All Expeditions begin with a Familiarisation Day
Day 1
Bang Bao Beach – Koh Klum – Koh Rang 24KM
From the beach we are afforded a panoramic view of the islands that await us. Once we have packed our kayaks and orientated ourselves, we set out for the western tip of Koh Klum, an open water crossing of 7km. Before you know it, we have reached the first of numerous islands. After a little rock hopping and exploration we arrive at our next spot, where we will enjoy a lovely pre packed lunch.
Departing Koh Klum we look South over the open sea towards Koh Rang Yai. Koh Rang Yai is a protected National Park island inhabited only by the Thai navy. Now 10Km of open sea lies ahead of us before we pass/land on the idyllic Koh Mappring. From here we kayak down the East coast of Koh Rang to our stunning campsite for the night. When we arrive at camp, the tents will be up and ready to occupy and the coffee (real coffee) will be in the pot. To facilitate a good nights sleep, S.E.A.Kayaking will provide wonderful food, a pillow case, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow and airbed.
Day 2
Koh Rang Yai and Circumnavigation – Koh Kra – Koh Mak 23km
A morning of underwater exploration awaits us as just around the corner from our departure are two, first class snorkel spots. A deep water entry allows us VIP access to the beautiful coral reefs and to the wide variety of exotic fish. After our adventure we re-enter our kayaks and head out on our circumnavigation of Koh Rang. Circumnavigating Koh Rang Yai is a delight, with interesting rock formations and wild flora, it is a sea kayaker’s heaven. After a rest on the Northern most beach of Koh Rang, we head East to Koh Kra, where crystal clear water and a stunning beach awaits us, and gives the opportunity to enjoy some snorkelling as well as lunch (again, pre packed for you).
After lunch we head east to Koh Mak, with a breathtaking Northerly view of the islands visited so far and the ones still to come, this crossing is one to remember. As we approach the Northwestern tip of Koh Mak, we spill out onto the North coast and we can then see the site of the rewarding coffee shop only 1km in front. With our bodies fighting fit again, we set out for the final push along the length of the North coast to our resort for the night. A/C, pool, bar, coffee shop, restaurant and hot water are included.
Day 3
Koh Mak(north coast) – Koh Kadat – Koh Mak (south coast) 15km
Departing the resort we turn right towards the Eastern tip of Koh Mak. From here we set out for Koh Kadat (Paper island) after the short 1km crossing we arrive. Koh Kadat is only a 5km circumnavigation (optional), but is well worth doing, if only to stop on the northern beaches to look at the colony of Deer. Once completed, we head back to Koh Mak, and continue to contour the south coast to our resort for the next 2 nights. Lunch will be had at one of the wonderful restaurants along the coast. A/C, wifi, hot water.
Day 4 – Rest Day
Koh Mak is the most beautiful of all the islands(my opinion) and exploring it is very easy. If you choose to get out and about you have various options for transport including Taxi, motorbike (moped), bicycle and of course on foot.
Day 5
Koh Mak-Koh – Koh Wai 23 km
Fully rested we are ready to continue our journey. The first section is a continuation of our circumnavigation of Koh Mak, we head west along the South coast and then up the magnificent West coast; where we are blessed with wonderful play opportunities, caves and lava tubes.
Instead of heading straight to the next island, we continue to contour along the North coast for lunch at The Happy Days resort. From this point we have an open water crossing to Koh Wai (7km) where our resort for the night awaits. A/C, wifi, hot water available.
Day 6
Koh Wai – Koh Laoya Nok – Koh Laoya – Bang Bao 20km
This is a wonderful day that encompasses rock hopping, snorkelling and coffee. Heading due West along the South coast of Koh Wai we are presented with many opportunities to develop our rock hopping skills. Having rounded the Western tip onto the North coast, we land at the aptly named Paradise Beach, where we can again enjoy great coffee and a swim. Refreshed, we continue kayaking along the North coast to the best snorkelling spot on the island. Due North to the small island of Koh Laoya Nok, some 3km away, is our next point of call. This will be our lunch spot (packed).
After lunch, we kayak North back to Koh Chang, then turn left and follow the South coast of Koh Chang, stopping at Wai Chaek Beach, where we have the further opportunity to venture inland in our kayaks on ‘sweet water’. Just an additional 4 km contouring will get us to Bang Bao Pier and our accommodation for the night. Hot water, wifi and the best breakfast
Day 7
Koh Chang West Coast 14.5 km
The west coast of Koh Chang has some of the best rock formations in the National Park. With 5Km of inaccessible coastline ahead, our journey up the West coast offers us ample opportunity to express ourselves. Gliding between rocks, carving turns and testing our skills against the waves, there are challenges for all abilities during this first section of the day.
Alas the excitement ends as we make our way around Bailan Bay headland, one last flurry of interest presents itself as there are several shallow caves that have extensive bat populations. Lunch on Lonely Beach (restaurant), is our next port of call. The remaining 4km back to The Emerald Cove offers us a time to reflect on our journey and revel in our achievement. We have completed our 12 day expedition and should all feel extremely proud of ourselves! I would also recommend having a relaxing and well earned massage for sore shoulders – Paradise Bungalows in Kai Bay is a favourite place of mine to visit for a massage after expeditions.
Distances
Day 1 : 24 km
Day 2 : 23 km
Day 3 : 15 km
Day 5 : 23 km
Day 6 : 20 km
Day 7 : 14.5 km
Longest Crossing: 9.5 km
Circumnavigations
Koh Wai, Koh Rang, Koh Mak, Koh Kadat.
