The Hongs (Hidden Lagoons)

The term 'Hong' translates from Thai as 'room,' a linguistically apt description for the remarkable geological features we are about to explore. These are not merely caves, but entire ecosystems encapsulated within the vertical…

The process of speleogenesis—the formation of caves—is particularly fascinating in the context of the Andaman’s limestone karsts. Unlike the granite we saw in Khao Lak, this limestone is composed of calcium carbonate, which is…

Once inside the central lagoon of a Hong, the environment changes dramatically. The towering walls create a micro-climate sheltered from the wind and heavy waves of the open Andaman Sea. …

Emerging from the Hong and back into the open sea, one cannot help but feel a sense of privilege. We have been allowed access to a world that few ever see, and we have done so under the guidance of those who know it best. …