest. Our fellow adventurers were all excited at these new sights and sounds.
From the Bat Cave, we paddled along the cliffs’ shoreline to admire the strangely shaped limestone formations. The view of the bay, the gentle breeze and the sound of the waves were like well-orchestrated music that permeated through the atmosphere.
After a while, we hopped back onto the boat to travel to Phang-Nga’s famous Koh Hong (Room Island). From the front, we could see islands forming around the water with a small opening which allowed people to kayak through. Once inside, it was like being in a room, except that it is in the middle of the ocean and has plants and trees growing on top of the cliffs to provide shade.
Back on the boat, we were taught to make Kratongs or floats. This activity was fun and really got our creativity juice going. Banana leaves and flowers were used, and the fun part was trying to out do everyone else.
Within Koh Hong, we saw an islet that looked like Koh Tapu (Nail Island/ James Bond Island). Next to it is a small cave which the locals call Honeymooners’ Cave. The whole scenery was just magical and kayaking around this area was really pleasant.
As the boat sailed along the ocean and the sun began to set, all the passengers enjoyed their scrumptious dinner. The five-star menu included all the yummy dishes like chicken Massaman, steamed fish, sweet and sour fish and so many more all-time favourites.
Afterwards, it was time to let our kratongs into the water. The guide explained the history and meaning behind this age-old tradition and I could see foreign guests listening very tentatively.
We brought our kratongs into the kayak and paddled into the pitch-dark cave; the only sound was that of the trickling water. Then everyone lit up the candle in their floats and suddenly the cave was filled with small, flickering lights and the atmosphere was romantic beyond words.
As we paddled out of the cave, we noticed little lights illuminating in the water. These were planktons that lit up every time they were touched.
This whole trip was really filled with amazing experiences and fond memories of majestic cliffs, unspoiled nature and the beauty of Phang-Nga Bay.
We wish to thank John Grey’s Sea Canoe for this wholesome trip and all the fascinating discoveries. For more information, please contact Tel.076-254 505-7
See you on the water, Ling Yai (Thai for 'Big Monkey') AKA John Caveman Gray
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