Looking for a day away from the beaches of Krabi?
A kayaking trip through Ao Tha Lane’s mangrove forests is a perfect family escape. Paddling past towering limestone cliffs, winding waterways, and dense mangroves feels like discovering a hidden world full of adventure, wildlife, and a hint of mystery. As avid kayakers, this trip was one of our favourite days—and left us wishing we could have stayed out on the water longer.
Ao Tha Lane Mangrove Forests
Ao Tha Lane, about 30–40 minutes by car from Ao Nang, is a protected natural area known for its stunning limestone cliffs and wild mangroves. The calm, shallow waters make it approachable for families, while the dense forest is home to monkeys, monitor lizards, herons, and kingfishers—keeping kids’ eyes and imaginations busy. Paddling through this intricate system of canals and lagoons is a peaceful contrast to the busy beaches of Krabi.
Our Day Kayaking the Mangrove Forest
We started our paddle in a calm bay, then out to open water, where we passed towering limestone cliffs that seemed to grow dramatically from the turquoise waters. The open water portion was more challenging due to wind and currents, but it offered sweeping views and a sense of adventure.
Once we entered the mangroves, the scenery transformed. The dense canopy of leaves above shaded the water as we navigated through a system of narrow canals and lagoons. The tangled roots of the mangrove trees looked like numerous tentacles of sea monsters, creating a mysterious atmosphere as we slowly moved through the shallow waters.
The boys loved spotting monkeys in the trees and searching for wildlife on the shore. The narrow waterways made paddling peaceful—it’s the kind of experience that makes you wish the day could last longer.
Booking a Mangrove Tour
There are many companies offering tours from Ao Nang, and you can easily find information along the boardwalk in Ao Nang. But logistics matter. We ran into timing and safety issues with our transportation, which added undue stress to the day. Do your research before booking!
Tour Length: Both half-day (4-5 hours) and full-day tours (7-8 hours) are available—pick based on your family’s stamina.
Tide Matters: High tide is key for exploring the mangrove forest fully. At low tide, much of the forest is unreachable, forcing longer open-water paddling to more distant forest entrances. We unknowingly booked at low tide and ended up with only 30 minutes in the forest.
Safety: Ensure kids are paired with adults and that the company provides appropriately sized life vests. Our boys, who are experienced kayakers, found the open-water paddling long and challenging.
Sun Protection: Hats, rash guards, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential, especially during setup and open-water paddling.
Dry Bag: Keep valuables safe from splashes with a dry bag.
Bring a Towel: Kayaking is wet even when you don’t fall in!
A Day on the Water
Paddling through Ao Tha Lane’s mangroves was an unforgettable family adventure. The mix of wildlife, winding waterways, and towering cliffs offered a unique perspective on Krabi beyond the beaches. With careful planning—especially around tides—this is a fun family-friendly activity that adds a whole new layer to a Krabi itinerary.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
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• 6-Day Itinerary in Krabi, Thailand with Kids
• Kayaking Ao Tha Lane’s Mangrove Forest: A Family Guide
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