Ever wish you could explore mysterious caves and mangroves? Sea canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafts are ways you can achieve this goal. Close your eyes and imagine you're paddling past strange and wonderful creatures in dark, damp, haunting caves. Canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting are another MUST DO when you're in Thailand.
Canoeing and kayaking can be done in the open sea and rivers and are available for rent at most beach destinations.
Destinations for Canoeing
Some of the most spectacular sites for sea canoeing are around Krabi and the island of Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. Sea Cone Thailand, based in Phuket, was the pioneering eco-tour company that launched thousands of travellers on their sea adventures. In Ko Samui, sea canoeing is conducted at the Angthong Marine National Park.
On the southeastern seaboard near the Cambodian border, Ko Chang National Park in Trat Province has more than 50 pristine islands ready to be explored by sea canoe. Ko Kra has some of the best coral in Thailand, but no less spectacular are the golden sands of Ko Mak and the bays of Ko Ngarm. At the end of the trip, be sure to spend at least one night at the many river floatels that are available in Kanchanaburi. Floatels are floating hotels.
When is the best time?
Sea canoeing can be done all year round but it is advisable to avoid the rainy season from June to October. On the other hand, river kayaking and bamboo rafting is possible only in the rainy season when the water levels are high.
Necessary precautions
- You should know swimming
- There are quite a few undercurrents; therefore jumping off a float into the river is not a good idea
- Consult your tour operator to make sure the locations are safe for swimming
- Always be sure to sign-up with a travel operator that has experience in conducting such trips
- A good indicator of an experienced operator is their knowledge of the various rivers and streams within the country