Nature Routes

PHRA THONG NATURE ROUTES OCTUBER 2013 | KOH PHRA THONG, THAILAND

A GUIDE TO KOH PHRA THONG ECOTOURISM TRAILS ECOSYSTEMS | VILLAGES |

WILDLIFE |

HIKING |

www.phrathongnatureresort

KAYAKING

THE GRANDEUR OF THIS VAST AND AUSTERE ISLAND AND BEACH LANDSCAPE HAS INSTILLED WONDER IN THOSE WHO GAZE UPON IT, FROM THE FIRST EXPLORERS TO MODERN ESCAPEES FROM CITY LIFE. THIS ONCE REMOTE AREA, HIDDEN IN THE HART OF THE SOUTHEAST THAILAND, IS KNOWN FOR ITS IMMENSE NATURAL BEAUTY, AND RARE FLORA AND FAUNA. KHO PHRA THONG PROVIDES BOTH A SANCTUARY FOR PLANT AND BIRD LIFE, AND A PLACE FOR BOTH MENTAL AND PHYSICAL RECREATION.Â

Fabio Marques Cunha www.fabiosaba.me

CONTENTS pg.04

pg.14

KOH PHRA THONG

NATURE ROUTES MAP

pg.05

pg.15

ECOSYSTEMS

HIKING ROUTES

pg.08

pg.19

VILLAGES

KAYAKING ROUTES

pg.10 WILDLIFE

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PHRA THONG NATURE ROUTES

Koh Phra Thong Koh Phra Thong is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand. The closest town is the port town of Khuraburi, situated on the mainland about 10km east. It is the middle link in a chain of three islands and is largely flat with expanses of the inland savannah. It has long uninhabited beaches, fringed by coconut palms Ko Phra Thong has an area of 88 km² and is separated from the mainland by a seven meter deep canal. It is off the west coast of Thailand and the closest town is the port town of Khura Buri, on the mainland about 10 km east. Ko Phra Thong is the middle link in a chain of three islands. It is largely flat with expanses of inland savanna. It has long uninhabited beaches, fringed by coconut palms. There have always been a number of special natural features of Ko Phra Thong Island.

It fronts onto over eight kilometers of beach on the Andaman Sea and, in addition, over six kilometers of beach on a beautiful bay containing small picturesque islands with rocks and coral for snorkeling. It is only 60 km from the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, and only slightly further to the Similan Islands. All are renowned diving locations.

On the east side is a small fisher village, Thapayoi and on the southeast end is another small village, Thung Dap.

These villages total fewer than 300 inhabitants consisting of Moken, a tribe of sea gypsies, and Thais. The largest village, Thapayoi, has a school and a staffed community health centre. To the north is Ko Ra. It is long, mountainous and covered in ancient rain forest.

This terrain is quite inhospitable to humans but does house a large number of animal species.

To the south is Ko Kho Khao which is similar to Ko Phra Tong.

Climate Thailand enjoys a tropical climate. It is typically high in both temperature and humidity with yearly monsoons. Awareness of Thailand's seasonal weather patterns is essential for the traveler so as to make for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

High season

Transitional season

Low season

In a typical year the monsoon rains peter out in October and the high season for tourism begins.

November till April sees the most accomodating weather for guests to Thailand.

During April and May the heat intensifies and humidity rises. April and May are particularly warm with average daytime temperatures breaching 35°C. Clear skies are still common, but as the weeks pass clouds start to bubble up during the late morning and afternoon rain becomes more frequent. These showers eliminate humidity and break up the clouds leading to stunning sunsets.

June to September sees the full onset of the monsoon. Mornings often begin clear and sunny, however, even before the heat has chance to build up, dark clouds are rolling in accompanied with strong gusts of wind. Wild, exciting storms are commonplace with heavy precipitation. Whereas this weather is not good for tourism, the locals seem indifferent, enjoying the cool respite before the cycle starts over.

During these months the humidity has been cleared from the preceding monsoon. There is now low rainfall, sunny skies and the temperature flirts with 30°C.

NATURAL HABITATS

ECOSYSTEMS MANGROVE, MARINE JUNGLE, SAVANNAH, AND FINALLY THE COASTAL ZONE.

Located 150 km north of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, in Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province, Phra Thong island (Koh Phra Thong in Thai) covers an area of 114 km2. It is assumed that Phra Thong and other surrounding islands were formed by subsidence of the Andaman submergent shoreline, which generated the dented, sloping and steep shoreline.

Phra Thong island has a tropical climate with rain falling intermittently throughout the year.

There are two main seasons in this region of southern Thailand: the rainy season (April to November) and the dry season (December to March) with an average temperature of 28.7º Celsius. For the Islanders, this is the main fishing season.

There are six distinct ecosystems on the island, namely mangrove forest, beach forest, swamp forest, savannah, seagrass bed and coral reefs.

The island hosts 217 wild species that include eleven mammals, 45 reptiles, 37 birds, eight amphibians and 24 freshwater fish species.

