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If you love nature, beauty, adventure, and scenery, then we highly recommend kayaking in Krabi. This area has a very unique and stunning landscape. There are many inland canals and waterways, and plenty of areas with beautiful mangrove forests. Krabi also has plenty of stunning coastline with steep limestone cliffs and jungle-covered hills. If you love kayaking, this really is a paradise.
In this article, we are going to review a few different places for kayaking in Krabi. We are also going to share specific information and tips to help you organize your own independent kayaking adventure in this area. In this article, we have used our own first-hand experience and travel research. We absolutely love this area, and we are very excited to share our tips and help you plan your own intrepid adventures.
PLAN YOUR TRIP – don’t miss this epic 3 day itinerary for Krabi. See all of the best bits in only 3 days!
FIND MORE HIDDEN GEMS – The best hidden gems in Krabi
What is the best way to go kayaking in Krabi? Independent or tour
GUIDED KAYAKING TOURS – Typically cost £15 – £25 or $28 – $30
INDEPENDENT TRIPS – Kayak rental generally costs £3 – £10 or $4 – $12
This all depends on your personal goals and experience. If you’re traveling on a budget and you feel reasonably confident in the water, you will probably prefer to go kayaking independently. The great news is that it is very easy to show up at one of the kayaking spots, rent a kayak, and go.
If you are really traveling on a budget, we recommend renting a motorbike as the cheapest way to get around the area. Alternatively, you could use a car rental or taxi to get around. Find out more about the best ways to get around in Krabi.
Taking an independent kayaking trip has several advantages. Firstly, you can arrive nice and early in the morning and get the spots to yourself. Secondly, you can go at your own pace, whether you want to speed along, go slowly, take in the scenery, and get photos. An independent trip offers the flexibility to go at your own speed.
However, many people prefer the reassurance and safety of going with a guide. Taking a guided kayaking trip means that you will have a guide who can help train and teach you and enable you to navigate safely through the waterways. Local guides also know the best spots for photos and can help you spot things like wildlife and great viewpoints. Going on a kayaking trip is also a great way to meet people and socialize. Some guided kayaking trips will also include hotel pick up, drop off and lunch.
Summary of a few places to go kayaking in Krabi (independent)
If you want to go kayaking independently, here are a few of the best places to go kayaking in Krabi. Just show up, rent a kayak, and off you go.
- Klong Root – Kayak Rental 300 baht (£6 or $8), unlimited time, very calm beautiful water & nice karst views.
- Tonsai & Railay Beach – Sea kayak rental on the beach – 150 baht (single kayak) and 250 baht (double kayak) for 1 hour (£3 – £5 or $4 – $6)
- Ao Thalane – beautiful coastal kayaking – 500 baht (double kayak) for 3 hours or 600 baht for a 2-hour guided trip (£10 – £12 or $12 – $15)
- Ao Luek Tai – Beautiful caves and mangrove area (Maan Kayaking, bunma.kumad@gmail.com, +66 88 760 8227)
BEST kayaking tours in Krabi
If you want to book a kayaking tour in Krabi, you can just turn up and book a tour with one of the local tour operators in town. We recommend booking your tour a day or two in advance and bargaining to get the best prices. Alternatively, you can book kayaking tours in Krabi online in advance. We recommend using Klook for great prices and fun itineraries in the area.
- Kayaking Tour at Ao Thalane – Beautiful half day kayaking trip, lots included
- Krabi Mangrove Kayaking Tour – Lots of things included, great price & fun itinerary
What to bring for kayaking in Krabi
- A small day bag.
- Water bottle and water.
- A dry sack to keep your valuables safe.
- Some money to pay for kayak rental, food, and transportation.
- A waterproof camera.
- A selfie stick if you are interested in getting some beautiful shots of your kayak.
What is the best place to go kayaking in Krabi
In our opinion, the best place to go kayaking in Krabi is the beautiful Klong Root. You can go kayaking independently here, which means it is possible to do a very affordable kayaking trip in this area. What’s more, this area is located very close to Ao Nang; it is only around 20 minutes by road, so it is also very convenient.
This is a stunning inland canal with epic views of the mountains and clear, calm, beautiful water. To experience this place at its best, we recommend arriving around 7 a.m. when it opens. At this time, you are unlikely to see anyone else kayaking in the area. You can rent a kayak and paddle out into the beautiful clear water with the scenery all to yourself.
There are very good facilities and amenities at Klong Root. When you arrive, there is a free car park. There are also several shops around the entrance area selling snacks, drinks, clothing, and gifts.
It only costs 300 baht to rent a two-person kayak (£6 or $8); this, of course, includes life jackets. The cost applies to the whole kayak, so you don’t need to pay this price per person. What’s more, there is no time limit. You can stay for as long as you like for this price. The beautiful kayaking route is around 1 km; it is likely to take around 30 minutes each way at a steady pace.
There is no need to pre-book or take a guide. You can just turn up, rent your kayak, and go. If you haven’t ever tried kayaking before, this is a nice calm place to practice. Prior experience is not necessary. We do recommend bringing a dry sack in the event that you capsize; remember that any belongings in the kayak will get fully immersed in the water, and a good dry sack is a great way to keep your valuables safe.
Top tips for kayaking in Krabi
- If you’re planning to go kayaking in Krabi, we strongly recommend that you wear a life jacket, even if you are a reasonably strong swimmer.
- If possible, bring a dry sack to keep your valuable items safe. This is especially important if your kayak capsizes.
- If you’re planning to go kayaking later in the day, remember to consider some protection. The water is very exposed, and the sun is very intense in this area. We recommend a high factor sunscreen and a sun hat or scarf.
- Bring plenty of water. It is very easy to get dehydrated in this climate, especially if you’re doing physical activity in an exposed area.
LOVE KLONG ROOT KAYAKING? You may also be interested in a visit to the Emerald Pool in Krabi – not for kayaking but it is great for a wild swim and a mangrove trek. Also don’t miss our Amazing Krabi Day Trip (it includes a visit to Klong Root)
