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5 Day Sea Kayak Expedition
A five-day sea kayaking journey around Koh Chang, beginning and ending in Salakphet. Explore mangrove forests, fishing villages, offshore islands, quiet beaches and the island’s dramatic coastline—one paddle stroke at a time.
A Complete Sea Kayaking Journey Around Koh Chang
This five-day sea kayak expedition takes you on a full circumnavigation of Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island. Starting from our base in Salakphet, the route follows the quieter east coast, rounds the island’s northern headland and continues along the west coast before returning to the south.
Along the way, you will paddle through mangrove-lined waterways, pass traditional fishing communities and visit offshore islands, remote beaches and sections of coastline that are difficult to reach by road.
Daily distances range from approximately 13 to 25 kilometres. This expedition is best suited to paddlers with good general fitness, an adventurous mindset and the ability to spend several consecutive days on the water.
The itinerary is a guide rather than a fixed schedule. Your kayak leader may adapt the route, landing points and daily distances according to sea conditions, wind, tides and the ability of the group.
Tour itinerary
Every multi-day expedition begins with a familiarisation day. The routes and distances below are a guide and may be adjusted according to wind, tides, sea conditions and the ability of the group.
Distances are approximate. The sea, weather and ability of the group always have the final say.
Familiarisation Day
We recommend arriving on Koh Chang at least one day before the expedition begins. On the familiarisation day, you will meet your local kayak leader and the other members of the group at our Salakphet base. We will discuss the planned route, expected weather and sea conditions, safety procedures and what to expect during the expedition. You will also complete the required medical and emergency-contact forms. Your kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, spraydeck and other equipment will be fitted and adjusted. Dry bags will be provided so that you can prepare and pack the equipment you will carry during the journey. There is no paddling and no food is provided on the familiarisation day. Once the preparation is complete, we will transfer you to the accommodation arranged for your first night.
Salakphet → Mangrove forest → Fishing village → Koh Prao Nok → Koh Lao Ya Nai → Koh Ngam → Tantawan Resort
Your expedition begins at our base in Salakphet, on the southeast coast of Koh Chang. Paddle through sheltered waters surrounded by mangrove forest before passing a traditional fishing community where daily life remains closely connected to the sea. The route continues towards the offshore islands of Koh Prao Nok and Koh Lao Ya Nai, with opportunities to rest, swim or snorkel when conditions allow. We then pass Koh Ngam before continuing to the accommodation at Tantawan Resort.
Tantawan Resort → Salakkok → Than Mayom → Ban Dan Mai
Leaving Tantawan Resort, we follow Koh Chang’s less-developed east coast. This side of the island offers a quieter atmosphere, forested hills and long sections of shoreline rarely visited by travellers staying on the west coast. We paddle past Salakkok and continue towards Than Mayom, where views of the surrounding mountains and waterfall area may be visible from the sea. The day finishes near Ban Dan Mai, one of Koh Chang’s long-established coastal communities.
Ban Dan Mai → Ao Sapparot → Koh Chang Noi → Klong Son → White Sand Beach → Klong Prao
Today is the longest paddling day of the expedition. From Ban Dan Mai, we continue north towards Ao Sapparot and Koh Chang Noi before rounding the northern end of Koh Chang. After entering the west coast, the scenery gradually changes as we pass Klong Son and paddle offshore from White Sand Beach. The journey continues south to the Klong Prao area, with its long sandy beach and mountain backdrop.
Klong Prao → Klong Plu Canal → Koh Yuak → Koh Man Nai → Kai Bae → Lonely Beach → Bai Lan → Bang Bao
The fourth day begins around Klong Prao, with a possible exploration of the Klong Plu waterway depending on tides and conditions. We continue towards Koh Yuak and Koh Man Nai, two small offshore islands where we may stop for swimming or snorkelling. Paddling south, we pass Kai Bae, Lonely Beach and Bai Lan before following the dramatic coastline into Bang Bao Bay. The day ends at Bang Bao, a historic fishing village built over the water on wooden stilts.
Bang Bao → Wai Chaek Beach → Salakphet
Our final day follows the rugged southern coastline from Bang Bao towards Wai Chaek Beach, one of Koh Chang’s most remote and least-developed beaches. Accessible mainly by sea or a challenging overland route, Wai Chaek offers a glimpse of the island’s wilder side, where tropical forest meets an isolated stretch of sand. From here, we complete the final section of the circumnavigation and return to Salakphet, finishing five days of paddling around Koh Chang.
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.
What’s included
- Five nights’ accommodation beginning on the familiarisation day
-
Fourteen meals during the paddling expedition as specified in the meal plan
- Qualified local sea kayak leader with a maximum 1:6 guide-to-paddler ratio
- Tiderace sea kayak, spraydeck, paddle, water shoes and PFD
- Drinking water throughout the expedition
- Dry bags and snorkelling equipment
- Koh Chang National Park entrance fees
- 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
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the familiarisation day
- Dinner and accommodation after the expedition finishes on Day 4
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Transportation to and from Koh Chang
- Personal expenses
Food & accommodation
Five nights’ accommodation are included, beginning with the familiarisation night and continuing through the fourth night of the kayaking expedition. Accommodation is provided in a combination of air-conditioned hotels and resorts along the route.
Single rooms are normally provided. Couples may share an upgraded room, subject to availability.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the main expedition as indicated in the programme. On the final day, breakfast and lunch are included, but dinner is not provided.
No food is included on the familiarisation day. Accommodation after the expedition finishes on Day 5 is also not included, allowing you to continue your journey or choose your preferred hotel on Koh Chang.
Common questions
Is this expedition suitable for beginners?
This trip involves five consecutive paddling days and distances of up to approximately 25 kilometres per day. Previous kayaking experience is recommended. Guests should have good general fitness, feel comfortable around open water and be prepared for changing sea conditions.
Does the expedition travel all the way around Koh Chang?
The planned route is a complete circumnavigation of Koh Chang, beginning and ending in Salakphet. However, safety comes first, and the kayak leader may modify the route if wind, waves, tides or other conditions make a section unsuitable.
How far will we paddle?
The planned total distance is approximately 96 kilometres. Daily distances range from around 13 to 25 kilometres.
Where does the expedition begin?
The programme begins at our office in Salakphet, on the southeast coast of Koh Chang. Transfer arrangements on Koh Chang will be confirmed before the expedition.
What happens to the luggage I do not take kayaking?
Luggage that is not required during the expedition can be stored securely at our Salakphet office and collected after the trip.
Do I need to carry my passport?
Yes. Please bring your passport, as accommodation providers in Thailand are required to register their guests.
Are all meals included?
Eleven meals are included during the four paddling days. Food on the familiarisation day and dinner after finishing the expedition on Day 4 are not included.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The published itinerary is our intended route, but the guide may adjust it according to wind, tides, weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group. Safety always comes first.
Is the national park entrance fee included?
Yes. The Koh Chang National Park entrance fee required for this expedition is included in the trip price.
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 AROUND KOH CHANG?
Tell us your preferred dates, paddling experience and group size. We will help you decide whether this five-day Koh Chang sea kayaking expedition is the right journey for you.