Sea Kayaking in Thailand

Phang Nga Bay, Phang Nga Phang Nga Bay is the iconic sea-kayaking destination in Thailand, a dreamscape of towering limestone karsts rising straight from emerald water between Phuket and Krabi. Paddlers slip through sea caves into hidden ‘hongs’, collapsed cave lagoons reachable only by kayak at the right tide. Its calm, sheltered waters are also perfect for magical night paddles under the stars.

Ao Thalane, Krabi The highlight of this bay is a dramatic face of eroded sandstone, carved over 300 million years by wind and sea. Mineral-rich cliffs painted in pastel hues are threaded with quiet mangrove channels. It is an ideal retreat for paddlers seeking solitude away from the crowds.

Ko Hong, Krabi Part of Than Bok Khorani National Park, Ko Hong is a superb paddling site ringed by exceptionally fine white sand. A central lagoon opens up inside the island, reachable through a narrow gap in the cliffs. Sea gypsy villages, secluded coves and abundant birdlife round out the experience.

Bor Thor, Krabi Hard to reach and all the better for it, Bor Thor rewards paddlers with the area almost to themselves. Mangroves and karst pinnacles abound, and the shore is backed by a towering rock cliff. Small islets scattered offshore are within easy paddling distance.

Ao Nang, Krabi Ao Nang makes a relaxed and convenient base for launching kayaking trips along the Krabi coast and into Phang Nga Bay. Paddling from here reveals the grottoes of Bor Thor and tangled stands of mangrove. Longtail boats can ferry paddlers and kayaks out to more distant karst islands.

Ang Thong Marine National Park, Surat Thani This archipelago of 42 jungle-clad limestone islands near Ko Samui is one of Thailand’s most beautiful paddling grounds. Kayakers explore sea caves, hidden beaches and a spectacular inland saltwater lagoon. The park inspired the setting of the novel The Beach.

Ko Tao, Surat Thani Ringed by clear water and coral, Ko Tao is a rewarding place to paddle between coves and offshore rocks. Calm mornings are best for exploring the island’s rugged, sculpted coastline. Many trips combine kayaking with snorkelling over the reefs the island is famous for.

Ko Lao Liang, Trang This dramatic karst island in the southern Andaman can be circled in about an hour, though paddlers linger far longer. Sheer cliffs jut out over deep water, tempting climbers to abandon their kayaks for a rope-free scramble. Coral gardens and quiet beaches make it a favourite of adventurous paddlers.

Ko Garos, Krabi Set within a vast mangrove forest, Ko Garos has only recently entered Krabi’s kayaking circuit. Its limestone cliffs display ancient painted pictographs, and sea caves shelter the swiftlets prized for bird’s-nest soup. The maze of waterways rewards those who like to explore.

Khao Sok, Surat Thani The emerald Cheow Lan Lake, ringed by jagged limestone peaks and rainforest, offers some of Thailand’s most breathtaking freshwater paddling. Kayakers glide beneath sheer cliffs and into flooded caves, with the chance to spot gibbons, hornbills and elephants. Floating raft-house stays make an unforgettable base.

Had Yao, Trang One of Thailand’s quieter kayaking destinations, Had Yao mixes mangrove forest with hidden sea caves along the Trang coast. One cavern conceals a bizarre collection of radiantly white stalactites cascading over a hidden rock face. Its remoteness rewards paddlers with a real sense of discovery.

Ko Chang, Trat This large, mountainous island near the Cambodian border is fringed with mangroves, coral and secluded bays perfect for exploring by kayak. Paddlers weave through mangrove estuaries alive with birds and monitor lizards, then out to offshore islets. Sunset paddles off the west coast are especially memorable.