Khao Lak: Kapong River Tubing Nature Tour
Immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of nature and adventure with a River Tubing experience in the Kapong District of Southern Thailand. Explore untamed landscapes, drift along serene rivers on an inflatable tube and conquer the rapids with a thrilling River Tubing Adventure. Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and adrenaline - Find out more here!
THAILAND: KHAO LAK
Khao Lak already has everything you need for a wonderful holiday but you can take it to the next level with a unique adventurous experience blending activities for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
If you're seeking a thrilling adventure wrapped in the serene embrace of nature, look no further than the Kapong River Tubing Nature Tour. Nestled in a lush, untouched paradise, this tour offers an exciting river tubing experience that promises both adrenaline and tranquility. This tour was our favourite holiday activity and exceeded all expectations. The seamless organization and knowledgeable guides made the river tubing journey both thrilling and informative.
We felt like we had stepped off the beaten track and into a world of tranquillity as we connected with nature. This unique experience provided not only a thrilling ride but also a close encounter with the raw beauty of nature amidst lush landscapes and pristine waters.
The Kapong River, a hidden gem, meanders through verdant rainforest and picturesque landscapes of the Kapong District in Southern Thailand. Its waters provide the perfect backdrop for a day of adventure. The river is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, making your river tubing journey not just an adrenaline rush, but also a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
On arrival the the camp, we received a very warm welcome and were provided with high-quality life jackets and helmets. If you don't have your own water shoes you can borrow a pair of crocs.
Safety is paramount, and the equipment provided ensured we were well-protected as we navigated the river.
The camp has very clean changing rooms, outdoor showers and toilets.
The drive to Kapong Village is an experience, passing through agricultural land with palm and rubber plantations, rainforests and sweeping lush landscapes. We passed through many small villages and saw the locals going about their daily lives.
If you're coming from Phuket you get to pass over the Sarasin Bridge onto the mainland and travel through untouched countryside.
Our tour started with a short ride on a pick-up truck to the dropping off point. During this ride we got our first glimpses of the river.
We then followed our guide on a short 10 minute hike through the rainforest alongside the river to the Hin Lad Waterfall.
As we took our tour during the rainy season and it had rained heavily overnight the water was flowing very rapidly and was not as clear as it usually is! A guide showed us how to jump into the water and safely exit downstream. After some initial nerves, we were soon leaping, diving and front flipping into the water!
After refreshments we returned to the truck for a safety briefing and the start of our river tubing adventure.
After jumping in and swimming time, we crossed a narrow metal suspended bridge and we were provided with coffee or hot chocolate in real bamboo cups which we got to keep as fantastic sounvenirs of our wonderful day. It was amazing the see the guides boil the water in bamboo tubes over a real fire.
The river tubing was the highlight of the tour. We drifted along the river for 40 minutes with the water conditions alternating between calm to rapids and drops. The guides accompanied us for safety, their enthusiasm and expertise added an extra layer of enjoyment.
The guides passion for the environment and dedication to ensuring a memorable experience truly stood out. Kapong Tubing Nature Tour not only provided thrilling activities but also fostered a deep connection with nature.
The tubes were high quality and were fitted with handles and a 'butt-plate' for protection and comfort.
The river tubing adventure started gently, allowing us to get comfortable with our tubes. As we floated along, the tranquil surroundings provided a moment to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. The gentle current carried us through lush greenery, with the sounds of water and nature.
The excitement increased as we approached sections of the river with thrilling rapids. These natural water slides added a rush of adrenaline to our journey. The guides skillfully lead the way, ensuring we navigated these exhilarating sections safely. The thrill of bouncing over rapids and feeling the spray of cool water was an unforgettable experience.
Interspersed between the rapids were serene stretches of calm water. These peaceful moments provided a perfect opportunity to admire the untouched beauty of the Kapong River.
As we drifted along we spotted wildlife along the riverbanks – keep an eye out for colorful birds, playful monkeys, and other creatures that call this paradise home.
Perfect for teenagers and thrill-seeking adventurers. See the lush natural landscape of the Kapong District in an adventurous way as you hike to the Had Lin Waterfall and drift down the Kapong River through tropical rainforest and plantations.
Recommended to take:
Waterproof bag
Camera
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Towel
Hat and sunglasses
Wet shoes
Water
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Kapong Tubing Nature Tour
The only way to experience River Tubing in the countryside of Kapong District is to book a guided tour. The Kapong Tubing Nature Tour is an Award Winning sustainable tour focusing on excitement as well as conservation of nature and the local communites.
This highly rated tour has additonal options such as Elephant bathing and lunch.
The tour includes friendly English speaking guides and round trip transfers.
For more information and to book your River Tubing Adventure click here
Where To Stay In
Khao Lak
With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.
Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.
Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.
Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.
On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.
For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.
Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.
Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.
The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches. THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience. Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort.
We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.
The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.
There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.
Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.
The Stamp Ralley was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.
Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.
We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!
There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.
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