The beach at Koh Ngam – south of Koh Chang.

Although the scenery isn’t in the same awe inspiring league as the limestone karsts on Phang-Nga Bay in Krabi, there is some decent sea kayaking to be had around Koh Chang.

Most resorts have sit-on-top Feelfree kayaks for rent.  Usually for around 300 baht/half day or 500 baht for a full day.  if you are staying in the Klong Prao or Kai Bae areas then you have six small islands offshore which can easily be visted by canoe.  The three islands closest to the shore are pretty sheltered but if you dedie to head out to the furthest island – Koh Yuak, which also has the best snorkelling, be prepared for the sea to get a bit bumpy.

If you plan on heading around the island to either Salakkok or Salakphet Bays then you’ll find places to rent a kayak there too,  in Salakkok bay look for ‘Salakkok Kayak Station’ from where you can rent a kayak and paddle through the canals in the mangroves and out into the beautiful Salakkok Bay.  You will see very few signs of tourism here as you paddle past ramshackle houses  where local fishermen still live.

In Salakphet village, Chang Spirit  Club rents out kayaks and it is easy to follow the canals past boats moored alongside waterfront houses and out into the mangrove lined bay.  In the centre of the bay are two islands, the southernmost of which has a nice little sandy beach where you can stop for a swim and to enjoy the views.  If you head further out of the bay you’ll get to  the private island of Koh Laoya.

For anyone staying in  Bangbao it is relatively easy to explore Bangbao Bay and also get to the remote Wai Chek beach, midway along the remote south coast of Koh Chang.  Paddling out to Koh Klum, the large island at the mouth of the bay is also not too strenuous as it is only a kilometre or so across the open water.  Some small beaches can be found on the south east of the island and pretty good snorkelling of the northeast shore.   the western side of Bangbao peninsula is also home to a troop of monkeys that, regular as clockwork, come down onto the rocks by the sea around 4 or 5pm to wait for the fruit that is thrown to them from tour boats heading back up the west coast of Koh Chang.  The boats will pull in and stop close to the rocks.  You can do the same in your kayak.

Kayak Chang

If the thought of heading off into the unknown in a sea kayak is a little off-putting then it’s well worth considering the guided kayak trips offered by the one professional sea kayaking company on Koh Chang.

Kayak Chang is a British run business that employs experienced UK kayakers as guides and uses new sit inside sea kayaks and equipment all imported from the UK.  Safety is the main concern and everything is done to the same standard as it would be in the UK.

At present they offer everything from beginners sessions to 8 day expeditions to the islands south of Koh Chang.

Half Day Trip

Introduction to sea journeying…Designed for people with little previous experience; this trip is relatively short in distance. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastline of the island in a unique way, whilst under the guidance of experienced coaches.

Price: 1,500 THB

Day Trip

Are you up to the challenge? This journey is aimed at the more adventurous clients, offering the chance to paddle five islands just off the west coast of Koh Chang.

Price: 2,000 THB

Kayaking lessons

Suitable for people with some kayaking experience, these sessions enable you to improve your skills and are tailored to individual ability and experience.  The qualified, experienced instructors will assess your level of ability and tailor make a programme to meet your needs.

Price: 1,000 THB

Multi-day Expeditions

Fancy camping in hammocks, catching fish and baking bread for breakfast on an open fire, all on your own remote island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand?

2 day expedition: 7,500 THB

3 day expedition: 11,250 THB

6 day expedition: 19,000 THB

7 day expedition: 22,750 THB

8 day expedition: 25,000 THB

For more details visit the Kayak Chang website or contact them direct using the form below.

If you liked this page then you might also be interested in:

1. Kayaking in Salakphet Bay
2. Queen's Cup Sea Kayaking Event
3. Koh Ngam, Koh Mai See Yai By Sea Kayak