Those who have done his trips, how have you booked? Ahead of time? Once you got to Phuket?

I normally hate to prebook, but there are four of us travelling during the busiest time, Dec 15 - Jan 2. Because we are diving Dec 21/22, we needed Hong by Moonlight on Dec 23, and booked it in early November. Reps say Xmas dates usually sell out early.

we were in phuket the end of october and the place was very slow...except john grays sea canoe was sold out for the 2 days we could have taken the tour.

my advise...book ahead

I, too, would advise booking ahead. When we took our trip, John Gray himself picked us up at our hotel. Great trip, interesting fellow. Have fun

Did you book directly or through an agent (which one?)

I booked directly through their website www.johngray-seacanoe.com. When they send a reply, read all the info. After you pay, you have to email back your confirmation number, and when you arrive in Phuket, you have to phone to check your pickup time. They were very friendly, but if they're away from the office, it can take a day or two to get a response.

Meadowbay, I have tried to contact them a few times on their website over the last month or 2 and never get a reply. Did you use their inquiry form?
We will be there in December also and would hate to miss out on doing this trip. Liz

Yes. I used the inquiry form on their web site. Their last response was delayed as they were away shooting a documentary. I wonder if your email got lost then. I would try emailing them again.

Book ahead, and I highly recommend the Starlight Hong Tour. It was amazing!