Kayaking is a great activity for Thais and foreigners to do while in Krabi. Many come from far and wide to Ao Tha Lane just to kayak. Here, you get to see a different side of Krabi that isn’t only the white sand beaches.

Ao Tha Lane is 35 kilometers from Krabi Town. It is considered as one the best locations in the world for kayaking because of its untouched natural beauty. You begin the excursion at the entrance of the mangrove forest, then into the canyon, and then around the canyon back to the pier. If you are lucky, you will get to see a handful of critters and creatures such as bats, crabs, needlefish, and maybe even a water monitor. Once inside, kayaking is effortless, so you and your partner can both enjoy the scenery while taking turns paddling.

At the pier, you will see the colorful fiber kayaks lined up by the steps to the water. A little note, prices will vary from a few hundred to a few thousand depending on the type of package you would like; full-day or half day. Taking a tour is highly recommended for convenience. Make sure you get a guide who will kayak with you, so you wont get lost. Packages normally include shuttle bus service from your accommodation to the pier and back as well.

Before you head out to open waters, the guides will explain how to paddle with an oar so that you don’t paddle uselessly and spend energy for nothing. Pay attention to what they have to say, and don’t be a free rider. The excursion can take up to 4 hrs, so help your partner paddle. You will cover at least 4 kilometers if you choose the short route. The long route is 7 kilometers.

While kayaking, you will notice that the water in the mangrove forest is not as clean or clear as the seawater outside. Our guide explained to us that the oil on the surface of the water is waste produced by the mangrove trees. This occurs because the trees have to filter the salt from the water. No wonder why mangrove trees can grow in seawater.

Some parts of the forest and valley form lagoons; fishermen used these lagoons to escape the 2004 tsunami. The walls of the canyon provided shelter during the disaster.

If kayaking is your thing, or if you are just looking for a bit of adventure with sightseeing involved, then you should go to Ao Tha Lane. Fun for all guaranteed.

Address : Ao Tha Lane, Khao Thong subdistrict, Mueang district, Krabi province, Thailand

GPS : N8 9 21.97, E98 44 37.38

Entrance Fee : Prices range from 600 – 1,200 Baht

Best Time : Any time of the year

Highlight : Views of the mangrove forest and canyon valley

Activities : Kayaking, Sight seeing, Learn about ecology

Ao Tha Lane is 35 kilometers from Krabi Town; just take Route No.4 from Krabi Town and turn left to Route 4033, then continue driving for only another 15 kilometers