In
the low season, the crowds aren't there and the bungalows are charging
about what they're really worth. This is still a lovely area. The
water is clear, the rock formations are incredible and there are plenty
of secluded beaches. We just don't like going there when there are
loads of other tourists. Safety Note: This is a trip for fit adventurers. You don't necessarily have to be an expert paddler, but you must be capable of paddling for at least three hours at a time. We stop to take breaks. This is not meant to be painfully challenging, just active. We don't use an escort boat on this trip. You will carry everything in your kayak... so pack lightly. Trang adventure travel kayak tourThis area is under heavy pressure from mass tourism operators during the tourist high season. The reefs are slowly being ruined and there is heavy fishing pressure on the reef too. Every day during the high season (November through April), literally hundreds of budget-minded tourists flock to Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Ngai and Rok Nok. The paddling is aesthetically pleasing as well and offering a bit of a light challenge, but one of best things about this area is the accommodation. The bungalows we use are set in a beautiful tropical garden environment with a superb restaurant! In the early morning, you can see a variety of colorful birds visiting the flowers, including some pretty strange birds like the Hoopoe. This bird has one of the wildest ‘crests’ in the bird world. We often see them in the area. Once out
on the islands, we have plenty to explore. The water is clear and
the backdrop is dramatic
limestone
karst topography. There are a few different bungalows we utilize. The bungalows on Ko Muk are situated in a garden setting, with lots of flowers and lush tropical vegetation. As usual, the restaurant here is outstanding. We sometimes wonder if we’re on a paddling trip or an eating tour! Ko Muk features cliffs around half of the island and hills for the other half. White-bellied Sea eagles, Brahminy kites, Pacific Reef egrets, and a variety of kingfishers are seen regularly while paddling around the island. There is one cave we can paddle through which leads to a hidden lagoon. This, alas, is a popular tourist attraction for day-trippers. We time our visit so as not to be there at the same time as the occasional large tour group goes there. It’s normally easy to see it without the crowd. It’s well worth the wait. In the late afternoon, the sun is lighting the upper regions only. The temperature is much cooler inside than outside the lagoon. The sand is some of the finest around and very white. The back of the lagoon (opposite the beach side), features a good variety of epiphytes including some orchids.
The snorkeling is pretty good on the outer islands, though pressure from fishermen and tourists has degraded the coral and diminished the former abundance of fish. Still, there's a very wide variety of marine life all over the area. We've seen massive schools of flying fish rocketing out of the water in front of us. We've had a huge manta ray glide between our kayaks in the middle of a one hour island crossing. Yes, it's true... and it was only about 3 to 4 feet under very clear water! No matter what you see or don’t see, it’s a very pleasant paddle. We've seen other rays jumping as well as other fish. This area is not exactly remote, but it's not a touristy destination by any stretch of the imagination. Massive limestone cliffs, monkeys calling, White-bellied sea eagles, and night paddles make this trip one you'll remember for a long time. Even though you'll be here during the peak of the tourist 'high season', we'll be on our own while on the water.
Further out to sea, we visit Ko Ngai. This island is different from both Ko Kradan and Ko Muk. The east-side of the island is rugged, with cliffs and rock gardens. There is still some good coral in this area too. Other islands we can visit include Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Rok Nok and Ko Libong. Ko Lanta Yai has been a backpacker destination for quite some time. However, they don't visit the east-side of the island. Old Lanta Town is one of the most charming islands in the South. The streets are clean and the old wooden houses are very visually appealing. Ko
Rok Nok [there are two islands] used to be one of
the most beautiful islands in the area. Heavy fishing and tourist
pressure has resulted in massive destruction of the reefs. Most of
the fish that are left are small. Still, the water is very clear and
the islands have some wonderful rock formations. This area is subject to waves in the low season. We can run a limited trip (not going out to the outermost islands) in low season with inexperienced paddlers, but we won’t risk going out to the islands if a particular day looks questionable. It is recommended for experienced paddlers during this period.
Maps of Trang Click here to see a map of the Islands of Trang of click here to see a sample itinerary written on a map.
If you'd like to read more about Trang, check out our previous trip reports: The
relaxed paddling style Trang
photo galleries:
Our trips are all-inclusive. This price includes: all transfers from nearest hotel or airport (airfare not included), all equipment, accommodations once on the trip, all meals, all snacks, coffee, tea, a complimentary PaddleAsia shirt and insurance.
9/71
Moo 3 Thanon Rasdanusorn, Ban Kuku, Phuket 83000 Related
web sites: Mountain
Biking • Thailand
Seakayaking •
Birding in Thailand •
Thailand Eco Tours •
Thailand Adventure tours
in Khao Sok Tourism
Authority of Thailand License Number 31/0204
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After
we visit Ko Muk, we normally go out to the next island, Ko Kradan,
which is further away from the mainland. It’s a short paddle
that usually takes a little over an hour paddling slowly. 
Ko
Kradan is a beautiful island with stunning long beaches, clear water,
and a good amount of bird life. Kites and eagles soar high overhead,
while brightly-colored Collared kingfishers stand guard over the schooling
smaller fishes. The snorkeling is very pleasurable. Much of the coral
has been damages, just like everywhere else in Thailand, but there’s
still a lot of fish, starfish, anemones, and so on. It’s certainly
worth seeing.
