Mangrove Kayaking in Krabi and Railay Beach
Part of the Krabi and Railay Beach travel guide — see every topic in All Krabi and Railay Beach Guides.
The coast north of Ao Nang is full of narrow channels between limestone cliffs, lined with mangrove forest. Kayaking is the best way to see it. The water is usually calm and sheltered, so it works for beginners and families. It is also one of the best activities in the wet season, when the open sea is too rough for island tours. This guide covers the main areas and how to plan a trip.
Ao Thalane
Ao Thalane is a bay about 30 minutes north of Ao Nang by road. Here the kayak route winds through green channels, between high cliffs and under hanging plants. Guides lead small groups and stop to point out animals. You may see monkeys on the rocks, crabs on the roots and fish jumping in the shallows. Most tours last two to three hours. Some include a short walk to a lagoon or viewpoint. It is one of the most popular kayak trips in Krabi, so book early in the dry season.
Bor Thor and Than Bok Khorani
Bor Thor is another kayak area further north, inside Than Bok Khorani National Park. Here you paddle through mangroves to sea caves at the foot of the cliffs. Some caves have old rock paintings on the walls. The park fee is usually part of the tour price. The same park also has a small forest area with clear green streams and pools, good for a short walk after the kayak trip. This area is often quieter than Ao Thalane, and the caves feel calm and cool.
Tides and timing
Tides are very important for mangrove kayaking. At high tide the water fills the channels, and you can paddle into narrow passages and caves. At low tide some channels become mud, and caves cannot be reached. Good tour companies plan their start times around the tide, so the time may change from day to day. Morning trips are cooler and calmer. In the wet season, short showers are common, but paddling in light rain can be pleasant. Trips stop only in storms.
What to bring
Wear clothes that can get wet and shoes that will not fall off, such as sandals with straps. Bring a hat, sun cream and plenty of water. Keep your phone and money in a dry bag, because kayaks can tip. Most tours provide life jackets, paddles and dry bags, and some include lunch. Do not leave rubbish in the mangroves, and do not feed the monkeys. If you are new to kayaking, ask for a two-person kayak with a guide.
Mangrove Kayaking at a glance
| Getting there | Hotel pick-up from Ao Nang; Ao Thalane is about 30 minutes north by road |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tours of about 2 to 4 hours; start times follow the tide |
| Cost | Tour price; national park fee at Bor Thor, often included |
| Best time | All year; a good choice in the wet season when island tours stop |
| Bring | Strap sandals, hat, sun cream, water and a dry bag |