Before heading to Thailand's Andaman coast, I had to make a decision: islands, or mainland?
It wasn't an easy choice to make, however. Partially because there was a lot I wanted to see, and partially because, well, I'm really bad at making decisions. In the end, I opted to basically just not decide and split my time between Ao Nang/Krabi on the mainland and the island of Koh Lanta.
My decision to stay in Ao Nang was borne from really wanting to visit the nearby Railay peninsula and the beaches I'd heard so much about there. I tacked on a multi-island day tour, too, just for good measure. (More on both of these soon!)
But this still left me with some free time on the mainland.
Instead of just sitting in my hotel room, I decided to go on a slightly different adventure.
My first kayaking experience had taken place just a month or so before, at Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. I was by no means a kayaking pro, but a kayaking tour through some mangroves and into a canyon, culminating in a sunset barbecue on a private beach, sounded like the perfect way to get a unique taste for the Krabi region.
The tour began in the late afternoon when I was picked up from my hotel and transported out to Thalane Bay, where we got a brief introduction to kayaking and began boarding our 2-person boats. I was paired up with a guy from Quebec, who turned out to be a pretty excellent kayaker (and who didn't complain when I frequently put down my paddle to snap photos).
We headed out into Thalane Bay, skirting along some mangrove forests and tall karst cliffs, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys. The karsts burst out of the water much like they had in Ha Long Bay, though they were even greener here in Thailand, especially when paired with the mangrove trees.
We paddled around the bay, and then into a quiet canyon where even a whisper echoed. Here, at the mouth of the canyon, we finally spotted some monkeys!
After about an hour or so out on the water, we headed back to land and were then driven to a secluded beach to catch the tail-end of a brilliant sunset and chow down on some delicious barbecue. Chicken, prawns, fresh fish… we ate it all beneath the glow of tiki torches as small waves lapped at the sand near our table.
As we licked barbecue sauce off our fingers and went through the usual “questions” that all travelers ask one another (the “where are you from, where are you going” set), we commented more than once on how surprisingly awesome this experience had been.
Yes, Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches. But it should be known for the other natural features that it boasts, too. Thankfully, this tour helped make me aware of the “other” side to this part of Thailand.
Is this an adventure YOU would like to have in Thailand?
[stextbox id=”info” caption=”If You Go…”]
TOUR: Ao Thalane Sunset BBQ Dinner with Krabitrek
WHEN: 3 p.m./3:30 daily, with pick-ups in both Krabi Town and Ao Nang; you'll return around 8 p.m.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Transports, kayaking gear and guide at Thalane Bay, BBQ dinner on a beach
HOW MUCH: 1000 baht (just under $31 USD)
[/stextbox]*Disclaimer: I received a free kayaking tour from Krabitrek, but, as always, all opinions are my own.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Sawadii kha Amanda! I just came across this post when I was looking at a kayaking trip in the south. The descriptive pictures and discussion about the prices were helpful!
Did you travel to other islands (besides Phi Phi)?
I also spent some time on Koh Lanta, which I really liked. Definitely need to go back to visit more islands sometime, though.
[…] two while on Koh Lanta. There’s a popular four islands tour here, as well as opportunities to go kayaking, rent motorbikes, and hang out at beach […]
Looks like a great adventure. Being an avid kayaker, I love finding new places to do so. Great post, thanks for sharing!
I’m not an avid kayaker, but I definitely think I could turn into one!
Were those shots taken in Thailand? Looks very familiar.
i think you made a good choice btw. You can’t beat paddling in on beautiful days surrounded by such natural beauty. As i sit here in my office, I can’t help feeling a little jealous right now.
Btw love your logo. The integration of the immigration stamps are quality.
Yup, these were taken in Krabi, Thailand.
Wish I could be in Krabi right now! With the current situation – http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27654428 – I may be more keen to see Myanmar in 2014. Looks beautiful thank you. If you want more info on Burma this piece may be of use to fellow South East Asia travellers – http://www.travelindochina.com/blog-articles/welcome-to-burma
Krabi is quite far from Bangkok, however – I wouldn’t let the military stuff scare you away!
Thanks Amanda 🙂
It looks like a super beautiful way to see the place. I really like doing things a little bit different like that. And you’re kayak buddy doesn’t look at all unimpressed that you’re snapping a selfie whilst he’s doing all the work 😉
Do you ever sign up for things like that and have some be like “Ohmygosh you’re Amanda from a Dangerous Business?”
It was a really fun afternoon! I would definitely do it again.
And haha, no! I’ve never really been recognized on the road! The closest was the last time I was traveling in NZ. One of the girls I met on Magic Bus and I were talking and I mentioned my blog and she was like, “OMG I totally follow you on Twitter and have read your NZ posts!”
I’d love to go kayaking in such a beautiful place!
Never done it before.
On a side note: that sunset photo is amaaaaazing!:)
It’s a lot of fun! I have no clue why I didn’t try it sooner.
Haven’t yet been down to the south (Prachuap Khiri Khan is a sight, though), but it’s where we’re heading in about 4 months…
Great pictures, by the way.
Thanks! The south is pretty awesome – at least, the bits of it I’ve seen!