Kayaking is one of the sport types that many tourists consider during their Indochina countries’ tours. When you kayak in the countries of Southeast Asia, you can have not only good health but also unforgettable experiences. This sport is developed as a type of tourism combining sports activities with visits to many interesting places. Kayak enthusiasts are in favor of choosing Southeast Asia to practice their favorite sport. Here are the ideal destinations for kayaking in Southeast Asian countries.
1. Halong Bay (Quang Ninh – Vietnam)
Kayaking at Halong Bay – an amazing experience to try!
This destination was voted one of the top 25 kayaking destinations in the world by National Geographic magazine (United States). It is also the best destination for kayaking enthusiasts in the world by Wanderlust (United Kingdom). Halong Bay is without doubt one of the best destinations for kayaking in Vietnam.
This site provides an ideal setting for kayakers. Surrounded by a natural green color of over 1600 large and small islands, Halong Bay is famous for its calm and clear waters, its limestone mountains dominating the vast waves of water, including many islands. If you want to reach the tranquil natural beauty of Ha Long, go kayaking!
You can kayak to access and explore the magical lakes, as well as limestone stalactites for millions of years from Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, etc… in a cruise in Ha Long Bay
Price: from $10 to $25/ person.
2. Chay River (Phong Nha – Ke Bang – Vietnam)
Emerald water on Chay river will blow your mind with kayaking
During your tour to Central Vietnam, kayaking on Chay river takes you in a peaceful and romantic flow with a turquoise blue watercolor and ancient karst towers.
This river is nestled under majestic limestone mountains, flowing calmly through the centuries-old trees, then flows through the cornfields on the deep green. Chay river has a depth of up to 20 m. Both sides of the river are expanses of cornfields creating a charming image of marine life. As you sail along the Chay River, you will feel the fluid and romantic flow with emerald blue water and magnificent ancient karst towers. It is a good descent to enjoy the magnificent landscape that awaits you at this one of best destinations for kayaking in Southeast Asia.
Price: $20/ adult and $7/ child.
3. Mui Dinh (Ninh Thuan – Vietnam)
Anyone who comes here will be amazed at the idyllic beauty of this place. The lighthouse of Mui Dinh hovers by the sea, clear blue water and rocky mountains of many shapes.
It will bring you breathtaking landscapes for kayaking. Also, you can admire the clear colors of the sea and listen to the waves whispering at this one of ideal destinations for kayaking in Southeast Asian area.
Price: $5/ person.
4. Nam Khan River (Luang Prabang – Laos)
While tubing is one of the very attractive sports for tourists on Laos tours, there are also other options for admiring the unique beauty of its landscapes, notably the Nam Khan River. Besides, this river flows through Luang Prabang and kayaking on this river gives you a fantastic view of the countryside and local villages. The environment is beautiful and kayakers can also stop at the Tad Sae waterfall and swim. It is among top destinations for kayaking in the countries of Southeast Asia.
Rent a kayak and descend a less explored branch of the Mekong. Visit during the rainy season of Laos for a more active adventure, or come in the dry season for an unforgettable experience.
5. Nam Song River (Vang Vieng – Laos)
Go kayaking on the Nam Song River and admire the sunset – why not?
The area surrounding Vang Vieng – the river, the mountains, the countryside – is magnificent! And one of the best ways to admire the beauty of the area is by kayaking in Vang Vieng. It’s a great way to explore the Nam Song River and the surrounding mountains. if you want to relax and enjoy the river, my recommendation is to try kayaking instead (or well, kayak in addition to the tubes!).
You have to do kayaking in the morning. It’s a great choice. First of all, it was not as incredibly hot as it was in the afternoon. It’s a good thing, even when you’re in or on the water. Second, you have the river almost to yourself. Most of the time, you are the only one on the river. Also, you meet some locals who take a dip in the river or look for river grass (more on that later).
6. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands – Laos)
Let Si Phan Don’s river flow with and into you with kayaking
There are lots of people who go to Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) to relax since this is among the most specific destinations for kayaking in Southeast Asian countries. Besides, this unique part of the Mekong provides you with too many majestic sceneries to spend all your time, especially in a hammock.
The laid-back archipelago is one of the best destinations for kayaking in the country. Paddle in freshwater and a few more difficult places, admire the magnificent scenery and stop in the villages and islands by meandering along the river. Trips range from a few hours to a few days, with the chance to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
7. Putao (Myanmar)
For active travelers, Putao has something to inspire you on your Myanmar tour. The picturesque Nam Lang River and its branches are simply impressive and completely untouched. There are beautiful waters for paddling and even for rafting adventures.
Your experience is truly exceptional when choosing this one of the most lovely destinations for kayaking on Myanmar tours.
8. Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar)
If you love the azure waters in the most untouched corners of Asia, then the Mergui Archipelago is just the perfect place to enjoy kayaking. The entire area is home to around 800 amazing islands and mostly out of radar tourism. This means that you have the chance to meet virgin nature without any tourist steps.
Aside from the well-known Lampi Marine National Park where you can admire the mangroves, the coastline that connects the port of Kawthaung to the Dawei peninsula has so many hidden treasures to surprise its visitors.
9. Inle Lake (Myanmar)
Kayaking on Inle Lake
First of all, the views of and around the lake are incredible. There are no roads or sidewalks around the lake, locals travel in narrow wooden boats with outboard propellers. You will find villages with houses on stilts along the rivers; admire fishermen catching fish using an incredible one-legged paddle technique.
