Activities

Sea Kayaking Trips and Tours

Sea kayaking courses dna day trips on Koh Chang

Padding Around Koh Chang and other Islands

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 and some excellent islands to visit.  Over the years I’ve made it to all the islands in the Marine National Park by kayak – but you may not have time to do that whilst here on holiday.  ( It took me over 2 years to find the time to get to all of them. )

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 visited by canoe.   The three islands closest to the shore are pretty sheltered but if you decide 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, Island View Resort 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.

South East Asia Kayaking ( formerly 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.

SEA Kayaking is a British run business that employs experienced UK and Thai kayakers as guides and uses new Tiderace Xcape expedition boats and equipment is 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 and day paddles to multi-day expeditions to the islands south of Koh Chang.

They also offer the BCU 3* and leader kayaking training and assessment courses.  I took the BCU 3* course with them a couple of years ago.  

Sea Kayaking Introduction Course
No previous experience required. Learn how to handle a sea kayak and take it on a journey as well as rescue skills.
Duration: 3 days
 
Intermediate (Improvers) Sea Kayaking
Some previous kayaking experience but not necessarily in sea kayaks.
You should be comfortable using a spray deck and happy with the basics i.e. turning and going in a straight line.
During the course distances of around 10 miles a day will be covered. This will depend on conditions and ability of the group.
This course suits people that have a sit on top kayak and want to try the real thing!!
Duration: 3 days
 
Full Day Expedition
A wonderful way to see the Islands off the west coast of Koh Chang. During the day they cover approximately 12km and visit 5 islands: Koh Man Noi, Koh Man Nok, Koh Pli, Koh Yuak and, finally, Koh Suwan.
 
Multi Day Expeditions
All multi-day expeditions will start with a Familiarisation Day to prepare the trip.
The prices include drinking water and food during the day. The two longer trips (7 and 12 days) also having resting days in their schedule.
All prices include insurance and accomodation (shared rooms/tents with the option to upgrade to single).
 
3-day Expedition
A total of 49 km to row touching the islands of Klong Koi, Koh Klum, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Nei.
The first night is on Koh Wai, the second night in the fishermen’s village in Bang Bao on the southern tip of Koh Chang.
 
4-day Expedition
A 67 kilometers trip that visits Klong Koi, Koh Klum, Koh Wai, Koh Bae Dank, Koh Chan (not Chang), Koh Maissi Yai, Koh Ngam and Koh Lao Nai.
The nights will be spent on Koh Wai, Koh Ngam and Koh Chang,.
 
7-day Expedition
Covering more than 100 km and with one day rest on Koh Mak, this week will bring you (well, you sorta bring yourself) to more than 12 islands in the archipelago.
 
12-day Expedition
This sea kayaking trip of a lifetime covers almost 200 km distance and you will see a third of the 51 archipelago islands.
 

For more details and prices visit the SEA Kayaking website

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Koh Chang Island Guide For Independent Travellers