Things to Do · Water Activities & Adventures

Kayaking in Koh Samui: Best Areas & Sea Kayaking Trips

Short answer

For relaxed kayaking, rent a sit-on-top kayak on the calm north-coast beaches such as Maenam, Bophut or Choeng Mon, ideally in the early morning. For a real sea kayaking adventure, join a guided day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park, where you paddle among limestone islands. The park usually closes from around 1 November to mid-December.

Sea kayakers paddling beneath limestone cliffs in Ang Thong Marine National Park. Photo: WeI-chieh Chiu, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Easy kayaking from the beach

Kayak rentals are usually walk-up and paid in cash at small beach huts. The north coast is the most sheltered part of the island for much of the year, which makes it the easiest place to paddle. Good areas include:

Maenam and Bophut: long, gently sloping bays on the north coast.
Choeng Mon: a curved bay in the north-east, where you can paddle along the coast.
Chaweng: possible on calm days, but this east-coast beach is more exposed and can get choppy, especially later in the year.

Sea kayaking in Ang Thong

Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park is a group of limestone islands north-west of Koh Samui. Many day trips include a kayaking session along the cliffs and into sheltered lagoons and caves, usually combined with a viewpoint walk and swimming or snorkelling stops. Boats normally leave from piers on Koh Samui, such as Nathon or Bang Rak.

Trips differ a lot: some include one short paddle, others make kayaking the focus of the day. Ask which stops are included, how long you will spend in the kayak, and whether the route depends on tide and weather. See also boat trips around Koh Samui.

Ang Thong annual closure

Thailand’s national parks close some areas each year for safety and environmental recovery. Ang Thong usually closes during the north-east monsoon, typically from around 1 November to mid-December. Some sources give a later reopening date, and dates can change from year to year, so always check the latest announcement from the national park authorities or your tour operator before booking.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. Sit-on-top kayaks need no lessons, and double kayaks let two people paddle together. On a guided Ang Thong trip the guides help with getting in and out and keep the group together. If you get seasick, remember the boat crossing to the park can be bumpy.

Tips & safety

Go early in the morning, before the sea breeze picks up.
Stay close to the shore and avoid paddling when the wind blows offshore, because it can push you out to sea.
Wear a life jacket, sunscreen and a hat, and bring water.
Confirm the rental price and time at the hut before you set off.
Avoid busy swimming and boat areas.

FAQ

Where is the best kayaking on Koh Samui?

For easy paddling, the calm north-coast beaches such as Maenam, Bophut and Choeng Mon. For a full sea kayaking day, a guided trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park.

Do I need experience to kayak?

No. Sit-on-top kayaks are stable and easy to use. You should be comfortable in the water and wear a life jacket.

Is Ang Thong open all year?

No. The park usually closes for part of the north-east monsoon season, typically from around 1 November to mid-December. Dates can change, so check the official announcement before you book.

Can children kayak?

Many families paddle together in double kayaks on calm days. Children should wear a properly fitting life jacket and stay with an adult.

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On a day-trip boat in Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park: Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Snorkelling stop in Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park: Photo: Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr