BEST TIME FOR SEA CANOEING, RIVER KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING

Sea canoeing/kayaking is possible all year round however, it is best to avoid the rainy season from June to October. The best time to sea canoe is probably at year’s end during the cool season between November to January when are generally milder. Although April is a good time to sea canoe, this is when temperatures in Thailand are highest and is therefore one of the least recommended periods for this activity. The more adventurous kind of canoeing/rafting, white water rafting, will be covered in the next section.

River Kayaking and Bamboo Rafting is only possible during the rainy seasons when water levels are high. The rainy season runs from June to October. A good reference for canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting are http://www.seacanoe.net and http://www.wildwatchthailand.com/

CANOE IN WESTERN THAILAND

Canoeing is quite popular in western Thailand in Kanchanaburi where visiters are given the option of traveling to the River Floatels by bamboo rafts or by canoes. Canoeing or bamboo rafting in a river is admittedly much more relaxing as one gets to experience the lush tropical forest where tree canopies shade you from the beating sun. At the end of the trip, be sure to spend at least one night at the many river floatels that are available in Kanchanaburi.

SEA CANOEING DESTINATIONS

Canoeing/kayaking is one way where sea caves can be explored and are typically conducted in southern Thailand, namely in Krabi which is 45 minutes away from Phuket and, Phang-nga bay – well known for spectacular rock formations and sea out-crops. In Ko Samui, most sea canoeing is conducted at the Angthong Marine National Park. Similar to Phuket, the rock formations and caves here are fascinating.

CANOEING/KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING: HOW TO GET STARTED?

Great canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting trips should be well researched. Always be sure to sign-up with a travel operator that has experience in conducting such trips. A good indicator of an experienced operator is their knowledge of the various rivers and streams within the country. The best operators for these trips are usually ecotourism or adventure travel companies. To start your research, consult the Tourism Authority of Thailand . The Thailand Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) is also a great body to consult as it includes listings of reliable member service providers and trip ideas.

CANOEING, KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTS

Canoeing kayaking and bamboo rafts are all great experiences for the adventurous. Canoeing and kayaking can be done in both the open sea and rivers, and are available for rent at most beach destinations. Sea canoeing is an incredibly relaxing activity and is not necessarily difficult. All operators offer a short introductory course for novices before the start of a trip. Why such brief lesson? Because it really is that easy and, not at as exhausting as you may think. For those who are unsure of their skills and stamina and maybe a little worried about being left behind, there is always the option for you to ask for an expert staff paddler to be your partner as kayaks/canoe usually seat 2 persons.

RAFTING IN THAILAND

Ever wish you could explore mysterious caves and mangroves the likes of Robinson Crusoe? Well, sea canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafts are one way you can archive this goal. Close your eyes and imagine you’re paddling past strange and wonderful creatures in dark, damp, haunting caves. Next you discover the sound of crickets and gibbon song as you paddle past mangroves. These are the very special reasons why canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting are another MUST DO when you’re in Thailand.

BE ADVENTUROUS LIKE JAMES BOND

Whether you’re looking for hard or soft adventures, from sea kayaking to simply soaking up the sun on a sandy tropical beach, the islands of Krabi province (renowned as the setting for The Beach) and Phuket (close to where The Man with the Golden Gun was shot), are truly amazing destinations. The symbol of Krabi, which is the oldest continually inhabited province in Thailand is the limestone crag. Nature’s exclamation marks, these towering monoliths seaview sunsets. For water sports aficionados, there are lots of ways to get a light tide of adrenaline flowing, from jet-skis to banana boats, and parasailing to marine fishing. But softer tours of beauty are available in the area, too. One of the most scenic trips is visiting Phang-nga Bay, studded with limestone crags rising hundreds of meters out of the sea. Most of these tours throw in a stopover at James Bond Island, while “paddling guides” also take you in kayaks through sea caves that open up into lagoons, overflowing with placid aquamarine water that’s surrounded by limestone cliffs.

SEA AND RIVER CANOEING

As the hull beneath you slices cleanly through the water, you can feel each shock and slap of the waves. As you come to a bend in the stream or a stretch of turbulence, the precision of your craft is itself a trill. Canoeing has not long been popular in Thailand but the Sarika Canoe Club at Nakhon Nayok just north of Bangkok is one of the pioneers. The river there offers several challenging kilometers of whitewater, especially between June to October when the water is high. As the river in any case winds through spectacular country, it is always a good ride.

Or want to try the sea? Ko Chang National Park or Pattaya are the best sea canoe sites in central Thailand. Ko Chang’s many islands, many still uninhabited, in particular offer fantastic adventure. Run your canoe ashore on Ko Mak’s golden beaches or explorer the scenic interwoven bays of Ko Ngam. Ko Rang offers dazzlingly clear waters and spectacular views. Ko Kra, only half a square kilometer of land, has superb shallow water coral. But in the end it’s the boat itself that counts: The way it answers to the paddle, the way it cuts the surface. Whether you shoot Nakhon Nayok’s rapids in style or find yourself slogging through a choppy sea off Pattaya, it’s the sense of closeness to nature that’s the thing! No wonder canoeing is catching on!