Planning a trip to Thailand and thinking about kayaking? We're sharing our favorite spots for kayaking in Thailand. On the agenda: kayaking expeditions through mangroves, islands, limestone formations and sea caves in the Phuket and Krabi region, as well as calm water and whitewater kayaking deep in the Chiang Mai jungle…

Kayaking around Krabi and Phuket:

The Krabi and Phuket regions rank among Thailand's best kayaking sites. From impossibly turquoise lagoons to sea caves, islands and lush mangroves—there's something for everyone!

Kayaking at Ao Tha Lane

Located about thirty kilometers from the city of Krabi, Ao Thalane is a bay surrounded by vertiginous cliffs. It features a vast forested area home to some of the country's most impressive mangroves.

During a kayaking excursion at Ao Thalane, you'll admire towering karst formations, explore narrow channels, discover sublime secluded lagoons, and venture into caves. As you paddle through the mangroves, you may spot wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and crabs.

Kayaking at Koh Hong

The Koh Hong islands are located in Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi Province. The area features several islands including Koh Hong, Koh Lao, Koh Lao Riam, Koh Pak Ka and Koh Lao Lading.

Most kayaking excursions take place around the main island, Koh Hong. It's renowned for its emerald lagoon ringed by limestone peaks whose shape inspired the island's name (hong means chamber in Thai).

Beyond paddling through the lagoon, you can enjoy its stunning white-sand beach and go snorkeling to discover magnificent coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.

Kayaking at Ban Bho Thor

Want to explore sea caves by kayak? Head to Ban Bho Tho where you'll experience thrilling discoveries and historical significance. This area encompasses a mangrove forest through which several sea caves can be explored.

The most famous is Phee Hua Tho Cave, which contains ancient rock paintings dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years. Other caves worth exploring by kayak around Ban Bho Thor include Tham Lod Nua (the north cave) situated beneath a limestone mountain where you can admire magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, as well as Tham Lod Tai (south cave) characterized 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 deserted, untamed limestone islets, it features mangroves, karst formations, lagoons and sea caves. Kayaking is the most common way to explore the bay.

Phang Nga Bay is home to extraordinarily rich biodiversity. You can discover 28 species of mangroves during an excursion through the lagoons, teeming with crabs, shrimp and sea cucumbers. The area is also home to 3 endangered species: the dugong, the white-handed gibbon and the finless porpoise. The park boasts 82 fish species, 18 reptiles and 3 amphibians, and is recognized as an important bird conservation site.

Paddling Around James Bond Island

Ever since it served as the backdrop for the James Bond films The Man with the Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies, Phang Nga Bay has become a coveted tourist destination. Take advantage of your expedition through the park to reach the famous James Bond Island, distinguished by its sheer limestone cliffs rising vertically from emerald-colored waters.

Note: you can combine a visit to James Bond Island with other islands and sea caves by choosing a full-day kayaking excursion.

Kayaking in Chiang Mai:

In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Province offers numerous kayaking spots, whether on calm or whitewater. From jungle expeditions to cave exploring to paddling through the heart of the city, here are our favorite kayaking sites in and around Chiang Mai.

Kayaking in the Chiang Dao Valley

There's nothing quite like kayaking to gain a fresh perspective on nature. By remaining comfortably seated and drifting slowly with the current, kayaking lets you explore the jungle and observe wildlife in its natural habitat without harming the environment.

This is exactly what awaits you on a kayaking outing in the Chiang Dao Valley. The calm waters of the Mae Ping River allow you to wind through the forest and venture deep into the jungle. Let silence dominate so you can listen to the sounds of wildlife and simply drift along.

During a kayaking excursion in the Chiang Dao Valley, you can also discover northern Thailand's most important cave system: Chiang Dao Cave.

Kayaking on the Mae Taeng River

Craving some thrills? Head to the Mae Taeng River, whose whitewater promises exhilarating moments for adventure-seeking travelers. All set against the lush backdrop of the jungle…

Night Kayaking on the Ping River

To break away from traditional daytime kayaking, how about a night kayaking adventure? We recommend taking a nocturnal kayaking excursion in Chiang Mai on the Ping River.

You can depart at dusk and discover Chiang Mai as the city gradually lights up. You can also observe the life of residents along the riverbanks, admire beautiful riverside homes and even spot the massive native Mai Yai trees.