Mirror Lake Krabi: Kayaking at Klong Root

About this trip

Mirror Lake in Krabi is also known as Klong Root. This half-day kayaking trip takes you to the freshwater lake inland from Ao Nang, with hotel transfer included. The standard programme combines kayaking, swimming and fish feeding; drip coffee, ATV and no-riding elephant care are optional add-ons to confirm when booking. On a still day the surrounding trees and limestone reflect in the water, but the mirror effect depends on the weather and is not guaranteed.

Mirror Lake Krabi kayaking at Klong Root: departures and itinerary

There are four departures, at 08:30, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00, so you can fit this around the rest of your day rather than the other way round. The earlier slots tend to be the stillest, which matters at a lake known for its reflections, but all four run the same programme.

You are collected from your hotel and driven inland to the lake. Your guide sorts out the kayaks and the life jackets, hands out the waterproof bag for your phone and camera, and takes you through how the paddling will work. The water here is fresh rather than salt, and it is enclosed, rather than open sea. Follow your guide’s instructions about the conditions on the day.

The paddling itself is unhurried. You follow the lake around, in and out of the shade at its edges, with the guide pointing out what there is to see. This is a place people come to for the water itself rather than for a list of stops, so the pace is set by how long you want to sit still and look at it.

Swimming is part of the trip and most people get in at some point. The water is clear and calm, and swimming from a kayak in a freshwater lake is a different experience from swimming off a boat in the sea, gentler and quieter.

Fish feeding is included in the standard programme and is usually the part children remember. Drinking water and fresh fruit are provided during the trip.

From there, the add-ons decide how long you stay out. You can add drip coffee, which turns the end of the paddle into a proper sit down rather than a quick change of clothes. You can add an ATV ride, which puts a land based activity alongside the water. Or you can add elephant care, which is a no riding programme. Tell us which of these you want at the time of booking so it can be arranged in advance.

Who this trip suits

This suits anyone who wants calm water rather than open sea. There is no swell, no crossing and no long boat transfer, which makes it a good option for families, for nervous swimmers, and for anyone who has had enough of speedboats. No previous kayaking experience is needed and a guide goes with the group.

It also suits people short on time. With four departure slots and a half day format, it fits into an arrival afternoon or a morning before something else. Photographers do well here too, particularly on the earlier departures when the surface is at its flattest.

If you want limestone cliffs, sea caves and mangrove channels instead, our Ao Thalane paddling trip covers that ground. Klong Root is the quieter, more contained option.

What to bring

Swimwear under your clothes, a towel and a change of clothes. Sunscreen and a hat for the open stretches of the lake, and insect repellent for the shaded edges. A waterproof bag is provided, so your phone and camera can come with you. Sandals or water shoes are more use than trainers.

Good to know

Krabi high season runs roughly from November to April, when the weather is drier and more settled. The monsoon months from May to October bring more rain, and a freshwater lake is a reasonable place to be in light rain, but heavier weather can change how a departure runs. We will tell you where things stand close to the date.

Hotel transfer, a waterproof bag, drinking water, fresh fruit, a tour guide and insurance are included. Give us your hotel name when you book and we will confirm your pickup time for the departure slot you choose.

Booking

Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, the number of adults and children, where you are staying, and which of the four departure times suits you. We will confirm availability, current rates and your pickup. If you want the drip coffee, the ATV or the elephant care add-on, say so in the same message so it is booked in advance rather than arranged on the day.