Fifteen days in Thailand between tropical beaches, small coves and limestone islets: a gentle sea-kayak journey around Koh Phangan, followed by three days in Ang Thong Marine Park. A trip designed for families, with an accessible pace, hotel nights and only two island camping nights.
Thailand by the sea, for families and at kayak pace
This journey has been designed to discover the Gulf of Thailand without turning every day into a sporting challenge. After an initial stop in Bangkok, we travel to Koh Phangan for a coastal sea-kayak journey, moving from beach to beach with hotel nights along the way.
After a rest day, the atmosphere changes: we head for Ang Thong Marine Park, a protected archipelago made up of limestone islands, lagoons, coves and beaches, where we plan three days of kayaking and two camping nights.
The pace remains deliberately moderate: 10 to 15 km per day, generally around 3 to 4 hours of paddling, with frequent breaks for swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoying the scenery.
Trip at a glance
Thailand · Bangkok · Koh Phangan · Ang Thong Marine Park
Available on request
This journey is particularly well suited to families and small groups. We study the period according to the weather, the conditions in the Gulf of Thailand and access rules in Ang Thong Marine Park.
- Duration
- 15 days
- Level
- Level 1 — Beginner
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- Families
- Children from around 10–12 years old
- Daily paddling
- 10 to 15 km · around 3 to 4 hours of paddling
- Accommodation
- Hotels throughout the trip, except for 2 camping nights in Ang Thong Marine Park
- Kayaks
- Voyage Kayak folding singles & doubles
- Price
- On request
Before the age of 16, children paddle in a double kayak with an adult. From the age of 16, a single kayak may be considered depending on experience and after level validation.
Why this journey works particularly well for families
- A genuine itinerant trip without giving up comfort: around Koh Phangan, each day ends at a hotel.
- Reasonable distances: 10 to 15 km, with swimming, snorkelling and beach breaks along the way.
- Double kayaks: an adult can paddle with a child and share the effort.
- A natural progression: technical basics and safety are introduced during the trip, without turning the journey into a formal training course.
- Two very different atmospheres: the coasts of Koh Phangan, then the limestone peaks and lagoons of Ang Thong.
- Only two camping nights: enough to experience a real island adventure without making it a two-week camping trip.
For children: double kayak before 16, possible independence afterwards
The trip can be considered from around 10 to 12 years old, depending on the child’s size, motivation, confidence in the water and ability to spend several hours outdoors.
For those under 16, the principle is simple: the child paddles in a double kayak with an adult. The effort is shared and the pace can be adapted. From the age of 16, a teenager may use a single kayak if they have the required experience and ability.
The overall journey remains classified as Level 1 — Beginner. The aim is not performance: it is about discovering sea kayaking in a tropical environment with professional guiding, while keeping enough energy to enjoy swimming, snorkelling and life on the islands.
Two complementary areas
Koh Phangan: comfortable itinerancy
The first part of the journey follows the coasts of Koh Phangan over around five to six kayaking days. Granite headlands, palm-fringed beaches, small bays and villages follow one another. Each evening, we return to a hotel on the coast, which allows us to travel light while maintaining genuine family comfort.
Ang Thong: three more adventurous days
After a rest day, we head to Ang Thong Marine Park. For three days, the atmosphere becomes wilder: paddling between limestone islets, lagoons, beaches and small viewpoints accessible on foot.
We plan two supervised camping nights there, on authorised sites and subject to park regulations and current conditions.
Day-by-day itinerary
This programme is indicative. Timings, kayaking stages and transfer arrangements may change according to the weather, sea conditions, tides, marine park access and group composition.
- Day 1 — Bangkok
Arrival in Thailand, hotel installation and an acclimatisation day. Free time to recover from the journey and begin discovering the city.
- Day 2 — Bangkok → Koh Phangan
Transfer to Koh Phangan by domestic flight and ferry, or by a combined road and ferry option depending on the organisation of the departure. Beach hotel installation, equipment preparation and briefing. - Days 3 to 8 — Koh Phangan circuit by sea kayak
About five to six days of coastal paddling. We move between beaches, headlands, palm groves and villages, with 10 to 15 km of kayaking per day. Hotel accommodation every night. - Day 9 — Rest day
A genuine day without itinerancy: rest, market visit, walk, swimming or massage according to your wishes. - Days 10 to 12 — Ang Thong Marine Park
Transfer to the archipelago, followed by three days of kayaking between limestone islets, lagoons and beaches. Snorkelling and short walks are possible. Two supervised camping nights. - Day 13 — Return to Koh Phangan
End of the itinerant section and return to hotel comfort. - Day 14 — Koh Phangan → Bangkok
Return by ferry and inland transport. Overnight in Bangkok in order to secure the connection with the international flight. - Day 15 — Return flight
Transfer to the airport and end of the journey.
Important: access to Ang Thong Marine Park and authorised zones may evolve. Planning a departure therefore takes account of weather windows and the park’s management decisions.
A typical day around Koh Phangan
After breakfast, we prepare the kayaks and hold a briefing on the day’s stage. We generally paddle for 3 to 4 hours in total, spread across the day.
We stop regularly on beaches to swim, have lunch or take out mask and snorkel. The pace can be adjusted according to the children, the heat and sea conditions.
