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Hong Island | A guide to this scenic lagoon escape & how to visit

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Located in Phang Nga Bay National Park, Hong Island is a regular stop on James Bond Island tours from Phuket. The main highlight is the enclosed lagoon at its center, which you can access only by canoe during high tide. It's a short paddle through a narrow sea cave, opening into calm, shallow waters surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How to access Hong Lagoon?

Entry is only possible by canoe, typically with a local paddler as part of a guided tour. Boats anchor outside the cave, and access depends on tidal conditions.

Things to know before booking your Hong Island tour

  • Hong Island is included in most James Bond Island tours, and tour prices vary by boat type and onboard experience. 
  • Big boat tours start at ฿1,665, speedboats at ฿1,800, and luxury catamarans at ฿3,300. Higher-priced options include extras like sunset views, dinner buffets, live DJs, and water activities.
  • Access to Hong Lagoon is by canoe and depends on the tides. Boats anchor outside the island, and local paddlers guide you through a narrow passage.
  • Canoeing at Hong Island may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility. You'll need to step in and out of a small canoe from the main boat. The activity is guided and usually lasts around 20–30 minutes.

What to expect at Hong Island?

Speed boats anchored near limestone cliffs on Krabi Hong Island, Thailand.
Canoeing at Hong Island with a local paddler, limestone cliffs in the background.
Hong Islands lagoon with limestone cliffs and turquoise water, Krabi.
Canoeing through limestone caves at Hong Island, Thailand.
Ranger Station sign at Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi, Thailand.
Tropical beach with limestone cliffs at Koh Hong island, Krabi.
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A lagoon hidden inside limestone cliffs

The island’s main attraction is its inland lagoon, surrounded on all sides by vertical rock walls. You can only access it by canoe through a small sea cave, creating a dramatic reveal that feels cut off from the open sea.

Paddling with local guides through sea caves

Steer through narrow inlets and caves, allowing you to sit back and soak in the scenery while learning about the island’s karst formations.

Escape the crowds of James Bond Island

While James Bond Island gets most of the spotlight, Hong Island offers a quieter, more nature-focused experience in Phang Nga Bay. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the calm water, and connect with the natural environment.

A tide-sensitive natural wonder

The lagoon is tide-dependent. During low tide, water levels may block canoe access altogether. At high tide, you can float right through the cave entrance. This changing access makes each visit slightly different.

Part of a protected national park

Hong Island is within Than Bok Khorani National Park, which protects its rich marine life, coral reefs, and coastal forests. It’s also home to birds, crabs, and tropical fish seen during canoeing.

Learn why it’s called “Hong”

“Hong” means “room” in Thai, a nod to the lagoon hidden like a secret chamber inside the island. The name reflects the island’s geography and sets the tone for the kind of tucked-away beauty visitors can expect.

What to see & do at Hong Island

Kayaking through caves at Hong Island, Thailand.

Take in the limestone walls

Once inside, you're surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs that rise high above the emerald water. These natural walls are covered in ferns, vines, and tropical foliage, giving the space a lost-world atmosphere.

Person swimming with fish near Hong Island, Krabi, with limestone cliff in background.

Spot marine life in the shallows

Keep an eye out for small fish, crabs, and even mudskippers near the edges of the lagoon. If the tide is right and the water is clear, you’ll see the sandy bottom and schools of fish weaving between rocks and roots.

Couple sitting on Krabi Hong Island beach with speed boats and limestone cliffs in the background.

Pause for photos in the lagoon

Most paddlers will give you time to pause inside the lagoon for pictures. With the canoe floating in still water and limestone all around, it’s a stunning backdrop for wide-angle shots or quiet selfies.

Kayakers explore limestone caves

Glide through side caves

Paddlers may take you into smaller side chambers or inlets branching off from the main lagoon. These mini-hongs or echo caves offer more intimate views of the limestone formations and are completely unreachable by boat.

Know before you go

Pak Bia Beach with boats and tourists, Hong Islands, Krabi.

