Thailand 12th February 2023

Koh Talabeng sea kayaking – The Perfect Koh Lanta day trip

Koh Talabeng Sea Kayaking - Shows a kayak overlooking limestone cliffs

If you’re visiting the South of Thailand and fancy embarking on an adventure for the day, then read on, as we embark on a Koh Talabeng sea kayaking adventure during our stay in Koh Lanta. Thailand’s Krabi province is no longer a secret and has vastly grown in popularity over the years due to its stunning beaches and relaxing atmosphere. But what if we were to tell you that there’s a place you can visit that’s off the beaten track, away from all the tourists?

In this article, we’ll introduce Koh Talabeng, a remote island just off the coast of Koh Lanta, south of Krabi. We’ll tell you exactly why it’s worth visiting, with some useful tips and handy FAQ’s to help plan your trip. If you’re visiting Koh Lanta, you simply can’t miss it off your list.

What is Koh Talabeng?

Koh Talabeng is a stunning island located around a 20-minute drive by boat from Koh Lanta Noi. The island is made up of two large limestone rock formations that stand over 70 metres high. Its mainland is rich in tropical forest terrain and its shores feature turquoise waters and friendly monkeys. Koh Talabeng is an idyllic spot for those who love water adventures, as the best way to explore the island is by sea kayaking!

image showing a turquoise beach amongst lime stone cliffs in thailand - koh talabeng sea kayaking, koh lanta

image of a someone in a bikini in the sea looking out towards the limestone cliffs

How to get to Koh Talabeng

Hire a private tour guide and a boat. They’ll take you over to Koh Talabeng and you can spend as much time as you’d like exploring. We recommend a private tour guide or boat captain that has kayaks you can use.
Embark on a guided tour, exploring the island by kayak and visiting the lesser known Ghost Island, otherwise known as, ‘Koh Phee.’

What does the Koh Talabeng sea kayaking tour involve?

You’ll start off your day by getting picked up from your accommodation by an open aired van. You’ll then drive around 35 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your Koh Lanta hotel location) to arrive to a harbour area on Koh Lanta Noi island.

image showing a long tail boat in the sea in koh lanta, thailand

What’s included in the tour?

The benefits of opting for a guided tour is that you don’t have to plan a single thing. You just turn up and the entire day is planned for you! A tour is really the only way to visit Koh Talabeng due to its remote location. The guides also know the area very well so you won’t any of the hidden gems.

We went with a company called Talabeng Sea Kayaking. They’re a family-run company who live and have grown up on Koh Lanta Noi, so are really familiar with the area. It was very well organised and we had an amazing day out with them! Here’s what’s included in the tour:

Pick up and return to and from your accommodation via open air ‘Songthaew style’ van
Boat transport (long tail boat) to both Koh Phee and Koh Talabeng
An English-speaking guide
Use of a kayak to visit Koh Talabeng island
An authentic Thai, home-cooked meal for lunch, fresh tropical fruits and bottles of water

The top things to see and do on the Koh Talabeng Sea Kayaking tour

Ghost Island, aka Koh Phee

Koh Phee is a tiny island just off the Koh Lanta Noi mainland. It’s also known as Ghost Island due to the caves formation resembling a human skull from the outside. As the first stop on the Koh Talabeng sea kayaking tour, you’ll feel like a pirate searching for treasure! This part of the tour requires a decent amount of endurance and strength due to its challenging aspect of climbing through various levels of the cave.

Inside, there are around 3 – 4 mini caves that you can exploring, showcasing a variety of stalagmite and stalactite rock formations. There’s also a number of viewpoints. Peer out through the giant skull eye sockets as you reach the top of the climb and you’ll see the mainland of Koh Lanta.

Ghost Island is a very cool place to visit and you’ll likely be the only tourists there during your visit. Exploring the island involves a lot of climbing, which can feel dangerous at times. However, there are plenty of ropes and words of encouragement to keep you going.

Fun fact: The Japanese used this island as a camp during WWII.

image of people rock climbing and holding on to the rope inside a cave

image of a view of the sea from high up inside a cave - Koh Talabeng Sea Kayaking

image of a person standing on one leg on top of a rock inside a cave

Our top tips for exploring Koh Phee

If you’re not used to climbing or haven’t done any form of rock climbing before, this part will be tricky in parts. Some points to consider before embarking on this challenge:

Wear appropriate footwear, i.e. trainers and no sandals or flip flops. There are various hurdles you’ll need to climb that will be dangerous if wearing inappropriate footwear.
Go slowly – it’s important to ensure correct foot placement at all times.
Listen to the guide – they are there to help.
If you have any limitations i.e, injuries, or you’re not very active, we don’t recommend this for you. You can still take part in the tour, as there’s the option to remain on the boat.

Koh Talabeng sea kayaking

The main stopping point on the tour is the breathtaking Koh Talabeng. You’ll get to see different areas of the island as you explore by kayak. After departing Koh Phee (Skull Island) by long tail boat, you’ll arrive at Koh Talabeng in a matter of minutes. This is where the fun begins!

You’ll proceed to kayak around the shoreline for around 45 minutes, gazing at the turquoise water, looking out for local wildlife and paddling alongside giant limestone cliffs. We managed to spot a monitor lizard and soaring eagles at this point.

image of a person sitting in a kayak looking out towards the lime stone cliffs - koh talabeng sea kayaking koh lanta

A remote Koh Talabeng Beach

If you’re a lover of beaches without all of the tourists, then this is heaven! Halfway during the kayaking section of the tour, you’ll stop off at a sandy beach that’s nestled between two cliff faces. The beach was full of monkeys when we visited and there were no other tourists in sight.