The island and its surroundings hosts a number of endangered species such as the Lesser Adjutant, the Dugong, the Sunda Pangolin, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Leatherback Turtle, the Oriental Pied Hornbill, the Wild Boar, and the Sambar Deer.

SEA GRASS Sea Grass should not be confused with Seaweed! They are very different in that Sea Grass evolved from land plants, whereas Seaweed evolved from Algae in the sea. There are five main species of Sea Grass found around the island.

The one you may recognize is Enhalusacoroides which has ribbon-like leaves and can grow up to one meter long! The most common species is Halophilaovalis which has small, oval leaves that are found in pairs along the stem. Dugongs only eat Sea Grass, but Turtles, Sea Cucumbers and Conch can also be found amongst the beds.

SAVANNAH The savannah landscape on Koh Phra Thong is rather unique in Thailand. It hosts a wealth of flora and fauna which changes seasonally and is the only savannah in the whole of Thailand. A savannah is ‘’a grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being sufficiently widely spaced so that the canopy does not close’’ (Wikipedia, 2013).

Dischidia major is an example of a plant that has evolved a symbiotic relationship with ants where both parties benefit. The leaves grow on trees and look like clusters of bananas or fruits. They are in fact hollow and ants create their nests inside.

The plant grows roots inside the leaves and collects the waste and nutrients from the ants nest. The ants are provided with a place to live and also protect the plant from predators. Melaleuca trees are also found in the savannah. They are easily recognized by their “paperbark” trunks which shed layers and offer protection from fires that spread through the dry landscape.

They host a number of species including Dischidia and orchids. The bark is harvested sustainably by the locals for building roofs and walls. When treated, the thatch produced is surprisingly waterproof and can last for several years.

CORAL CORALREEF REEF

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Along the island, two types of coral can be found: soft coral and hard coral. ‘’Soft coral, like broccoli corals and mushroom coral, do not contribute to reef building. Hard corals, like brain coral and staghorn coral, are the reef makers’’ (kohphrathong.com).

Corals grow in such a way it makes an exoskeleton of calcium carbonate. This exoskeleton grows very slowly (1-2 centimeters a year), but over a hundred years can form a massive reef network. These reefs are the biggest structures on earth of biological origin.

MANGROVE Mangroves surround the island of Koh Phra Thong. The area of mangrove forests on the island covers 36 square kilometers or 22,500 Rai. These coastal forests are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, hosting a variety of wildlife.

Around 75% of commercially caught fish spend part of their lives in mangroves, making them vital for the health of our oceans.

Mangroves have specially adapted aerial and saltfiltering roots and salt-excreting leaves which enable them to occupy the saline wetlands where other plant life cannot survive.

On the way to the island, you will see many mangroves; they are easily spotted because of their roots that come out of the water, making them appear like the trees are sitting on stilts. Amongst the mangroves you might see some Macaques, many species of bird and if you're incredibly lucky (and quiet) maybe even a Dugong! At low tide, you’re likely to see Mudskippers hopping/crawling about the mud.

They look like fish with two legs and sometimes drag themselves around the mud.

PEOPLE LIVING IN HARMONY SIDE BY SIDE

VILLAGES

TOTALLY UNIQUE NOT ONLY IN THAILAND BUT ALL OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

In Thai, phra thong means golden Buddha, and a legend tells of how a valuable solid gold Buddha image was buried somewhere on the island hundreds of years ago. Any treasure hunters seem to have given up their searches long ago, which isn't surprising given Ko Phra Thong's unforgivingly hot and expansive savannah landscape. There are three villages on the Island; Ta Pae Yoi to the East (where the nearest port to the mainland is located), Ban Lions to the North and Thung Dap in the South. There are no banks or ATMs on Ko Phra Thong so be sure to have enough cash for your stay.

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BAN LION Ban Lion is located on the northern tip of the island and is accessed either by boat at high tide or by a concrete path from Ta Pae Yoi. The funding to build the village came from the Lions Club International Foundation and the village is consequently named after the founders; “Ban”, meaning village and ‘’Lion’’ of course from Lions Club. It was built in 2006 after the 2004 Tsunami completely destroyed the nearby village Pak Jok. Its official name still is Pak Jok as it was built for the people of Pak Jok, but most people refer to the village as Ban Lion.

TA PAE YOI Ta Pae Yoi has not been hit by the 2004 Tsunami, as it is located on the east side of the island. It is the closest to the mainland as well as the most populated of the three.

The main livelihood of most of the villagers is fishing and they have maintained the traditional style of using traps and nets. The village is thriving and they are keen to expand on tourism in the area, having recently started a homestay program.

TUNG DAP This little village is only accessible by boat. It is on the very southern point of the island and is extremely remote. The villagers maintain their traditional livelihoods of small-scale fishing and fish-farming. They are a mixture of Moken and Thai ethnicity. Also, this village was severely damaged by the 2004 Tsunami but has been rebuilt and the community returned to their homes. The local school was washed away but has been rebuilt in 2005. Unfortunately, after two years there was no more funding possible for a teacher, and the school had to close down.

