Kayaking

Kayaks can be hired from many different locations where the sea is suitable for kayaking, enabling you to explore the hidden coves and beaches around this beautiful island. The west coast of Koh Phangan, from Wok Tum to Koh Ma has some of the calmest water and is a great area of the island to go beach hopping. However, the seas are often calm around most of the island, offering some great kayaking in many locations. As well as the west coast, other popular routes are between Chaloklum and Haad Khom and also from Khuat Thong Nai Pan to Haad Kuad (Bottle Beach). You can easily paddle from Haad Rin beach around to Haad Khontee and then onwards to Haad Thian and Haad Yuan. Please remember that calm water can quickly become choppy when you get around a headland or go near the rocks. Get local advice before you head out onto the water, as some areas are subject to strong tidal drifts and currents. As with swimming, you should always head into currents first, as this will make your return journey much easier. Remember if you are going to be out in the baking sun it's good to have clothing to help protect you from the sun, especially on your shoulders and head. Also take plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated. Many of the boat tours to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, also offer kayaking in the bays of some of these small islands as part of the package. If kayaking is your thing, then check with the tour operator before booking. Popular places to rent a kayak are at The Beach Village and Haad Son, and expect to pay around 100B - 150B per hour or 300B - 400B for the day. Phangan Adventure, at Chaloklum, offers guided kayak tours of the coastline, and you can also hire kayaks from them as well as from many of the resorts on the island. Haad Rin’s Backpackers Info Centre at Lotus Dive Resort, Haad Rin, offers kayaking trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Tel: +66 77375535

Map of Lower Gulf of Thailand

Lower Gulf of Thailand-Map