Thailand · CANOES & KAYAKS

The 15 Best Kayaking & Sea Cave Tours in Thailand

31 tours  ·  from $26 a head

The hongs are roofless caverns inside the limestone, reached through a gap at low tide. These 15 trips compare paddling yourself against being paddled, how many caves are on the route, and which ones run at sunset.

Koh Samui: Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option - Wua Ta Lap Island and the JanJaras climb
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Koh Samui

Koh Samui: Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option

1.Koh Samui: Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 3,728 reviews · 9 hours · from $38Our pick

Spend nine hours cruising from Koh Samui to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. Hike Wua Ta Lap’s steep JanJaras trail for views of 42 islands, visit the Blue Lagoon, snorkel, and choose a guided kayak route to Tum Rang Island. Highsea Tour provides transfers, meals, gear, guides, and snacks. Guide Otto is often praised for his help and humor.

“Kayaking was superb. Decent time on this. Walk up to the viewpoint is not for the faint-hearted but well worth it (bring a change of t-shirt if you are wearing one during this activity). Great day out”

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From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat - Panak Island: caves, cliffs, and the first paddle
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Phuket

From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat

2.From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,528 reviews · 10 hours · from $53

Spend 10 hours cruising from Phuket to Panak Island, Hong Island, and James Bond Island on a roomy two-story boat. Local canoe guides take you through caves and quiet lagoons, while guides such as Ohma, Bobby, Tony, and James keep the day moving. Expect buffet lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and time for swimming.

“Excellent value for the money. Delicious food, incredible entertainment while on the boat, awesome kayaking activities, and the stops were organized and well timed. This trip had it all. Only thing I think should be improved is the transfer from the boat to the james bond island via the large long tail boat. That thing was falling apart and fell unsafe. People had to walk along super narrow edges to get to their seats. Fine for young people but dangerous for older or people with poor mobility or balance. Anyway, best way to spend a day while in Phuket.”

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Phuket: James Bond Island Longtail Boat and Sea Canoe Tour - The early pickup and long drive from Phuket
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Island Hopping by Speedboat, Island Hopping in Phuket, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Phuket

Phuket: James Bond Island Longtail Boat and Sea Canoe Tour

3.Phuket: James Bond Island Longtail Boat and Sea Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,364 reviews · 9 hours · from $52

Travel from Patong, Karon, or Kata to Wat Suwan Kuha, Koh Panyee, James Bond Island, and Talu Island. You’ll ride a longtail boat, eat lunch in a Muslim fishing village, and glide through caves by canoe while your local paddler does the hard work. Guides such as Nikom and Tuk Tuk are known for clear English and good humor.

“Excellent trip, picked up on time and all the staff were very friendly, all locations we visited were excellent and make sure to bring cash with you to tip your canoe guide”

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Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest - Pickup from Krabi hotels takes the guesswork out
Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking in Krabi, Tour Reviews, Tours in Krabi

Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest

4.Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,024 reviews · 4h 30m · from $38

Paddle through Ao Thalane’s mangrove channels, limestone canyons, caves, and quiet lagoons with an English-speaking guide. The route usually keeps you on the water for about two hours, with chances to see macaques, kingfishers, herons, and iguanas. Hotel pickup, equipment, water, fruit, and insurance are included.

“Be prepared for two hours kayaking! Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat! It’s a nice activity but two hours kayaking is intense! However is a nice experience :)”

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Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating - From Phuket hotel pickup to Ao Po Pier
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Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

5.Hong by Starlight: Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,215 reviews · from $128Top rated

Travel from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay from noon to midnight. Your English-speaking guide paddles you through sea caves and lagoons at Panak and Hong islands, while you enjoy lunch, dinner, wildlife, and a Loy Krathong ritual. Guides such as Mike, Adam, Woody, Ameen, and Eau have earned especially warm praise for their humor and care.

