Phuket-John Gray Hong by Starlight trip or seacanoe trip
Jan 1st, 2008, 11:16 AM
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Phuket-John Gray Hong by Starlight trip or seacanoe trip
Trying to decide between John Gray hong by starlight trip or the seacanoe trip. I know that the seacanoe trip goes to Phang Nga Bay including James Bond Island. Does the john gray hong by starlight trip go to the same place? What i like about John gray trip is that there is no other tours at that time so you have the place to yourselves without other tours.
Jan 1st, 2008, 01:35 PM
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Hi-
I went on the Hong By Starlight tour last year and loved it. No, it did not go to James Bond Island, but yes, we pretty much had each stop to ourselves.
If you want to see pictures of my experience, you can check it out on my website:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/THAILAND2006.htm
I went on the Hong By Starlight tour last year and loved it. No, it did not go to James Bond Island, but yes, we pretty much had each stop to ourselves.
If you want to see pictures of my experience, you can check it out on my website:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/THAILAND2006.htm
Jan 1st, 2008, 03:10 PM
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Kristina: Thanks for sharing your trip. Nice pictures. Was the picture in the beginning of your website taken during the hong by starlight trip? It is a beautiful picture. Is the trip in the Phang Nga bay? Did you like your hotel?
Jan 1st, 2008, 04:40 PM
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Hi-
Yes, the picture was taken on the Hong by Starlight tour. Quite a bit of the tour is during the day, so there's plenty of opportunity for photos.
Yes, we liked our hotel, the Andaman White Beach Resort, with some caveats. It's very far from anything and contrary to the rest of Thailand, taxis are very expensive there. So, we ended up eating almost every meal there. Fortunately, the food was very good. However, we were there during low season and got a very good rate. I don't think it's worth it for the high season "rack rate".
If you are looking for something secluded and romantic with a nice private beach, then it's a good choice.
Yes, the picture was taken on the Hong by Starlight tour. Quite a bit of the tour is during the day, so there's plenty of opportunity for photos.
Yes, we liked our hotel, the Andaman White Beach Resort, with some caveats. It's very far from anything and contrary to the rest of Thailand, taxis are very expensive there. So, we ended up eating almost every meal there. Fortunately, the food was very good. However, we were there during low season and got a very good rate. I don't think it's worth it for the high season "rack rate".
If you are looking for something secluded and romantic with a nice private beach, then it's a good choice.
Jan 1st, 2008, 07:30 PM
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I also took the John Gray hong by starlight last year and just loved it. I have done several water based excursions in Thailand including 2 others in Phang Nga Bay and this was by far the most superior and enjoyable . John Gray himself was on our tour and he is a most interesting man. Actually one of our best Thai meals was on his boat !
It is a more educational and deeper experience than others offer with the undeniable natural beauty but also some of the cultural and spiritual beauty of the Thai's is shown.
As for hotels I am not sure where you are headed but our hotel was in Patong, the Sala Thai which I would recommend. Well managed, reasonable, good restaurant and good location in Patong. However Patong is not for everyone. It does have lots of choice in restaurants, hotels etc. and a beautiful well kept beach to boot.
Bon Voyage.
It is a more educational and deeper experience than others offer with the undeniable natural beauty but also some of the cultural and spiritual beauty of the Thai's is shown.
As for hotels I am not sure where you are headed but our hotel was in Patong, the Sala Thai which I would recommend. Well managed, reasonable, good restaurant and good location in Patong. However Patong is not for everyone. It does have lots of choice in restaurants, hotels etc. and a beautiful well kept beach to boot.
Bon Voyage.
Jan 7th, 2008, 08:01 PM
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I'll chime in agreement that the John Gray starlight tour was a highlight of our trip. The guides were very knowledgeable and happy with their job, which for some was a 2nd or 3rd. We saw a couple of hornbills and other wildlife here and there, but mostly the hongs, mangroves and flora and fauna were amazing along with the kayaking itself. The lunch and dinner were great too. A most enjoyable day!
Jan 8th, 2008, 02:43 PM
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We are looking to book the Hong by Starlight trip in April.
What is the best way to book this trip (online)?
How far in advance should we book and is there a deposit required?
