Home / Expeditions / 12 Day · V2
12 Day Koh Chang Circumnavigation
Begin and finish in Salakphet on an alternative 12-day expedition around Koh Chang and its outer islands — combining local communities, remote coastlines, open-water crossings, island camping and approximately 186 kilometres of sea kayaking.
12 Day Expedition — Version 2
This alternative 12-day expedition begins at our waterfront base in Salakphet and takes you on a complete journey around Koh Chang before continuing into the outer islands of the archipelago.
The route combines Koh Chang’s remote southern coastline, dramatic western rock gardens, quiet eastern communities and mangrove waterways with lesser-visited islands including Koh Mai Si Yai, Koh Kradat and Koh Khum.
Beyond Koh Chang, we explore Koh Mak, circumnavigate Koh Rang, camp beside the sea and visit Koh Wai before returning to Salakphet.
The complete programme includes a familiarisation day, ten paddling days, two rest days and twelve nights’ accommodation. With approximately 186 kilometres of paddling and open-water crossings of up to nine kilometres, this expedition is designed for experienced, water-confident sea kayakers with good fitness.
Tour itinerary
Every multi-day expedition begins with a familiarisation day. Routes and distances are a guide and may be adjusted according to wind, tides, weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
Familiarisation Day
Meet your guide and fellow paddlers at the S.E.A. Kayaking base in Salakphet. We will discuss the planned route, complete the required medical and contact forms, and fit your kayak, paddle, spraydeck and PFD. Dry bags will be provided so that you can organise and pack your equipment. There is no paddling and no food provided on the familiarisation day.
Salakphet → Koh Phrao Nok → Long Beach → Koh Chang Memorial → Koh Khum
We launch directly from our waterfront base in Salakphet and paddle towards Koh Phrao Nok, also known locally as White Sand Island. From there, we continue towards Long Beach and the Koh Chang Naval Battle Memorial, where we stop for a packed lunch. The afternoon includes another open-water crossing to quiet Koh Khum, where we spend the night. Subject to time, weather and sea conditions, an optional circumnavigation of Koh Khum may be possible.
Koh Khum → Wai Chaek Beach → Koh Chang West Coast
We begin with a crossing from Koh Khum to secluded Wai Chaek Beach before continuing around Koh Chang’s southwestern coast. The route passes an inaccessible section of coastline with rocky headlands, narrow passages and opportunities to practise boat-handling skills. We continue past Bailan Bay and its shallow sea caves before finishing at our accommodation on the west coast.
Koh Chang West Coast → Chai Chet → White Sand Beach → Klong Son Bay
From the west coast, we paddle north through coastal rock gardens towards Chai Chet, Pearl Beach and White Sand Beach. We continue around the northwestern coastline to Klong Son Bay, a quieter local area near the northern end of Koh Chang.
Klong Son Bay → Than Mayom → Salakkok Bay
After breakfast, we round the northern tip of Koh Chang and follow its quieter eastern coastline south. We pass the island’s ferry piers and continue towards Than Mayom, with a possible stop depending on time and conditions. The journey finishes at Salakkok Bay, known for its mangroves, traditional fishing community and slower pace of life.
Salakkok → Koh Ngam → Koh Mai Si Yai
Leaving Salakkok, we paddle south towards Koh Ngam, a small island off Koh Chang’s southeastern coast. After a break, we continue across to Koh Mai Si Yai, far from the island’s main tourist areas. Tonight we stay in a traditional fisherman’s homestay, where local food, sunsets and simple island life are part of the experience. The homestay has open sleeping areas rather than private bedrooms. Sleeping equipment and mosquito nets are provided.
Koh Mai Si Yai → Koh Chan → Koh Bai Dang → Koh Kham → Koh Mak
After breakfast, we leave our hosts and paddle towards Koh Chan and Koh Bai Dang, where we can stop for lunch and snorkelling. A crossing of approximately six kilometres takes us to Koh Kham, known for its clear water, pale sand and distinctive black volcanic rocks. We then continue towards northern Koh Mak and our resort.
Rest Day on Koh Mak
Today is yours to rest and recover or explore Koh Mak at your own pace. The island is easy to discover by bicycle, motorbike, local taxi or on foot. You may visit beaches, cafés and local communities or simply relax at the resort.
Northern Koh Mak → Koh Kradat → Southern Koh Mak
We follow Koh Mak’s coastline towards its eastern tip before making a short crossing to Koh Kradat, also known as Paper Island. An optional circumnavigation of Koh Kradat may be possible. The island is also known for its population of deer, which may be visited by local transport when available. We then return to Koh Mak and continue around its southern coastline.