“My husband, daughter, and I recently embarked on this unforgettable journey, and it touched our hearts in ways we’ll never forget! The staff were absolutely wonderful. We had a guide for all of our kayaking adventures, shout out to Woody Read more”

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James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat - From your hotel to Royal Phuket Marina
Canoes & Kayaks, Island Hopping by Speedboat, Island Hopping in Phuket, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours in Phuket

James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

6.James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,202 reviews · from $103

Spend a full day cruising Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, paddling through Talu Island’s sea caves, visiting James Bond Island, eating Thai food at Koh Panyee, and swimming at Naka Island. Hotel transfers, equipment, refreshments, a guide, and insurance are included. Guides such as Tommy, Dino, Ohma, and Kung are frequently assigned.

“This experience was absolutely worth it. The tour guides and photos we got were incredible. I highly recommend checking this out b”

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Ko Lanta: Half-Day Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Lunch - From your hotel to Tung Yee Peng Pier
Canoes & Kayaks, Half-Day, Kayaking in Ko Lanta, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta: Half-Day Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Lunch

7.Ko Lanta: Half-Day Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 806 reviews · 3 hours · from $26Best value

You’ll paddle through Ban Thung Yee Peng with a Thai or English-speaking guide such as Karim, Alim, or Ramadan, looking for mudskippers, crabs, birds, snakes, and monkeys. The three-hour trip includes hotel pickup, lunch, fruit, drinks, a village and fish-farm visit, plus a return transfer.

“This experience was very good, really worth our money and it lasted for a perfect amount of time. Our guide, Karim, was very nice with good energy and full of interesting information and facts for us. He made sure no one was left behind and that all of us were listening and understanding him. The experience in general was amazing with respect for the environment.”

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Day Trip to James Bond (Canoeing & Kayaking Islands & Lunch) - Panak Island and the Diamond Cave
1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours in Phuket

Day Trip to James Bond (Canoeing & Kayaking Islands & Lunch)

8.Day Trip to James Bond (Canoeing & Kayaking Islands & Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 728 reviews · from $104

Spend about seven hours exploring Phang Nga Bay from Phuket by boat, with canoe trips through Panak and Hong Island caves, a stop at James Bond Island, lunch, and time for swimming. Hotel pickup, admission fees, drinks, and canoe equipment are included. The group can reach 40 people.

“It was nice idland hoping and the staff members on the boat were great. The Canoeing part was fun and the experience to see all the nature. Would recommend it.”

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James Bond Island by Big Boat w/ Sea Cave Canoeing and Lunch - Panak Island and the first sea cave
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours in Phuket

James Bond Island by Big Boat w/ Sea Cave Canoeing and Lunch

9.James Bond Island by Big Boat w/ Sea Cave Canoeing and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · from $105

Spend about seven hours cruising Phang Nga Bay by big boat, entering sea caves by canoe, visiting James Bond Island, and stopping at Nakae Island for swimming and paddleboarding. Hotel pickup in Phuket, lunch, drinks, guide service, park fees, gear, and insurance are included. Guides such as Tommy and Noon have been praised for friendly service.

“Tommy was such a friendly and outgoing tour guide.along with the staff. He took a lot of pictures for me as a solo traveler. My group was very welcoming and I learned quite a few new things from them. Highlight of this experience was the food. It was amazing! I highly recommend book this excursion.”

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Twilight Sea Canoe Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay - James Bond Island after the day boats leave
Canoes & Kayaks, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Phuket, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Phuket

Twilight Sea Canoe Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

10.Twilight Sea Canoe Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 656 reviews · from $125

Start with hotel pickup in Phuket or Khao Lak, then cruise from Ao Por Pier into Phang Nga Bay. A dedicated paddler guides you through Koh Panak Cave and hidden hongs, followed by James Bond Island, sunset, dinner, and a night visit to glowing plankton. The tour runs about 8.5 hours, with German guides available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

“I’ve been on numerous tours and this was probably one of my favorite. From start to finish it was well organized and the crew was extremely attentive. Pickup, drop off, and boat ride was great. It’s a good size boat and there is plenty of space to be comfortable. It is an all day tour and they will take you through several caves by canoe. We were a family of 4 and while there are only 2 people per canoe (as well as the guide) they made sure to keep us all together and even took pictures of us throughout the tour. Food was great and we felt safe getting…”