Take time to relax, unwind and go for a swim in the transparent water. This beach is also where you’ll grab lunch. We personally enjoyed a homemade Massaman curry with fresh watermelon for dessert.

More sea kayaking!

After lunch, you’ll head back to see for more kayaking around Koh Talabeng, this time amongst open water and between giant limestone rocks. The second part of the kayaking adventure takes just under an hour and is where you’ll see the most beautiful scenery. It was a highlight of our trip! Being out in nature with only a few other people and no tourists in sight is a memory that will last with you forever…

image showing three kayaks on the sand on a beach, next to a monkey in koh lanta

image showing two monkeys on the sand in the shore on the beach

Koh Talabeng Cave

Last but not least, you’ll kayak over to a small cave with a huge echoing entrance. It has a number of interesting rock formations and is completely hidden from view. You have to know it’s there. It’s a short stop off on the tour but was cool to see.

Once you’ve explored the island by kayak, you can sunbathe and explore another beach and its wildlife. When we visited, we spotted some cute monkeys and monitor lizards, swimming leisurely along the shore. Be sure to bring swim wear and enjoy the warm Andaman sea!

image showing a close up image of the rock formations inside a cave - koh talabeng sea kayaking

FAQ’s:

Now we’ve told you what you’ll see on the Koh Talabeng sea kayaking tour, here are some common questions and answers that’ll help you gain a further insight into the tour, ahead of planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit the Koh Talabeng?

The best time to visit the island is during dry season, from the months of November – May, as this is when the sea is at its smoothest. Even if you’re visiting in dry season, we recommend checking the weather beforehand to ensure the best chance of bright blue skies. You’ll really want to see the area on a nice sunny day for a chance to admire its full beauty.

What tour operator did you book with?

We booked the tour directly with Koh Talabeng Sea Kayaking by sending them a message via their website.

How old do you have to be to do the tour?

You can do the tour no matter how old you are. However, we recommend doing this tour only if you’re physically fit and able, especially for the free-climbing on Koh Phee. Children are also welcome but must be over the age of four. We personally only recommend this tour to adults due to the challenge element and how potentially dangerous some aspects can be.

Is the tour challenging?

As mentioned above, the tour provides a wonderful snapshot of the seemingly untouched island. However, Ghost Island requires some element of fitness and isn’t recommended for everyone. You’ll need to do some light climbing and pull yourself up rope ladders. The sea kayaking is leisurely, though it can be exhausting if you’re not used to kayaking.

How much did the Koh Talabeng sea kayaking tour cost?

The tour is extremely affordable, considering what’s included and the places you’ll get to experience. It costs 1300 Thai Baht for adults and 650 Thai Baht for children between the ages of 4 and 10.

What should I wear?

For the first part of the tour, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes such as gym wear, i.e. a gym vest and leggings/ shorts which allow more flexibility when climbing and navigating through the caves. A pair of trainers is also a must! We suggest bringing your swimwear with you to change into when you reach Koh Talabeng island.

What should I wear?

How long is the tour?

The Koh Talabeng sea kayaking tour is a half day tour that starts from around 8:30am until 3pm. We found the timings of the tour to be perfect. Some full-day tour options can feel a bit too long.

Is the tour recommended for families or couples?

We went as a couple (in our 30s) and would recommend it for other couples. For families, we wouldn’t recommend it for children under 16 due to the reasons mentioned above.

Is the guided tour in English?

The tour is in English and the guide will explain the history of the island to you as the day progresses. Most of the tour is just about exploring this magical destination alongside the tour guide, so don’t expect lots of background information.

Do you need previous experience of kayaking?

You don’t require any past experience for kayaking, as its very slow paced and relaxing. As you will be kayaking for quite some time, be sure to bring some water and take breaks when you need to.

Are there any facilities on the island?

There aren’t any facilities on the island due to its remote location. Be sure to pack all of the essentials you need for the day (especially for women).

Our top tips for visiting Koh Talabeng

Swim wear – The beauty of Koh Talabeng is taking a dip in its crystal blue waters. Therefore, be sure to bring your swim wear in your bag or wear it underneath your clothes.
Suitable footwear – This is a key point, mainly for the first half of the tour when visiting the cave. You can pack a pair of flip flops/ water shoes to change into after if you’d like.
Change of clothes – After a spot of rock climbing and getting a bit sweaty, you might want to change into a fresh pair of clothes. Alternatively, just rock your swimwear all day.
First aid kit essentials – As a precaution, you could pack some plasters, bandages and hand sanitiser. It’s easy to scrape yourself when climbing through the cave.
Check the weather forecast – If you’re visiting during dry season, you’re likely to have good weather almost every day. During other months, we suggest checking online ahead of time as you’ll want to see the island in its true beauty amongst the clear blue skies – not rain and clouds!
Water – pack at least 2 litres of water per person. It gets very hot! Tours also usually provide water.

Thank you for reading our guide to visiting Koh Phee and Koh Talabeng as part of a sea kayaking adventure. We hope you found it useful and are able to use some of these tips to help plan your future visit. We’d love to hear about your adventure to this magnificent island!. Be sure to let us know your thoughts down below. 😊

By Susie

Author bio:

I’m a passionate traveller that loves a sunny beach holiday, but also appreciate the cultural side to a trip and checking out undiscovered destinations. I’m the go-to Toucan Traveller for great holiday stories, cool photos and foodie recommendations.

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