18 Jan. 2023

Planning a trip to Thailand and looking to paddle? We're sharing our favorite spots for kayaking in Thailand. Expect kayaking excursions through mangroves, islands, karst formations and sea caves in the Phuket and Krabi region, plus calm-water and whitewater paddling deep in the Chiang Mai jungle…

Kayaking around Krabi and Phuket:

The Krabi and Phuket regions rank among Thailand's best kayaking sites. From lagoons in otherworldly hues to sea caves, islands and lush mangroves… there's plenty to explore!

Kayaking at Ao ThaLane

Situated around thirty kilometers from Krabi town, Ao Thalane is a bay ringed by soaring limestone cliffs. A vast forest area here includes some of the country's most impressive mangroves.

During a kayaking excursion at Ao Thalane, you'll admire towering karst formations, navigate narrow channels, discover isolated lagoons, and explore caves. As you paddle through the mangroves, watch for wildlife like birds, monkeys and crabs.

Kayaking at Koh Hong

The Koh Hong islands are located in Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi province. Several islands dot the area: Koh Hong, Koh Lao, Koh Lao Riam, Koh Pak Ka and Koh Lao Lading.

Most kayaking excursions center around the main island: Koh Hong. It's renowned for its emerald lagoon surrounded by limestone peaks whose shape inspired the island's name (hong means room in Thai).

Beyond paddling through the lagoon, you'll enjoy its stunning white-sand beach and snorkel among magnificent coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.

Kayaking at Ban Bho Thor

Ready to explore sea caves by kayak? Head to Ban Bho Tho where adventure and historical discovery await. This area features a mangrove forest with several sea caves ripe for exploration.

The most famous is Phee Hua Tho cave, which holds ancient rock paintings dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years. Other caves worth exploring around Ban Bho Thor include Tham Lod Nua (the northern cave) nestled beneath a limestone mountain with stunning stalagmites and stalactites, and Tham Lod Tai (southern cave) marked by an impressive cavern.

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Situated between Phuket and Krabi, Phang Nga Bay is a unique jewel of southern Thailand. Bordered by wild, barren limestone islets, it features mangroves, karst formations, lagoons and sea caves. Kayaking is the primary way to explore the bay.

Phang Nga Bay harbors extraordinary biodiversity. You'll encounter 28 species of mangroves during lagoon excursions teeming with crabs, shrimp and sea cucumbers. Three endangered species thrive here: dugongs, white-handed gibbons and Irrawaddy dolphins. The park also hosts 82 fish species, 18 reptiles, 3 amphibians and ranks as an important bird conservation site.

Paddling Past James Bond Island

Ever since it starred in The Man with the Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies with James Bond, Phang Nga Bay has captivated tourists worldwide. During your park expedition, visit the iconic James Bond Island, distinguished by its sheer limestone cliffs rising vertically from emerald waters.

Note

You can combine a James Bond Island visit with other islands and sea caves by booking a full-day kayaking excursion.

Kayaking in Chiang Mai:

In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai province offers numerous kayaking spots—both calm and whitewater paddling. Jungle excursions, cave exploration, or paddling through the heart of the city itself—here are our favorite kayaking sites in and around Chiang Mai.

Kayaking in the Chiang Dao Valley

There's nothing quite like kayaking for a fresh perspective on nature. Sitting comfortably and drifting slowly downstream, kayaking lets you explore the jungle and observe wildlife in its natural habitat without disturbing the environment.

That's exactly what awaits you on a kayaking excursion through Chiang Dao Valley. The calm waters of the Mae Ping River wind through forest, carrying you deep into the jungle. Let silence settle in so you can hear the animal sounds, and let the current carry you away.

A kayaking excursion in Chiang Dao Valley also introduces you to northern Thailand's most significant cave system: Chiang Dao Cave.

Kayaking on the Mae Taeng River

Crave thrills? Head to the Mae Taeng River, where rushing rapids deliver adrenaline rushes for adventurous paddlers—all framed by the lush jungle landscape.

Night Kayaking on the Ping River

Looking to break from typical daytime kayaking? How about a nocturnal paddle? We recommend an evening kayaking excursion on the Ping River in Chiang Mai.

Depart at dusk and watch Chiang Mai's lights gradually illuminate the city. Observe daily life along the riverbanks, spot beautiful riverside homes, and glimpse the massive native Mai Yai trees.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. For her, travel isn't about checking countries off a map—it's about weaving connections (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples, and all kinds of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, raise awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often arise far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, during a quiet conversation, or in the gentle breath of a world we finally take time to hear…