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Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane & Optional Full-Day Hong Island - Paddling the mangrove channels
Canoes & Kayaks, Full-Day, James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay, Kayaking in Krabi, Tour Reviews, Tours in Krabi

Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane & Optional Full-Day Hong Island

11.Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane & Optional Full-Day Hong Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 548 reviews · from $37

Kayak Ao Thalane’s narrow mangrove channels with an English-speaking guide in a group of no more than 10. You may add Hong Island, snorkeling, lunch, or a sunset BBQ. Guides such as Anan, known as A, and Bungchai help with paddling, wildlife spotting, and photos. Hotel pickup covers Ao Nang and nearby Krabi beaches.

“We love kayaking here so much. It is definitely worth every penny. Our guide has always taken care of us. The nature is incredible.”

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Deep Mangrove and Canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi - The first crossing takes real effort
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Deep Mangrove and Canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi

12.Deep Mangrove and Canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 543 reviews · from $42

Spend about two hours kayaking through Krabi’s lagoons, jungle canyons, and mangrove channels with a guide such as Boat, AK, or A.K. Groups are capped at 10, and the early start helps avoid the worst heat. Hotel transfers, gear, water, fruit, and coffee or tea are included. Expect scenic paddling with some physical effort.

“The tour was flawless and I would recommend it to everyone who loves nature. Our guide - Boat - was friendly, spoke very good english, told us many interesting things and we also had ample time to enjoy the nature in silence. Guys, give Boat a raise, he's the top guide :)”

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Ko Lanta: Mangrove Kayaking, Ko Talabeng, & Skull Island - From your hotel to Baan Loh Yai Pier
Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking in Ko Lanta, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta: Mangrove Kayaking, Ko Talabeng, & Skull Island

13.Ko Lanta: Mangrove Kayaking, Ko Talabeng, & Skull Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 494 reviews · 7 hours · from $63

Spend seven active hours around Ko Lanta with guides such as Faris or Forest. Paddle through mangroves, climb into Skull Island’s cave, kayak around Ko Talabeng, watch monkeys, swim at quiet beaches, and eat a homemade picnic lunch. The cave climb is steep and exposed, so bring proper shoes and a good level of fitness.

“Really enjoyed the day out.. guides were super kind and did an excellent job. Lunch was also amazing. also bonus thai music lesson on the drive home 🙏”

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Khao Lak: Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour - What Little Amazon is really like
Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking in Khao Lak, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Khao Lak, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Trips in Khao Lak

Khao Lak: Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour

14.Khao Lak: Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 4h 30m · from $61

From Khao Lak, a small group travels north to paddle the Little Amazon with a local boatman, then walks 800 meters through Si Phang-nga National Park to Tam Nang Waterfall. Expect banyan trees, mangroves, snakes, monitor lizards, birds, and a cool swimming pool. Guides such as Gay, Laura, Tay, and Praew are praised for spotting wildlife and keeping the half-day moving.

“Good value for money, waterfall was beautiful but the canoe ride was wonderful! Paddling through a rain forest in the rain!!”

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Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour - Launching into clear freshwater
Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking in Ao Nang, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Ao Nang

Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour

15.Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 391 reviews · 1 day · from $26

Paddle through Khlong Root’s clear freshwater canal and mangrove forest, then stop for a cool swim and fish viewing. English-speaking guides such as Loh, Gin, If, and Ip help with paddling and photos. The outing includes Ao Nang tuk-tuk pickup, fruit, water, and a community forest fee, with about two hours on the water.

“The place is very beautiful and the experience with the guide is really good. The only unpleasant thing is the shocking reception. Not a nice woman at all, she's doing you a favor by accepting you. Explains in a rude and disrespectful way. Then at the end they shove really dirty fruit at you. In conclusion, the attraction is really worth the visit and I definitely wouldn't give up. But the management kind of disgusted us. I apologize that this is the case, it is in our opinion”

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