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Phang Nga Bay National Park -
kayaking to
secluded
beaches & wild limestone karst topography
Level:
very
easy
Season: all year
Phang
Nga Bay is
one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Thailand.
Every day over a dozen canoeing tour companies and countless independent
tour operators take tourists to a few well-known locations in
Phang Nga Bay. The result is similar to road traffic in Bangkok.
It's noisy, congested, and chaotic. The tourists see the famous
"hongs", or inner island lagoons in some of the islands, and make
the obligatory trip to see "James Bond Island". We avoid everywhere
that others go.
Each
of our trip leaders
has paddled extensively in Phang Nga Bay since 1993. No one in
southern Thailand has more paddling experience! We have a licensed
Thai tour guide and a Western tour leader accompanies every trip
too.
Phang
Nga Bay is a large, lovely area
that seems different in every change in weather and light. There
are many fine secluded islands that can be explored at our leisure
in comfortable touring kayaks. In these areas, where only the
occasional fisherman is seen, wildlife is plentiful.
Our
guests, paddling at their own pace, quickly learn the difference
between White-belly Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites (another large
raptor) by the wing configuration while in flight. Other frequent
sightings include Pacific Reef Egrets, a wide variety of Kingfishers,
Little Herons, Frigate Birds, and Blue Rock Thrushes. Sometimes
we catch sight of Oriental Pied Hornbills or Southern Pied Hornbills
perched in trees or in flight.
Guest's
comment: John Furman (American)
We had an incredible trip, exceeded our expectations,
and are eager to do it again. Dave was always good natured,
engaging, and knowledgeable...and didn't put any pressure
on us to achieve great paddling feats! This made it
a lot more relaxing. Thanks again.
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We
frequently come upon monitor lizards
sunning on rocks, and often see Crab-eating Macaques on the beach
or moving in trees near the water. Sometimes we see Dusky langurs
in trees high on a cliff face. Monkeys are common in the bay.
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It is the
quiet and solitude that we seek as individual paddlers.
It is this what we
offer our guests. |
We
stay in bungalows
on an island with a wonderful view of limestone
karst formations spread out before us. We enjoy
the laid back quality of island life.
The bungalows we've chosen are locally owned and operated. All of
the money generated by this operation stays on Ko Yao Noi. The community
is striving to develop sustainable growth and we support them fully.
To read more about the bungalows we use, check out our
Bungalows page.
We aren't too interested in tent camping, which we find very uncomfortable
in the tropics. A shower, a proper bed, and a restaurant are our
choice. More expensive accommodations are available.
If you are booking a private trip and are interested in
more upscale accommodations, just let us know exactly what you want
and we'll quote you a price.
Our
escort boats are large enough to carry our boats and gear. There
is plenty of room under the roof to sit out of the sun between visits
to islands.
We
offer two day and three day trips
into the Bay, for two to six people. Small groups, proper touring
kayaks, orientation to proper paddling technique and safety, islands
off the beaten path - this is PaddleAsia.
If
you have limited time and still want
to experience a quality time on the water, check out our kayaking
day trip deals.
If you
want to read more about our Phang Nga trips, check out our previous
trip reports:
Phang
Nga Bay in the monsoon season
The
orchids of summer
Full
moon crossing from Krabi to Phi Phi
No
experience is needed for any of our trips. The majority of our
guests have never paddled before. No problem, we'll teach you
proper paddling technique.
Our
trips are all-inclusive. This price includes: all transfers (airfare
not included), all equipment, accommodations once on the trip,
all meals, all snacks, all non-alcoholic drinks, a complimentary
PaddleAsia shirt and comprehensive insurance.
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