Phuket Kayaking

Sea kayaking in Phang Nga Bay is an amazing experience you really shouldn't miss. Discover a unique and hidden world as you weave your way through a network of brilliant crystalline limestone caves in your sturdy canoe. With expert guides, you need no prior experience or expertise to explore one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand.

While most Phuket kayaking tours are self-paddled, some excursions allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery while your guide does the paddling for you. This also leaves your hands free to hold your camera, so that you can take photos of places that are inaccessible from larger tour boats.

What to expect from Phuket kayaking

A hong ('room' in Thai) refers to a collapsed cave system in the interior of each island in Phang Nga Bay. It's only accessed by tough, purpose-designed inflatable canoes through sea caves at low tide. Open to the sky and filled with jungle flora and fauna, hongs conceal a unique eco-system with monkeys, birds, and fish.

Local operators can take you to dozens of hongs between Phang Nga and Krabi to the south. Each hong tends to have its own distinct character, and visiting island after island can take days, even a week.

photo by Jason (CC BY 2.0) modified

When is the best time for kayaking in Phuket?

Only small groups of people are taken out at a given time, with experienced guides accompanying every boat. Not only do they lead the way and provide commentary, but also suggest ways to conserve these natural resources.

While there may be a week or 2 of inclement weather every year, you can enjoy Phuket kayaking trips any time of year, even in the low season. Still, for those who like their sunshine, December to March is the best time to enjoy this sightseeing trip.

photo by Jeff Gunn (CC BY 2.0) modified

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