Khao Lak Mangrove Kayaking by Longtail Boat, Small Group
Activity provider: Discovery Travel - Khao Lak
Reviewed Oct 2026
Discovery Travel runs this small-group kayaking trip into the Khao Lak mangroves, which the operator says cover more than 60 square kilometres. It lasts about five hours, and no more than six people go on any one departure. The operator says it has run mangrove trips here for almost five years.
You leave from a small local fishing village by longtail boat and cruise up mangrove rivers to a floating base deep inside the forest. From there you switch to kayaks and paddle the narrow streams that twist between the trees. After a while you return to the platform for a rest and refreshments. Before heading back to the pier, there is a chance to swim in a sheltered inland lagoon.
Pickup from hotels in the Khao Lak area is free of charge. Included are kayaks plus tea and coffee. The operator gives no start time, so ask for one when you book. Tours run in English and Thai.
Insider Tip: Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the lagoon stop, along with insect repellent and sunscreen. The trip mixes boat, paddling and swimming, so pack light and dry.
Safety Tip: The kayaks have a weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs), and the trip needs a moderate level of fitness. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, young children, or anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
For other water time around Khao Lak, the Local Reef Snorkelling and Deserted Beach tour is a separate option. This one suits fit, curious paddlers who prefer a quiet creek to a crowded beach, and it is not a trip for small children.
Itinerary
What happens
Unknown to many Khao Lak is home to a beautiful and almost undiscovered mangrove eco system with rivers, jungles and forests. Khao Lak's mangrove cover an area of over 60 square kilometers, and for the first time it is now possible to experience this tranquil environment. On this trip we take a maximum of just 6 people, to keep it as excusive and relaxed as possible. Leaving on our longtail boat from a small local fishing village we will take you on a cruise through previously unvisited, unseen mangrove rivers. After some time and photographic opportunities, we will arrive at our floating base hidden deep inside the mangroves. In these totally natural surroundings you will find only tranquility and nature at its best. From here we use kayaks to explore the small streams and rivers that twist and turn through the mangrove trees. After a while we will head back to the platform for some rest and refreshments. Once everybody has got their energy back there is a chance to swim and cool off in a sheltered, hidden in-land lagoon before heading back to the pier.
Included
- Kayaks
- Drinks & Light Refreshments
Good to know
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Before you go
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness This trip is not reccommended for young children Please be aware that our kayaks have a maximum weight limit of 100kg/220lbs.
