Khao Lak Mangrove Explorers
Exclusive Khao Lak Mangrove Kayaking Tour: Discover Thailand’s Hidden Eco-System
Join us for an exclusive eco-tourism experience in Khao Lak’s pristine mangroves, offering a unique blend of natural exploration and relaxation.
Example Itinerary
- Begin with a pickup from your Khao Lak hotel in a local-style taxi, taking a short drive to our pier in a charming fishing village.
- Board our comfortable long-tail boat and cruise through the stunning mangrove scenery.
- Upon arriving at our floating base camp, you’ll start your kayaking tour deep into the natural mangrove maze.
- Paddle through these winding waterways, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys, kingfishers, and even otters.
- After your kayaking adventure, return to the floating base camp for some well-deserved rest and light refreshments.
- Enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful hidden lagoon before heading back to the pier. Our local-style taxi will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Khao Lak..
Tour Price
Child: This trip is not recommended for young children
Tour Details
Pick Up Time: 07:30-10:00 (Depending on the tides)
Tour Duration: Average 4-6 hours
Group Size: 2-6 people (larger groups on request)
** Please be aware that our kayaks have a maximum weight limit of 100kg/220lbs.
Tour Includes
• Refreshments
• Drinks
• Kayaking Guide
• Insurance
Things to Bring
• Sunblock
• Sun Hats & Sunglasses
• Towels
• Mosquito Spray
• Light weight, quick dry clothes that you can swim in.
Peaceful and no crowds
We did this trip with our teenage son. It was very peaceful and enjoyed the kayaking into the mangroves. The location is beautiful and did not see anyone else on the day. We saw a snake and monkeys which were just off in the distance but could see and hear them. The swim in the lagoon at the end of the day was beautiful and a great way to cool down and finish off a lovely day. Make sure you use mosquito repellent (I did not get bitten) and sunscreen on the tops of your feet. Guides where very friendly and helpful and offered to tow my kayak when I was getting tired but I toughed it out. No pressure to keep up just go at your own pace.
Book now!
- Exclusive Tour, Only Available Here!
- Un-rushed Guided Kayaking Tour
- Natural Wildlife Safari
Discovery Travel offers the only regular kayaking tours in this pristine environment, providing an eco-friendly and intimate adventure that unveils the mangroves’ natural splendor. As the first company to operate such tours, we ensure a unique exploration of these hidden waters.
Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on a traditional long-tail boat from a charming fishing village. We’ll navigate through secluded mangrove rivers and uncharted waterways, revealing stunning landscapes and offering perfect photographic opportunities. We then reach our floating base camp, nestled deep within the mangroves.
Explore Deeper with Guided Kayaking
At the floating base camp, you’ll switch to kayaks for a guided exploration of the mangrove’s winding streams and rivers. Our experienced guide will lead you through the intricate waterways, providing a close-up view of the unique flora and fauna thriving in this vital eco-system. Keep an eye out for wild monkeys, colourful birds and sleeping snakes in the trees.
After your kayaking journey, enjoy light refreshments at the floating base camp before embarking on a scenic boat ride to a beautiful hidden lagoon. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters before we head back to the pier.
As the only operator of regular kayaking tours in Khao Lak’s mangroves, Discovery Travel offers an unparalleled eco-tourism experience. Book now to discover the serene landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and hidden wonders of Khao Lak’s mangroves, all on an adventure that only we can provide.
Mangroves in Thailand
There are 74 different species of mangrove in Thailand. Mangrove forests are an important eco-system providing food and shelter to many. Many species of mangrove tree have a tangled mass of roots that lift the main trunk out of the water. This tangle of roots is the perfect place for fish to come in to breed and for smaller fish to take shelter. Many of the fish that breed in the mangroves are very important to Thailand’s fishing industry. Many of the local people living in the fishing villages close to Khao Lak depend on the mangroves for both food and income.
Many other animals also rely on the mangroves for food and shelter. Monkeys, birds, otters, snakes and monitor lizards are often seen hiding in the Khao Lak mangroves. Mangroves also help to filter the sediment out of the water that is washed down by the inland rivers, therefore cleaning the water and allowing the light to penetrate down, which is vital for healthy coral reefs.