You can also stay in an overwater bungalow or eat in an overwater restaurant, see thousands of ancient stone pagodas on the hillside, and visit one of the many monasteries along the lake, including the famous Jumping Cat Monastery.
October to February is the best time to kayak here. Water levels are highest in October and November and there are beautiful flowers in bloom. It is nestled in picturesque Shan State. Inle offers 22 km of waters filled with fascinating floating gardens, villages on stilts and exotic pagodas.
10. Indawgyi Lake (Myanmar)
Lovely companions of yours when kayaking on Indawgyi Lake
Indawgyi is simply the largest lake in Myanmar. This off-the-beaten-track site is among the best destinations for kayaking in not only Myanmar but also in Southeast Asia.
There are many reasons why you should bring your kayak in this spectacular setting. Firstly, you will see the award-winning Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Secondly, you can have a chance to soak up the view of the hills or to explore the wilderness of Kachin State.
Price: $15/ day.
11. The Green Cathedral (Kampot – Cambodia)
The Green Cathedral is the nickname for part of the Teuk Chhou River, located about 5 kilometers from the laid-back riverside town of Kampot. It is so named for the green foliage that hovers over the green cathedral (also known as the green loop), forming a sort of canopy from another world.
You can admire misty mountains in the distance, as well as rows of palm trees, Cambodians taking their boats on the river and many riverside guest houses with terraces on the water. This is both one of top destinations for kayaking and for ecotourism travel.
Price: $5 for one hour, $15 for half a day and $25 for a full day.
12. Saracen Bay (Koh Rong – Cambodia)
Kayaking to admire peaceful seascape on Koh Rong
The dazzling white sand and blue skies of Saracen Bay are perfect for a kayak excursion. Saracen Bay is located on the tropical Cambodian island of Koh Rong Samloem, off Sihanoukville. Aside from the monsoon season, the water is very calm. You are accompanied by a school of flying fish for a minute or two once during your Cambodia tour.
Although there are plenty of places to rent kayaks along the beach. You can rent them at Sweet Dreams Samloem, where you stayed. Sweet Dreams is not budget accommodation (it was Tom’s birthday, so we enjoyed it). But the pretty bungalows, and the fact that you’re right on the beach, are worth it in my opinion. Koh Rong Samloem (including M’Pai Bay) is one of the best destinations for kayaking and to visit in Southeast Asia. Far enough to feel less touristy than Koh Rong, it is a larger neighbor. Koh Rong Samloem looks like a remote tropical island.
13. Kratie (Cambodia)
Do not let these lovely dolphins exploring the river alone – let’s kayak in Kratie!
One of the favorite activities of tourists was kayaking on the Mekong. Also, you can see the playful dolphins of the Irrawaddy River. These charismatic cetaceans are in critical danger of extinction. But their number has increased in recent years thanks to the combined efforts of NGOs and local populations. The trip itself is scenic and has confused our expectations of the Mekong as a polluted waterway. Instead, you paddle through fast, blue waters, around submerged trees and mysterious plants.
14. Phuket (Thailand)
When kayaking, you will have a chance to admire the majestic horizon line at a beach in Phuket
Kayaking in Phuket, Thailand is a great way to see this mountainous island without noise. Phuket is known for its attractive regions like Patong. But you find a calmer pace of life in the far southeast of the island. We recommend that you start at the pretty beach of Ya Nui.
You can hire a kayak from there. The largest island in Thailand has a lot of natural beauty and is much cooler in the far south. The currents are not fierce because it is sheltered. Moreover, there are beautiful views of the island of Ko Man, Koh Hong as well as the imposing cliffs that characterize the island. The superb Cape Promthep is visible from the water, as well as the island of Ko Kaeo, which shelters a monastery. Surely, this is one of must-visit destinations for kayaking in Thailand.
15. Phang Nga Bay (Thailand)
This place is considered an ideal place for kayaking in the countries of Southeast Asia. This beautiful bay, located about 95 km from Phuket. Besides, it is surrounded by limestone cliffs and karst towers spring out of the water dramatically. The most famous of these karsts is James Bond Island, due to his appearance in the film Bond The Man with the Golden Gun.
By kayaking at this one of the top destinations for kayaking in Southeast Asia, you can explore some of the incredible areas or rooms inside the islands. These are collapsed cave systems open to the sky and surrounded by massive limestone walls. Often the only sounds you hear in these areas are water dripping from stalactites. They are full of an amazing diversity of flora and fauna.
16. Ko Lanta (Thailand)
Ko Lanta – a true paradise for kayaking enthusiasts
Magic Ko Lanta – the favorite Thai island for many tourists when choosing the best destinations for kayaking on tours to Thailand. Snorkeling and picture-postcard beaches in the tranquil surroundings of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, reggae bars and aromatic curries in the north of the island, and the coast is underdeveloped. You can rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards from many northern beaches.
If you are looking for a more adventurous trip, then you should decide to go sea kayaking in Koh Talabeng and Ko Phee. The huge jungle cliffs of Ko Talabeng have been used by ancient pirates and are wonderfully isolated. As the islands lie off Ko Lanta Noi, this provides an opportunity to see a less developed and more naturally beautiful part of the island. In the minds of many tourists, Ko Lanta is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia!
Read more:
