Ao Thalane

Ao Thalane is a shallow bay on the northern Krabi coast where mangrove channels run between limestone cliffs, and it is the standard sea-kayaking location in the province. The paddle typically runs two to three hours through narrow waterways with the rock rising vertically on both sides, into a couple of enclosed lagoons - Hong-style rooms in the cliffs - and out along the bay, with mudskippers, crabs, monitor lizards and kingfishers along the way. Tide governs everything: the narrow channels and the lagoon entrances are only passable within a window, and a badly timed trip means paddling over mudflats or being unable to get in at all, so guided trips are scheduled around it. Guides also matter because the channels branch and it is easy to get lost. Compared with Ao Nang's boat traffic this is quiet and largely under paddle power, which is much of the appeal.

What you actually see

• The mangrove channels - narrow waterways between vertical limestone.
• The hidden lagoons - enclosed rooms in the cliffs, entered at the right tide.
• The wildlife - mudskippers, crabs, monitors and kingfishers along the banks.
• The quiet - paddle power rather than longtail engines.

When to go

November to April. Trips are scheduled around the tide - the channels and lagoons are only passable within a window, so book rather than turning up.

Honest expectations

Entirely tide-dependent; the wrong window means mudflats and closed lagoons. Channels branch and self-paddling without a guide risks getting lost. Hot on the water with limited shade. Mosquitoes in the mangroves.

Nearby

Ko Hong is offshore from here; Than Bok Khorani is north and Krabi Town south.