Ao Thalane: Kayaking in Krabi's Mangrove Forest

During our last few days in Krabi, we decided to go kayaking in a mangrove forest at Ao Thalane. We had already ticked off many other adventures, such as hiking Dragon Crest Mountain and rock climbing in Railay Beach, so kayaking in a mangrove forest felt like the perfect next step.

Introduction to Ao Thalane

Ao Thalane (or Thalane Bay) is a hidden gem nestled in the Khao Thong Sub-District of the Mueang District in Krabi Province. Just 35 kilometers west of Krabi's bustling city center, this small bay boasts towering gorges and breathtaking natural paddling routes.

Renowned for its natural beauty, Ao Thalane is also famous for being one of Krabi's prime kayaking spots, showcasing lush mangrove forests, impressive limestone formations, and crystal-clear waters teeming with crabs and fish.

Why Kayaking Is the Best Way to Explore Ao Thalane

Kayaking is hands-down the best way to immerse yourself in Ao Thalane’s natural beauty. The mangroves’ narrow inlets, hidden caves, and secret beaches are only accessible by small boats like kayaks. As you paddle, the surrounding forest also provides shade, keeping the experience cool and enjoyable.

Choosing a Tour or DIY

We opted for a group tour for two reasons:

1. We didn’t have our own kayak.
2. Being unfamiliar with the area, we felt more confident with a guide leading us.

Group tours are cost-effective and typically small in size (our group had five pairs, or 10 people total). Tours include safety equipment like life vests and a guide who shares insights about the area.

Private tours are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience, but they tend to be pricier.

Getting to Ao Thalane

Since we booked a tour, the company provided a Songthaew to pick us up. This van collected other participants from various hotels in Ao Nang, so expect some waiting time as passengers are gathered.

Driving to Ao Thalane yourself isn’t really worthwhile. Most tours bundle transportation into their packages, and there’s usually no discount for opting out of the pickup service. Additionally, Ao Thalane is quite far from the Ao Nang area, making self-travel inconvenient.

Best Time to Kayak in Ao Thalane

Morning or mid-afternoon are ideal times for kayaking. We recommend mornings, as the sun is less intense and the mangroves are more pleasant to paddle through. Tours typically start at fixed times; ours began at 9am.

Practical Information

• Tour Cost: Our tour cost 500B per person. Prices typically range from 500–1,000B depending on group size and trip duration. Recently, I noticed that prices have increased, with tours now starting at 750B.
• Duration: Our half-day tour departed at 8am. After a short briefing, we spent 2–2.5 hours kayaking, followed by a 30-minute debrief. We returned to Ao Nang by 1pm.
• Facilities at Ao Thalane: There are restrooms for changing and small food stalls along Ao Thalane Pier to buy a snack or lunch.

The Kayaking Experience

Before we set out, our guide walked us through a brief orientation on basic kayaking techniques. The guide explained our route and also emphasized the importance of staying together as a group.

We started in open water, paddling through a serene lagoon surrounded by breathtaking scenery. While we were beginners, we quickly got the hang of paddling after some initial struggles with steering left and right.

The real magic began as we entered the Ao Thalane mangrove forest. Kayaking through the mangrove forests felt surprisingly more exciting. The water was clear enough to spot some river crabs and schools of small fish darting beneath us.

The narrow passages and shallow waters required a bit more skill, since we kept hitting the shallow sandbed with our paddles. Our guide also educated us through many stories about the history and ecology of the area.

While there were many limestone cliffs through our tour, a standout moment was encountering a pair limestone cliffs that rose dramatically around us. This pair of cliffs formed a natural gateway into a deeper section of the forest, which resembled the Argonath gates from The Lord of the Rings.

The highlight of the trip was a stop at a secluded beach. We parked our kayaks and enjoyed a moment of tranquility, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Things to Bring:

• Waterproof bag (to hold your phone)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Comfortable sportswear (you may sweat during the paddle).

Skill Level Required:

• None. The kayaks are stable and beginner-friendly. The guide will teach you basic strokes, making it accessible for everyone. However, paddling for 2+ hours can be quite tiring after a while.

Conclusion

After tackling many outdoor adventures in Krabi, I initially thought kayaking in a mangrove forest might feel underwhelming.

However, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences of our trip. From the rich wildlife to the towering limestone cliffs and the secret beach, every moment was unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip to Krabi, I highly recommend adding Ao Thalane mangrove kayaking to your itinerary.

Have you been kayaking at Ao Thalane? Share your experience or ask me questions about the kayaking tour in the comments below. And if you're looking for more Krabi activities, check out my other posts for inspiration!