The mangrove forests also play a massive role in protecting the coastline of Khao Lak from erosion. Mangrove trees can dissipate up to about 70% of the sea’s energy. When the tsunami hit Khao Lak in 2004 many of the small villages were protected by the mangrove forests and therefore sustained less damage than the Khao Lak beach areas such as Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach.
In recent years there has been an increase in mangrove tours and kayaking tours available in Thailand. One of the most common areas for mangrove kayaking tours is in Phang Nga Bay. Phang Nga Bay has one of the biggest native mangrove forests in Thailand. Although Khao Lak has a much smaller mangrove forest, the mangroves in Khao Lak are un-touched by tourists and very healthy. A kayak tour is the perfect way to experience the mangroves of Thailand as there is no engine noise to scare away the wildlife.
Here at Discovery Travel we are very proud of our mangrove kayaking tours. In Khao Lak we are the first and only company to operate kayaking tours regularly and safely into the mangroves in this area. This is an area where expert local knowledge is key so safe tour operations.
Check out the Global Mangrove Alliance to find out more about the importance of the mangrove ecosystems
FAQ’s
What makes this tour exclusive?
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
What should I bring on the tour?
- Comfortable, quick-drying clothing suitable for kayaking.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
- A waterproof camera or a dry bag for your belongings.
- Swimwear and a towel for the lagoon swim.
Do I need any prior experience in kayaking?
Do I have to paddle myself?
This is a self kayaking tour, so we encourage you to paddle yourself. By kayaking yourself, you are in control and you set the pace.
How physically demanding is the tour?
What wildlife can we expect to see?
We often see lots of animals while kayaking. Although of course nothing is guaranteed. Some of the most common are;
- Crab eating macaques (monkeys!)
- Mud crabs
- Mangrove pit vipers
- Mangrove snakes
- Kingfishers
- Fishing eagles
- Cormorants
- Otters
- Monitor lizards
On rare occasions we have even seen turtles, small sharks and even dolphins in this area!
Can this trip be made private?
YES! Each trip can be made private and personal for you. Simply click the “Private Tour” option when making your booking, and we will get back to you with a quote.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Unfortunately this tour is not recommended for young children. Deep water and strong currents can be dangerous for young children. Esspecially when there could be snakes sleeping in the lower branches. Therefore, we set a minimum recommended age limit of 13.
Can I swim during the tour?
Is food provided during the tour?
Yes, light refreshments are provided during the tour. We recommend eating a light meal before departure and bringing any additional snacks you may want (please remember our goal to make all tours plastic free and reduce waste).
How do I book?
Booking a tour in Khao Lak is easy. Just follow these simple steps;
1. Fill in the booking form above.
2. We will then check availability and get back to you ASAP. If the date you chose is not available, we will offer you some alternative dates. We will also confirm the total cost and send you information on how to pay.
3. Follow the link we send you to make your payment. We have found that Wise is the easiest, most reliable and cheapest method of making international payments into Thailand.
4. Once we have received your payment we will send you and e-ticket as confirmation of your booking. All the details you will need will be printed on the ticket, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.
How do I pay?
Making international payments can be tricky and expensive. This is why we recommend using Wise. Unlike PayPal, Wise offers international transfers using the current exchange rates, with no additional mark-ups or hidden fees. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Simply follow these easy steps;
1. Click Here or follow the link we send you to create an account, or log in if you already have one.
2. Select “Send Money”.
3. Select “International” and choose the relivent currencies. (Our tours are priced in THB). All the relivent fees and exchange rates are automatically shown for you. Then click “Continue”
4. On the “Who are you sending Money to?” page, select “Buisness/Charity” and type in our email address. Our information is then filled in for you automatically. If you have any difficulty or require extra information just let us know.
5. Next you will need to fill in your account information.
6. The final step is to approve the payment.
More help can be found HERE.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, except during severe storms or heavy rainfall, which may impact safety. In such cases, we will either reschedule or offer a full refund.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our full cancelation policy.
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