Late in the afternoon, we reach the hotel planned for the stage. This organisation allows us to keep the pleasure of genuine progression along the coast while still finding a shower, a bed and Thai restaurants every evening.
Hotels & two island camping nights
The accommodation principle is deliberately simple: hotel-based throughout the journey, except for two camping nights in Ang Thong Marine Park.
Around Koh Phangan, we favour hotels that are well located for the route. The comfort level may vary depending on the area and the final organisation chosen for the departure, but the aim remains to offer clean accommodation suitable for families.
At Ang Thong, the two camping nights bring the little break that gives the journey its adventurous side. Shared camping equipment is organised by Voyage Kayak and the camping is supervised.
Meals, swimming & snorkelling
Thai cuisine is part of the experience. Depending on the day, meals are taken at the hotel, in small restaurants or as picnics during the paddling stages. The exact arrangements are defined when the departure is organised.
Snorkelling is easy to integrate into the rhythm of the journey: the days are designed to leave time for swimming and underwater exploration, especially in sheltered areas.
We travel with our own kayaks
For this journey, Voyage Kayak brings its own folding kayaks. This makes it possible to use proper sea kayaks suited to itinerant travel, without depending on a local tourist rental fleet.
- Single kayaks for adults and, from the age of 16, teenagers whose level has been validated.
- Double kayaks for an adult paddling with a child, in order to share the effort and make the navigation more secure.
- Equipment provided: paddles, PFDs, spraydecks depending on conditions, dry bags and shared safety equipment.
The kayaks travel packed in their transport bags. The exact logistics depend on the selected flights and are organised specifically for each departure.
To understand how we organise air transport for our kayaks, you can read our article “Traveling with your Kayak – When expedition starts from the airport”.
This journey is for you if…
- you are looking for a first accessible sea-kayaking journey;
- you want to travel with your children without giving up a genuine itinerant experience;
- your children are around 10–12 years old or older and are motivated by the sea and outdoor activities;
- you appreciate a rhythm of 10 to 15 km per day, combined with swimming and snorkelling breaks;
- you prefer to sleep in hotels most of the time, while still enjoying two island camping nights;
- you accept that the stages will be adapted to conditions and to the rhythm of the group.
Dates, price & inclusions
Available on request
Price: on request. The final price depends on the period, the selected accommodation, domestic transport, access conditions to the marine park and the composition of the group.
The trip may include, depending on the final departure organisation:
- guiding by a professional sea-kayak guide;
- folding kayaks and activity-specific equipment;
- the accommodation planned in the programme;
- the two supervised camping nights at Ang Thong and the corresponding shared camping equipment;
- the meals planned during the itinerant sections;
- the local transfers explicitly included in the quote;
- technical briefings, safety and the general organisation of the journey.
The following are notably not included unless otherwise specified in the quote:
- international and domestic flights;
- ferries;
- meals not specifically included;
- drinks, tips and personal expenses;
- personal insurance;
- any entrance fees, permits or specific charges linked to the marine park.
Practical information
A journey planned around the right conditions
The Gulf of Thailand has periods that are more favourable than others for sea kayaking. The date of a departure is chosen according to the usual weather patterns, but also in line with the access rules and opening periods of Ang Thong Marine Park.
Children’s water confidence
Even though the kayaking level is beginner, children must be comfortable in the water, accept wearing a PFD and be able to take part in several hours of outdoor activity in a tropical climate.
Personal equipment
Please bring light clothing that protects from the sun, swimwear, a rash vest or long-sleeved top, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sandals or water shoes, a water bottle, a small personal first-aid kit, as well as a mask and snorkel if you would like to use your own equipment.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the journey?
The reference programme lasts 15 days in total, with arrival in Bangkok, an itinerant section around Koh Phangan, three days in Ang Thong Marine Park and a return via Bangkok.
What level is required to join?
The journey is rated Level 1 — Beginner. It is designed as an accessible sea-kayaking trip, with a moderate pace, launches chosen according to the conditions and progressive technical guidance.
From what age can children take part?
The trip can suit children from around 10 to 12 years old, depending on their size, motivation and confidence in the water. Before the age of 16, they paddle in a double kayak with an adult. From 16 years old, a single kayak may be considered depending on experience and after level validation.
How far do we paddle each day?
Kayaking days generally cover 10 to 15 km, which is usually around 3 to 4 hours of paddling, not including breaks, swimming and snorkelling.
How large is the group?
The group is limited to 4 to 8 participants in order to keep the organisation flexible and well suited to families.
Where do we sleep during the trip?
The journey is hotel-based throughout, except for two supervised camping nights in Ang Thong Marine Park.
Do we travel with the kayaks?
Yes. Voyage Kayak brings its own folding single and double kayaks. The doubles are especially useful for paddling with children. Air transport logistics are organised according to the flights chosen for each departure.
Is the programme fixed?
No. The stages and launch points are adapted to the wind, sea state, tides, access rules in Ang Thong Marine Park and the level of the group.
Is the price already fixed?
No. The price is currently available on request and depends in particular on the period, accommodation, domestic transport and group composition.
Can this journey be organised for a family or a small private group?
Yes. The journey can be organised on request for families and small groups. Voyage Kayak studies the period, the group composition and the desired pace before proposing the final organisation.
Would you like to discover Thailand by sea kayak with your family?
This journey can be organised on request.
Send us your preferred period, the number of participants, the children’s ages and your kayaking experience.