Krabi is the place to be if you want to experience the beauty of nature, but if you’re planning a trip to this wondrous place, you might be restricting yourself to only the usual spots. And while the beaches and limestone cliffs are still worth paying a visit, exploring other areas will make your trip to Krabi extra magical. For starters, you can cruise Ao Thalane and discover awe-inspiring caves, lagoons, and canyons.
What is Ao Thalane?
Considered one of the most beautiful bays in the area, Ao Thalane is a small fishing village situated in the heart of native Krabi. It boasts an abundance of mangrove forestry, making it an ideal place to be one with nature. You can go for a lazy ride through it to explore caves and lagoons, as well as appreciate its scenic beauty.
Why visit Ao Thalane
The main of Ao Thalane is its diverse coastal landscape and unique ecosystem. To best explore the area, it’s recommended to ride a kayak. Paddling around the are allows you to take in the towering karst formations, limestone mountains, intricate mangroves. You’ll get the chance to see wildlife, including crab-eating macaques, gibbons, cicada, otters, and of course, monkeys.
Perhaps one of the best parts of this place is the large lagoon, which is surrounded by cliffs and ancient hand-paintings. There’s a thick canopy present that prevents you from getting blistered by the sun as you kayak around the lagoon.
However, exploring the lagoon may be impossible during extremely low tides. It’s also not recommended for infants, pregnant women, and people who experience back, neck, and joint pains.
How to get to Ao Thalane
Ao Thalane is approximately 20 kilometers from the Krabi town proper. When you arrive at the pier, you will have to hop on the kayak provided by your tour operator. But in the event that you want to do the exploring yourself, you may opt to hire a long tail boat from Ao Nang.
What to prepare before visiting
Thailand is a tropical country, and visiting Ao Thalane may entail being exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. It’s recommended that you wear a hat and sunglasses prior to kayaking. It would also be best to keep a towel in case you get wet during the ride. For footwear, you should wear non-slippery shoes. And if you’re bringing electronics, you should bring a waterproof case for them.
Kayaks are mostly 2-3 seaters, and if you’re bringing along your child, you should have them sit in the middle. Make sure that everyone in your party wears a life jacket in case of emergencies. And since the kayak is to be paddled by tourists themselves, it’s all the more important to follow the safety instructions given by the tour guide.
Other things to remember
Kayaking through Ao Thalane takes anywhere between 4 to 8 hours, so it’s worth having water bottles handy to keep yourself hydrated. You should also be wary about less experienced kayakers and make sure that you don’t tip over when paddling. If you want to explore the area without the presence of crowds, opt for an afternoon tour instead.
After an exciting day exploring Ao Thalane, you may be on the hunt for a place to relax after. BlueSotel Smart Krabi is an adults-only resort that delivers a modern and luxury experience. Book a stay with us today.