Koh Mak → Koh Rayang → Koh Rang Circumnavigation
Leaving Koh Mak, we paddle west past Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok before making an open-water crossing of approximately six kilometres towards Koh Rang. We explore Koh Rang’s rocky coastline and clear water, with opportunities to snorkel among coral reefs and tropical fish. The day ends at our remote campsite, where the tents and camping equipment will be ready.
Koh Rang → Koh Kra → Koh Mak → Koh Wai
The morning begins with another opportunity to explore Koh Rang’s clear water and coral reefs. We paddle northeast towards Koh Kra for lunch and snorkelling before continuing east past Koh Mak. A major open-water crossing then takes us towards the southwestern coast of Koh Wai. We follow the island’s coastline to our accommodation for the night.
Rest Day on Koh Wai
Today is yours to rest and recover or explore Koh Wai at your own pace.
Koh Wai → Koh Lao Ya → Koh Phrao Nai → Salakphet
We leave Koh Wai and paddle north towards Koh Lao Ya Nok, Koh Lao Ya Klang and Koh Lao Ya Nai, stopping at one of the beaches for a break. An open-water crossing of approximately four kilometres brings us back to Koh Chang. After lunch, we continue through Salakphet Bay towards Koh Phrao Nai, the fishing community and surrounding mangrove waterways. We finish the paddling journey at the S.E.A. Kayaking base.
At a glance
Distances are approximate. Your guide may adjust the route according to wind, tides, weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
Day 1
What’s included
- Twelve nights’ accommodation beginning on the familiarisation day
- Thirty-one meals during the expedition
- Qualified local kayak leader(s) — max 1:6 ratio
- Tiderace Sea kayak, spraydeck, paddle, water shoes & PFD
- Drinking water throughout the expedition
- Dry bags and snorkelling equipment
- Sleeping equipment for the Koh Mai Si Yai homestay
- Camping equipment for the night on Koh Rang
- Activity-based insurance
- Transfers within Koh Chang for expedition activities
- Luggage storage at the S.E.A. Kayaking base while you are paddling
What’s excluded
- Food on the familiarisation day
- Lunch and dinner on the Koh Mak rest day
- Meals and accommodation after the programme finishes in Salakphet
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Transportation to and from Koh Chang
- Optional activities and personal expenses
Food & accommodation
Twelve nights’ accommodation are included, beginning on the familiarisation day. The expedition combines air-conditioned hotels and resorts, simple island accommodation, a traditional fisherman’s homestay and one night of camping on Koh Rang.
The Koh Mai Si Yai homestay offers an authentic local experience. Sleeping is in a shared open-air living area rather than private bedrooms. Sleeping equipment and mosquito nets are provided.
For the camping night on Koh Rang, we provide a tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow, pillowcase and a small fan. Facilities at the remote campsite are basic.
Accommodation on smaller islands is limited and may include fan cooling, shared bathroom facilities or electricity available only during certain hours.
Thirty-one meals and drinking water are included. Food is not provided on the familiarisation day. Breakfast is included on the Koh Mak rest day, but lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Meals after the programme finishes on Day 12 are not included.
Please tell us in advance about any dietary requirements or food allergies.
Common questions
How is Version 2 different from the other 12-day expedition?
Version 2 focuses on circumnavigating Koh Chang and visiting lesser-known islands and communities. Highlights include Koh Mai Si Yai fisherman’s homestay, Koh Kradat, Koh Khum, camping on Koh Rang and a final return to Salakphet. The other 12-day route travels further south to Koh Kood.
Where does the expedition begin and finish?
The expedition begins and finishes at the S.E.A. Kayaking waterfront base in Salakphet, on the southeastern side of Koh Chang.
Do I need previous sea kayaking experience?
Yes. This is a challenging expedition for experienced, water-confident sea kayakers with good fitness. You should be comfortable paddling for several hours, completing consecutive long days and crossing open water.
How difficult is the expedition?
The programme includes ten paddling days, daily distances of up to approximately 28 kilometres and open-water crossings of up to approximately nine kilometres.
What is the fisherman’s homestay like?
The Koh Mai Si Yai homestay is simple and traditional. There are no private bedrooms. Guests sleep in a shared open-air living area with sleeping equipment and mosquito nets provided.
What is the camping night like?
We camp for one night on Koh Rang. Tents and sleeping equipment are provided, but the campsite is remote and facilities are basic.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The published itinerary is the intended route, but your guide may adjust it according to wind, tides, weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group. Safety always comes first.
How do I book?
Booking is a conversation, not a checkout. Message us on WhatsApp, LINE or email. A 25% deposit secures your place; the balance is due at least 6 weeks before you paddle.
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Ready to paddle the 12 Day · Koh Chang Circumnavigation?
Tell us about your sea kayaking experience, fitness, preferred dates and group size. We will help you decide whether this alternative Koh Chang circumnavigation is the right expedition for you