Kayaking in Phuket: Mangroves, Waterfall & Hot Springs

You paddle your own kayak through mangrove channels where monkeys sometimes appear.

A 10-hour eco-adventure from Phuket combining self-guided kayaking through mangrove forests, a trek to a multi-tiered waterfall, natural hot spring pools and a sunset on Natai Beach, with hotel pickup, lunch and an English-speaking guide included. Children from age 7 are welcome. Moderate fitness is needed for the rainforest trek and the kayak sections.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Phuket's water landscapes and nature

• Meet at CC’s Hideaway and get instructions
• Kayak through peaceful mangrove forest
• Enjoy authentic Thai lunch in Phang-Nga
• Drive and trek to Ton Phrai Waterfall
• Soak in hot springs and cold plunge pool
• Relax and watch sunset at Natai Beach
• Return to CC’s Hideaway Hotel

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kata-Karon area.
• bottled water, lunch at an authentic Thai restaurant and snacks throughout the day.
• all local taxes and the services of a professional English-speaking guide and driver.
• kayak rental and all equipment for the mangrove paddle.
• access to Ton Phrai Waterfall and the trek through rainforest.
• entry to Hot Springs Beach Resort with use of the hot spring pools, cold plunge pool and jacuzzi.

Times

• Thursday 10:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 12

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Book up to 15h before

Ages Adult (13 to 65 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy

Operated by CC's Hideaway

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The day starts at CC's Hideaway overlooking the Andaman Sea, where you get a waiver and water before heading to Bang Rong Pier. You paddle your own kayak through narrow mangrove waterways lined with tangled roots and low branches. The channels are calm enough that you control the pace, but tight enough that you have to navigate around the twists and tangles. Mudskippers, birds and occasionally monkeys live in these forests, and the kayak puts you at eye level with the ecosystem instead of watching it from a boat.

After the mangroves, you drive inland to an authentic Thai restaurant in Phang-Nga Province for lunch, then continue deeper into the jungle to Ton Phrai Waterfall. The trek through dense rainforest is moderate. You walk to a multi-tiered waterfall where you can swim in the fresh pools or rest in the shade. From there, the day shifts to recovery: you arrive at Hot Springs Beach Resort and alternate between soaking in mineral-rich hot spring pools and plunging into an ice-cold pool, then relax with a fresh coconut at the pool bar or in the jacuzzi.

The tour wraps at Natai Beach for sunset over the Andaman Sea before returning to your hotel between 8:30 and 9 PM. The whole day is led by a professional English-speaking guide who handles the driving and logistics, so the only thing you arrange is showing up at pickup.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak if I've never paddled before?

The kayaking through the mangrove forest is self-guided and the waterways are peaceful and narrow, so beginners can manage the pace. You do need moderate overall fitness for the rainforest trek and the full 10-hour day, and the operator recommends appropriate footwear since the jungle floor can be muddy.

What's Ton Phrai Waterfall actually like when you get there?

Ton Phrai is a multi-tiered waterfall hidden in the rainforest where you can swim in fresh pools, take photos or rest in the shade. It's the centerpiece of the afternoon trek, and you have time to cool off in the water before moving on to the hot springs.

Does the tour include hotel pickup if I'm staying outside Kata-Karon?

Hotel pickup is included for the Kata-Karon area. Hotels outside that zone incur an extra fee. You'll need to confirm your location and any additional cost at booking.

What happens at the hot springs? Is it just soaking?

Hot Springs Beach Resort has mineral-rich pools you soak in, plus an ice-cold plunge pool you can alternate with, a jacuzzi, and a pool bar where you can order drinks and snacks while you relax. You choose how long to stay in each.

Are there dietary options at the lunch stop?

Lunch is at an authentic Thai restaurant in Phang-Nga Province. Let the operator know any specific dietary requirements when you book so they can arrange it with the restaurant ahead of time.

What time does the sunset happen at Natai Beach?

The tour ends at Natai Beach to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, then returns you to your hotel between 8:30 and 9 PM. Sunset timing varies by season, but the schedule is built around it.