Address: Krasom, Ko Yao District, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand | Find on Maps

  • Hong Island (Koh Hong) lies in Phang Nga Bay within Than Bok Khorani National Park, northeast of Phuket.
  • Most travelers visit as part of a guided full-day tour from Phuket/Krabi/Phang Nga, typically by speedboat, catamaran, or big boat, combined with stops like James Bond Island, Panak Island, and Koh Panyee.
  • National Park fees apply separately—THB 400 per adult & THB 200 per child—and must be paid in cash upon arrival if it’s not included in your tour.
Speedboat on turquoise water near limestone cliffs, Hong Island, Thailand.
  • Time of day: Visit between 10am and 2pm for calm waters and great lighting inside the lagoon. This is also when most canoeing happens due to tide conditions.
  • Time of week: Weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds, as weekends tend to be busier with both local and international tour groups.
  • Time of year: November to April is the dry season in Phang Nga Bay, offering sunny skies, calm seas, and the most reliable access to the lagoon.
Tourists kayaking near a boat at Phang Nga Bay with limestone cliffs in the background.
  • The main attraction—the lagoon—is only accessible via small inflatable canoes paddled by trained local guides. You won’t be paddling yourself.
  • Guests need to be able to sit low in a canoe and transfer from the main boat, so this activity may not suit people with mobility limitations.
  • Swimming and walking around inside the lagoon are not allowed. This helps preserve the delicate marine and limestone environment.
  • Access to the lagoon is tide-dependent. If the tide is too low or too high, your canoe may not be able to enter the cave tunnel.
Applying sunscreen on arm under clear Sydney sky.
  • Wear quick-dry clothing and sandals or water shoes, as you’ll get wet while entering and exiting the canoe.
  • Bring a waterproof phone pouch or dry bag to protect your electronics and valuables during the canoe ride.
  • A hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are useful for the boat ride, but not always necessary inside the shaded lagoon.
  • Space is limited on the canoe, so avoid bringing bulky bags or unnecessary items when disembarking from the main boat.
Couple hiking through forest trail towards Piscina Irgas waterfall.
  • Use a dry bag: Protect phones, cameras, and valuables while kayaking or swimming.
  • Hike to the viewpoint: Wear sturdy shoes for the 15–20 minute climb to panoramic views of the bay.
  • Opt for small-group tours: Explore at your own pace and avoid large crowds.
  • Visit the hidden lagoon: Paddle through a narrow limestone passage to swim and photograph in a serene spot.
  • Pack a light daypack: Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Carry cash for park fees: Hong Island charges 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children, not always included in tours.

Witness the beauty of Hong Island

Aerial view of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters at James Bond Island, Thailand.

Turquoise paradise

Clear waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs create a breathtaking tropical escape.

Kayakers exploring limestone cliffs and emerald waters on James Bond Island, Phang Nga.
Beachgoers enjoying Khai Island, part of James Bond Island snorkeling day trip, Phang Nga.
Snorkeler exploring coral reef on Giftun Island tour.
Aerial view of Ko Hong islands with lush greenery and turquoise waters, Thailand.

Explore more nearby

Aerial view of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters at James Bond Island, Thailand.

Panak Island

Stalactites and stalagmites inside Ice Cream Cave, Thailand.

Ice Cream Cave

Blue kayaks on the sandy shore of Koh Naka Noi Beach, Phuket, with Naka Island in the background.

Naka Island

Boats on turquoise water with limestone cliffs in Koh Panyee, Thailand.

Koh Panyee

Frequently asked questions about Hong Island

Where is Hong Island located?

Hong Island is in Phang Nga Bay, within Than Bok Khorani National Park, northeast of Phuket. It’s not to be confused with the Hong Island near Krabi.

How can I visit Hong Island?

You can visit via guided tours from Phuket by speedboat, catamaran, or big boat. It’s also possible to visit independently by hiring a longtail boat from nearby piers.

Is Hong Island included in James Bond Island tours?

Yes, but not in all tours. It’s included in most catamaran, speedboat, and big boat tours—except the Big Boat Twilight Bioluminescent tour, which skips Hong Island.

What is the main highlight at Hong Island?

The central lagoon—or "hong"—is the main draw. You enter it through a low cave tunnel by canoe, revealing a hidden world of still water and towering limestone cliffs.

Can I swim at Hong Island?

Swimming is not allowed inside the lagoon for conservation reasons. Some tours include swim stops at nearby beaches instead.

Is canoeing at Hong Island self-guided?

No, all canoeing inside the lagoon is done with a local paddler who navigates the narrow entrance and guides you through the hong.

 Is the lagoon always accessible?

No, access depends on the tide. If the tide is too high or too low, you may not be able to enter the lagoon.

How much does it cost to visit Hong Island?

Tour prices range from ฿1,665 (big boat) to ฿4,200 (luxury catamaran). National Park fees are usually included, but if visiting independently, expect to pay 300 THB per adult.

What should I bring for a visit to Hong Island?

Wear quick-dry clothes and water shoes, carry a dry bag, and bring reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid large bags, especially during the canoe ride.

Are there facilities on the island?

There are no major facilities inside the lagoon. Some nearby islands on the tour route may have toilets and snack stalls, but there’s no accommodation on Hong Island itself.