Kayaking at Ao Thalane

About this trip

Kayaking at Ao Thalane is a paddling trip into the mangrove channels and limestone country north east of Ao Nang, on the edge of Phang Nga Bay. Ao Thalane is a sheltered bay where the water pushes inland between tall karst cliffs, and the paddling routes follow those channels through mangrove forest and past sea caves. It is calm water rather than open sea, and we run it as a half day, as a full day with swimming, or as a sunset trip. Hotel transfer is included on all of them.

What the day looks like

The half day program runs from 08:30 to 12:00. The full day version, which adds swimming, runs from 08:30 to 15:00. The sunset programs go out later in the afternoon, and the Khaotong Hill option runs roughly 14:30 to 19:30. Whichever you choose, the shape of the paddling is much the same, and the order of the route can change with the tide and the weather.

You are collected from your hotel and driven out to the launch point at Ao Thalane. Your guide fits the kayaking equipment, explains how the paddling works and how the group will stay together, and then you are on the water.

The first stretch takes you into the mangroves. This is the quiet part of the trip. The channels narrow, the trees close in overhead, and the sound of the road disappears behind you. Mangrove roots stand clear of the water at low tide and are half submerged at high tide, which is why the route changes through the day and why the guide picks the direction rather than following a fixed line.

From the mangroves the channels open out under the limestone karsts. The cliffs here rise straight out of the water, and the paddling takes you along their base and into the sea caves that the water has cut into them. Looking up from a kayak is the whole point of this section, and it is worth putting the paddle down for a few minutes.

On the full day program there is time for swimming as well as paddling, which is the main reason to choose it over the half day. Coffee, tea, water and fresh fruit are provided during the trip.

The sunset programs paddle in the late afternoon and finish with dinner. You can take that as a BBQ dinner or a local style dinner, and the Khaotong Hill option adds a viewpoint to the evening. Tell us which you would like when you book.

Who this trip suits

The paddling here is calm water and suits all ages, so it works for couples, friends and families alike. You do not need previous kayaking experience. A guide is with the group throughout and the equipment is provided.

It suits people who want to see the limestone scenery from the water rather than from the deck of a boat, and who like the idea of a quiet morning instead of a busy island hopping day. If you would rather spend the day swimming and lying on beaches, one of our island trips is a better fit.

There are several ways to build a longer day around the paddling. Alongside the half day and the full day with swimming, we run half day plus lunch, full day plus elephant care, full day plus ATV, and full day plus ATV and the bioluminescent cave. If you want one of these combinations, say so when you book.

What to bring

Light clothes, sunscreen, a hat, mosquito spray and a camera. Mangrove channels are shaded and still, so the mosquito spray earns its place. Bring something you are happy to get wet in, and a change of clothes for afterwards. If you are on the full day program, bring swimwear.

Good to know

Krabi high season runs roughly from November to April and is the drier, more settled stretch of the year. From May to October the monsoon brings more rain. The programme may change with the tide and the weather, and the guide will adjust the route on the day rather than force it.

Hotel transfer is included, as are insurance, kayaking equipment, coffee, tea, water, fruit and a guide. Tell us your hotel name when you book and we will confirm the pickup time and where the minibus will meet you.

Booking

Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, how many adults and children are coming, and where you are staying. Tell us which programme you want, half day, full day with swimming, or one of the sunset options, and we will confirm availability, current rates and your pickup time. If you are undecided between them, describe your group and we will suggest one.