4 Places for Kayaking in Thailand You Need to Know About

As much as the “Land of Smiles” is about ornate Thai temples, unique culture and delectable Thai cuisine, the water activities in Thailand are also a class apart.

Almost any island in Thailand you go to, you will get the chance to rent out a kayak and paddle to your heart’s glory as I did. But there are a few destinations for kayaking in Thailand that I sincerely believe are worth going out of your way for.

This guide to kayaking in Thailand compiles some of the best kayaking destinations in the country, catering to paddlers of all experience levels. From navigating emerald lagoons to traversing limestone karst formations, Thailand has something special for every kayaker.

So, grab your paddle, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in Thailand!

Koh Talabeng from Koh Lanta

I did the Koh Talabeng kayaking tour from Koh Lanta. Koh Talabeng is an uninhabited limestone karst island off the coast of Krabi. On this kayaking in Thailand adventure to Koh Talabeng, you actually enter the hollow “sea caves” under the island on your kayaks. It gets quite dark inside these caves, with the only light filtering through the small opening. It’s quite a surreal experience!

Usually, kayak tours to Koh Talabeng are combined with other kayaking spots around Koh Lanta, so prices vary accordingly. Since Koh Talabeng is far out in the open sea, a guided group tour is the only way to access this kayaking tour in Thailand.

Here are some Koh Talabeng kayaking tours I recommend:

🛶Full Day Three Islands Kayaking Tour: Koh Talabeng, Koh Aung, Koh Bubu
🛶Mangrove Forest and Talabeng Sea Cave Kayaking Tour
🛶Half Day Two Caves: Skull Island and Koh Talabeng

Koh Nok from Koh Yao Noi

Koh Nok is a small island located off the coast of Koh Yao Noi in the Phang Nga province. This kayaking in Thailand is one of the most adventurous parts of my entire Thailand journey. I rented a boat off Pasai Beach in Koh Yao Noi for 200 Baht. It took me about 45 minutes to kayak to Koh Nok which is visible in the distance from Pasai Beach itself.

When I reached Koh Nok, I parked my kayak on the island’s only beach. I was the only one on the entire island when I reached and it was quite thrilling! I then continued to rappel my way up to the top of the island hill which took about 15 minutes. And then I finally came back down and swam in the pristine waters of the beach and went back to Koh Yao Noi.

If you are looking for a unique, offbeat kayaking in Thailand adventure, this one is it. It was a proper solo adventure and I’d do it again if I got the chance!

Since Koh Yao Noi is still a sleepy town, with not a lot of organized group tours, the only way to do this one is DIY but it’s totally worth it! Some other group trips do make a stop at Koh Nok. However, these are not kayaking tours, but simple island hopping boat trips.

Koh Adang from Koh Lipe

Koh Adang is an island situated in the Tarutao National Marine Park, next to Koh Lipe. Koh Adang is almost uninhabited – save for the Koh Adanga Resort, the only resort and human interference on the island. This island is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and for a hike to its highest point overlooking Koh Lipe – Chado Cliff.

For the adventurous, the best way to reach Koh Adang is via a kayak. You can rent a kayak from many outfits and resorts on Sunrise Beach, like Castaway Resort where I stayed. It’s best to start at dawn for the cooler temperatures. You’ll want to kayak to the park ranger’s office at Koh Adang, pay the national park entrance fee and then climb up Chado Hill. Another kayaking in Thailand + hiking combo I’m sure you’ll love!

Some people might tell you it’s too difficult. But if you have kayaked in the ocean before, you’ll be fine. But don’t let this be your first ever kayak trip as the currents might drain you out.

Khao Sok National Park

Imagine this: you are kayaking in Thailand over clear emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforest, with hornbills flying overhead.

Kayaking is a popular activity in Khao Sok National Park, and for good reason. The park is home to Cheow Lan Lake, the largest freshwater lake in southern Thailand, and the Sok River, which winds its way through the rainforest. Kayaking is a great way to explore the park’s stunning scenery and spot wildlife, all while getting some exercise!

Chances are, you will join a one or two night tour of the national park like I did with Khao Sok Lake because this is the only way to access the natural beauty here. Most of these tours also include a stay at overwater floating resorts which offer complimentary kayaks for you to take around.

Don’t miss this chance, I sincerely believe Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations that must be visited at least once!

Which of these kayaking Thailand adventures are you most likely to embark on?