Thailand — Sea Kayaking around Koh Phangan & Ang Thong Marine Park

Family-friendly coastal odyssey: folding kayaks, easy snorkeling, hotels by the beach and island bivouacs

Trip ethos

This journey is designed for families and curious paddlers who want comfort and immersion without logistics headaches. We arrive in Bangkok and acclimatise (Day 1), then head to Koh Phangan for a 5–6-day island circuit by sea kayak with hotel nights every evening. After a rest day, we continue to the Ang Thong Marine Park for 3 days of kayaking and 2 guided bivouacs under the stars.
A smooth rhythm (10–15 km/day, ~3–4 h paddling), plenty of swims and snorkeling straight from the beach — Thailand at sea level, simple and comfortable.

Highlights

Made for families: high-quality folding tandem kayaks (adult + child) and adaptable pacing; hotel nights during the Koh Phangan loop.
Bring-our-own fleet: there’s no local sea-kayak stock — we travel with our folding kayaks, quick to assemble and comfortable on the water.
Two moods, one sea: the sandy coves of Koh Phangan and the limestone maze of Ang Thong in the Gulf of Thailand.
Snorkeling made easy: sheltered beaches and clear water, fins on within minutes.
Comfort + adventure: simple-to-comfortable hotels while touring the island, then two supported bivouacs in the park.
Pro guiding: state-certified sea-kayak guide, daily technique briefings, safety-first route planning.

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Who is it for? What level?

Adults, Kids and teens (10–12 yrs (size/motivation dependent) in a tandem with a parent; teens 16+ can paddle solo.) who enjoy the sea and the outdoors.
No need to be an expert: good general fitness and the desire to paddle 3–4 h/day are enough.
Daily distances: 10–15 km (excluding breaks, swims, snorkels).
Adaptive: launch points and stages adjust to wind, sea state and the group.

Outline — 15 days on site (indicative)

Day 1 — Bangkok (acclimatisation)
Arrival and hotel check-in. Easy evening: rest, time-zone buffer.

Day 2 — Bangkok → Koh Phangan
Domestic flight + ferry (or overland + ferry). Beach-front hotel. Safety & gear briefing.

Days 3–8 — Koh Phangan island tour (5–6 days paddling)
Coastal itinerary by folding sea kayak: granite headlands, palms, sheltered bays and small villages.

Pace: 10–15 km per day, ~3–4 h paddling, with swims and snorkeling.
Nights: beach hotels along the route (clean, well-located; comfort varies by area).
Logistics: light bags; a support boat can assist occasionally if needed.

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Day 9 — Rest day on Koh Phangan
Relax, local market, Thai massage, short walks.

Days 10–12 — Ang Thong Marine Park (3 days kayak + 2 bivouacs)
Boat transfer to the archipelago. Paddling between limestone islets, emerald lagoons and secret beaches.

Bivouacs: 2 nights on authorised spots (weather/park rules permitting), fully guided.
Activities: kayaking, snorkeling, short viewpoints hikes, downtime.

Day 13 — Return to Koh Phangan — hotel night
Wind-down evening.

Day 14 — Koh Phangan → Bangkok (buffer night)
Ferry + domestic flight; overnight in Bangkok to secure connections.

Day 15 — International flight home
Airport transfer; end of trip.

Seasonal note: Ang Thong’s access and permitted areas can vary with park management decisions and weather. We schedule dates accordingly and confirm details in your roadbook.

Boats, gear & safety

Kayaks: folding singles and tandems (ideal adult + child), stable and comfortable.
Provided: paddles, PFDs, spraydecks (as conditions warrant), drybags, group first-aid and communications.
Snorkeling: masks/snorkels/fins available (bring your own set if you prefer).
Safety: daily briefings; weather/tide planning; prudent launch choices; PFD worn while paddling.

Accommodation & meals

Koh Phangan: beach hotels in touring mode (double/twin, private bathrooms), friendly atmosphere, easy access to local eateries.
Ang Thong: 2 guided bivouacs + one night in simple lodging/guesthouse depending on route and weather.
Meals: breakfasts and dinners at the hotel or in villages; picnic lunches; varied Thai cuisine, fresh fruit. Vegetarian options on request.
Water & ethics: regular refill points; reduce single-use plastic (bring a reusable bottle).

Season & conditions

In the Gulf of Thailand, seas are often kinder in the right windows; the route remains adaptive to wind and currents.
Ang Thong operations depend on park access and weather; we confirm the latest status in your roadbook.

Family tempo & learning

Adult + child tandem options keep the effort shared and the fun high.
Frequent pauses, swims, fish-spotting; simple shore walks to viewpoints.
Gentle skills progression: stroke efficiency, reading water, group safety — you improve without noticing.

What’s included / not included (indicative)

Included: professional guiding; folding sea-kayak fleet & gear; hotels in Bangkok (Days 1 & 14) and across Koh Phangan (touring); 2 guided bivouacs in Ang Thong (group camping gear); meals as per program (picnic lunches); listed local transfers; daily briefings & safety oversight.
Not included: international & domestic flights; ferry; meals not specified; alcoholic drinks; tips; travel/medical insurance; personal expenses; any park fees/permits and administrative charges tied to regulations.

Departures & private trips

This itinerary runs on request (families, small private groups) during the best weather windows.
👉 Ask for the roadbook (detailed route, sample hotels, gear, budget, seasonal windows) and tailor the length (15 days on site, adjustable).

Quick FAQ

Is it suitable for children?
Yes — typically from ~10–12 yrs (size/motivation dependent) in a tandem with a parent; teens 16+ can paddle solo.
How far do we paddle each day?
On average 10–15 km (~3–4 h paddling) with plenty of swim/snorkel breaks.
Are there hotel nights every day?
Yes on the Koh Phangan loop. In Ang Thong we plan two supported bivouacs plus one night in simple lodging, depending on route and weather.
Why 15 days total?
To include Bangkok acclimatisation, transfer buffers and a relaxed end of trip before your long-haul flight.