10 Asia adventurous kayaking destinations
Every year, many travellers from around the world visit Asia to explore the unspoiled beauty of the largest continent. While some seek relaxation, others hope to experience life-transforming adventures. Kayaking is one such thrilling activity that motivates travellers to journey to Asia. Kayaking in Asia allows you to discover uninhabited islands, remote local villages, dense mangroves, and incredible rock formations. Asia has many amazing kayaking spots. Keep scrolling to check out more!
Sai Kung, Hong Kong
One of the best is Sai Kung in Hong Kong. Kayaking is a convenient, affordable, and healthy way to explore the area’s natural landscapes. You can traverse fascinating caves, picturesque rock formations, and scintillating corals. You can also explore the abandoned salt pans-turned-fish ponds in Yim Tin Tsai. For a more exciting experience, try snorkelling in the clear waters of Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Explore the Sai Kung Country Park and observe the coral beds and starfish. To make it even more memorable, consider renting a transparent kayak.
Places to kayak: Sha Ha Beach, Hoi Ha Beach, Chong Hing Reservoir, and Tai Mong Tsai
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay, located about 95 kilometres from Phuket, Thailand, is surrounded by limestone cliffs and unique limestone tower formations emerging from the sea. The optimal kayaking experience in the area involves navigating through the ‘hongs’, which are small hidden cave systems that have formed due to years of erosion and limestone accumulation. If time is limited, a day trip to the popular sights is recommended. However, if time is not an issue, it is best to take a longer tour and explore all the lesser-known hongs and inner island lagoons. Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay provides an opportunity to observe white-bellied sea eagles, various kingfishers, frigate birds, and occasionally Oriental pied hornbills.
Places to kayak: Koh Kudu Yai, Koh Kudu Noi, Koh Roi, and Ao Phang Nga National Park
Nam Khan River, Laos
The renowned Nam Khan River flows through Luang Prabang and is ideal for kayaking. Exploring the river provides a vibrant glimpse into the local villages and Laos countryside. Kayaking is possible during two seasons – the high water season from September to February and the low water season from March to August. For the more daring individuals, the high water season is the optimal time to kayak in the Nam Khan River due to the strong current. Traverse through lush jungle, rice paddies, and elephant camps on a 20-kilometre kayak route that takes 3 to 4 hours. The low water season is more relaxing and takes you through white sand beaches and riverbanks that are perfect for photo opportunities. The 11-kilometre route takes around 3 hours to finish.
Places to kayak: Along the Nam Khan River
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake is one of Myanmar’s most beautiful natural regions and can be enjoyed as part of a day tour with a bike, boat, and sea kayak. You can cycle through quaint village trails away from the chaos of city life, boat through pretty canals, and kayak through the waters that take you through the stilted villages. Experience the local lifestyle of Myanmar by chatting with the locals. Observe the locals navigating narrowboats and fishermen using their unique one-legged paddling technique in awe-inspiring roadless terrains.
Places to kayak: Around floating tomato gardens
Komodo Islands, Indonesia
The area is also home to the mythical Komodo Dragon and boasts intriguing corals and fascinating marine creatures such as manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, and dolphins. During the day, explore uninhabited islands and villages on stilts, and at night, enjoy a campfire meal while listening to local stories from your guide and sleeping under a starry sky.
Places to kayak: Komodo, Loh Liang, Gunung Ara, Pulau Rinca, and Pulau Padar
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, is one of the most attractive spots in Vietnam. Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, is one of the most attractive spots in Vietnam. Its emerald waters and towering limestone islands topped by rainforests make kayaking through the bay a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Traverse various islands, such as Stone Dog and Teapot, named after their unique shapes. Discover hidden caves, uninhabited islands, and natural tunnels. Experience the mesmerising coral reefs and playful schools of tiny fish as you kayak through the stunning waters of Halong Bay
Places to kayak: Cat Ba Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Luon Cave, Ho Dong Tien Area, Trinh Nu
Phewa Lake, Nepal
Nepal is renowned for its adventure sports and magical landscapes. Appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Nepal by taking in the towering Annapurna Lake. Kayaking along the lakeshore of Phewa Lake offers a picture-perfect Nepalese landscape. For the best views and complete solitude, it is recommended to start your kayak trip early in the morning. Renters typically arrive after 6 or 7 AM, so it’s best to arrange your trip the day before. If you plan to visit in the spring, keep in mind that the mountain range is often obscured by clouds by mid-morning.
Places to kayak: Lakeshore, Phewa Lake
Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and kayaking is the best way to experience its serenity. Embark on your kayak and traverse the waters to reach Mechrey Floating Village. Explore the local life in the village before heading out to the massive mangrove forest for an additional half hour. Paddle your way to the open lake and then return to the boat to reach the Prek Toal Floating Village.
Places to kayak: Mechrey Floating Village, Prek Toal Floating Village and Kampong Phluk Mangroves
Northern Shore, Singapore
Escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s busy streets and spend some quality time in nature on Pulau Ubin, a quaint island off Singapore’s northern shore. Here, you can kayak in stunning blue waters and spot intriguing marine life such as dolphins, manta rays, and otters. Kayak past Changi Beach and explore the granite caves of Pulau Ubin while keeping an eye out for seagrass lagoons and coastal forests of Chek Jawa. The Ubin bisect kayak expedition covers a distance of approximately 15 kilometres and takes 6-8 hours to complete.
Places to kayak: Pulau Ubin
Langkawi, Malaysia
This popular activity in Langkawi, Malaysia involves kayaking along the beautiful Kilim River to reach the stunning mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. During the tour, you will explore the spectacular local flora and fauna of the area by kayaking through the mangrove forest. You may even spot fiddler crabs, herons, kingfishers, mudskippers, and other wildlife. Discover stunning caves and limestone formations while your guide shares the area’s history. Observe a colony of bats above you as you pass through the Bat Cave. Learn about fish farming and the diverse ecosystem surrounding you.
Places to kayak: Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
With all these ideas, are you excited to experience kayaking? Contact our expert travel consultant at Expats Holidays now.