Any advice is welcome. Thanks!
What is the best way to book this trip (online)?
How far in advance should we book and is there a deposit required?
Any advice is welcome. Thanks!
Jan 8th, 2008, 05:23 PM
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The john gray hong by starlight trip sounds great so we will definitely be booking this trip. This is the website. http://johngray-seacanoe.com/thailan...-starlight.htm
Jan 8th, 2008, 07:22 PM
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rhkkmk --- LOL!!!! I just KNEW you'd find me here! I know, I know, I haven't posted on the Asia board for quite a while, and I'm feeling guilty! So as you know I returned to Italy and France in 2006, so that put me on the Europe forum for a while, then last year Costa Rica put me on the Latin America board, and returning to Costa Rica this March...so, there's only so much time in the day to research, plan and advise! Oh yes, and then there's work and being a single mom. But, I'm going to try to start hanging out here more often too...been saving the FF miles and thinking of using them for a Thailand visit next year.
I'm going to click on your name now and see what YOU'VE been up too!
Better yet, you have any new pics? Send me a link? I ALMOST made it to your last Boston GTG. 
meliss35 - Sorry for hijacking the thread, and to everyone else for TMI, just that I haven't talked to rhkkmk in forever!
kimberlyb -- Yep, just use that link meliss35 posted, book ahead because it is a popular tour. You won't regreat it!
I'm going to click on your name now and see what YOU'VE been up too!
Better yet, you have any new pics? Send me a link? I ALMOST made it to your last Boston GTG. meliss35 - Sorry for hijacking the thread, and to everyone else for TMI, just that I haven't talked to rhkkmk in forever!
kimberlyb -- Yep, just use that link meliss35 posted, book ahead because it is a popular tour. You won't regreat it!
Jan 9th, 2008, 11:49 AM
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meliss35 -- Last May we (myself and 10 year old daughter) visited Puerto Viejo, Arenal, La Paz area and Osa Peninsula. This trip we are returning to the same places, excluding La Paz, but including Manuel Antonio. CR is a beautiful country isn't it?
Which area(s) did you visit?
Which area(s) did you visit?
Jan 10th, 2008, 06:49 AM
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hipvirgochick: We went to San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Hermosa,Playa Flamingo, Playa Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. We loved all of it. Manuel Antonio was beautiful and our hotel had the most unbelievable view. The only thing that was disappointing was that we saw no monkeys in Manuel Antonio even though there was signs everywhere saying do not feed the monkeys and everyone said that there was so many of them. We saw alot of Sloths though. We had a great time. Any info you might need let me know.
Jan 10th, 2008, 08:07 AM
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That's right, now I remember reading your trip report and posts when I was doing research for my first trip!
We are splurging to stay at Tulemar Bungalows as well, particularly for the private beach there that isn't so dangerous. Some people suggest forgetting MA after being to the Osa, but I still like a good variety of sites and am looking forward to it! I'm surprised though that you didn't see any monkeys, even in the park?
Last trip and upcoming are 17 days each so we have a little time to settle into each place which is also a nice balance for us.
I'll be sure to click on your name on the LA forum and post any questions I have there in the future re: CR.
Have a great trip to Thailand. We were there 2 months after the tsunami visiting Phuket, Chiang Rai and Bangkok. It's an amazing country!
We are splurging to stay at Tulemar Bungalows as well, particularly for the private beach there that isn't so dangerous. Some people suggest forgetting MA after being to the Osa, but I still like a good variety of sites and am looking forward to it! I'm surprised though that you didn't see any monkeys, even in the park?
Last trip and upcoming are 17 days each so we have a little time to settle into each place which is also a nice balance for us.
I'll be sure to click on your name on the LA forum and post any questions I have there in the future re: CR.
Have a great trip to Thailand. We were there 2 months after the tsunami visiting Phuket, Chiang Rai and Bangkok. It's an amazing country!
Jan 10th, 2008, 09:11 PM
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hipvirgochick: Tulemar Bungalows was great. We had a great view from our bungalow and the pool and restuarant was nice with a great view. Loved the private beach. The kids loved it too. Got to kayak and use the boogie boards and lounge chairs. Also was able to order food and drinks from the beach. You will love it.