IN ADDITION TO ITS FINE BEACHES

WILDLIFE

TOTALLY UNIQUE NOT ONLY IN THAILAND BUT ALL OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

Ko Phra Thong has large mangrove swamps and wide, open stretches of savannah teeming with wildlife. Birdlife is especially rich with over a hundred species having been sighted on the island. For a number of years, Golden Buddha Beach Resort has had a close working relationship with an international conservation group called Naucrates, which support the protection of the wildlife and natural resources of the island. Naucrates have been particularly successful at educating the local people on how special their island is.

BRAHMINY KITE The once very common Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) bird in Thailand, this easily identified bird of reddish brown wings, white head and chest, has become rare sight in Thong it is still a inland regions. On Koh Phra common sight both on beaches and the Savannah.

MALAYSIAN PLOVER Malaysian plover (Charadrius peronii) is listed as a near threatened species on the IUCN Red List due to its rapidly declining coastal habitats. It frequents quiet sandy bays, coral sand beaches, open dunes and artificial sand-fills, where it lives in pairs, generally not mixing with other waders.

PURPLE HERON This large bur slender Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) likes to mix with other herons while wading in shallow water and feeding on fish. The long neck of Purple Heron looks snake-like in flight. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns unlike storks that fly their neck extended. Few individuals can be seen on Koh Phra Thong.

ASIAN OPENBILL The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) is a fairly common stork that feeds mainly on fresh water snails (apple snails). It gets its name from its beak that does not close fully. In March 2013 over 100 Asian Openbills were visiting Koh Phra Thong on their migrant path.

CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Local people blame the Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus), a large bird of prey, for hunting their chickens. It has very variable plumage from one individual to another which makes it difficult to identify.

ORIENTAL PIEDHORNBILL There are two species of Oriental Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) in Thailand.

The one with outer feathers only edged in white in the tail is more widely spread while the one with completely white outer feathers is recorded only extreme south. This bird is commonly seen in beach forests and savannah.

CHINESE POND HERON This heron (Ardeola bacchus) is very common in Koh Phra Thong. Non-breeding colors are dull grayish brown and white wings.

During February-April it shows its breeding colors of dark chestnut head, breast and neck, while it’s back becomes dark grey. It feeds on small water animals like frogs, fish and small crustaceans.

RED-WATTLED LAPWING This bird (Vanellus indicus) is very common sight in the early morning on the road and savannah. You can hear its distinctive “did you do it?” call very far.

Its fixed stance can make it difficult to spot, but when disturbed it will make a short flight and a lot of noise. It nests on the ground and protects the eggs by faking injury to draw the predator away from the nest.

WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE You can spot the Whitebellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), a large raptor, flying Vshaped by the sea or sometimes over the Savannah. It feeds mostly on fish and it can pick large fish from the water without getting wet.

LITTLE CORMORANT Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) is most widely spread, although not the most common cormorant in Thailand. Unlike other water birds it does not have fatty substances to waterproof its feathers, so it needs to make short dives and then dry its feathers in the sun.

EGRETS You can see these white birds on fresh water ponds and sometimes perched on top of the trees in the savannah.

You can differentiate different species by size nd looking carefully theacolor of the beak and legs. Little Egret (60cm) is most common. It has black bill and legs with yellow feet. It can be running through shallow water to stir up and chase it’s pray.

COMMON SANDPIPER The Common Sandpiper is the most widespread and adaptable of the shorebirds and is often seen during low tide in the tidal creek of Lions Pier. Restless feeder that runs along the water edge constantly, picking up minute prey.

VERNAL HANGING PARROT This small green parrot (Loriculus vernalis) can be seen on the savannah, near the beaches and in beach forest. They eat fruits and flower nectar in the canopy. They like to hang upside down in the branches and also sleep in this strange position. While flying they make a sharp and loud call. It builds the nest in a hole of a tree.

GREATER COUCAL Very often you hear the Greater Coucal’s (Centropus sinensis) deep resonant and low pitched poop-pooppoop call before you see the black and brown bird. Sometimes you see it walking along the ground, sitting on the branch near the tree trunk or flying low. It will eat any prey that presents itself; insects, reptiles, frogs, mammals, eggs and young birds.

HILL MYNA Famous throughout the world for its capability to imitate human voice, this bird is not very common on Koh Phra Thong and most likely seen only when released from bird cages. But when it is around, you can hear its clear and powerful whistles.

SEA TURTLES Koh Phra Thong is one of the few places in Thailand where Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) still come to nest. Also found nesting are Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas). However, over the last 20 years there has been a steady decline in the number of turtle nests found on the island.

RED-BREASTED PARAKEET This bird (Psittacula alexandri) is easily recognized by its loud chattering noises and its appearance. It looks a bit like an angry clown with black eyebrow and moustache. Male has a red beak while female has a grey one. This parakeet usually hangs out with a group in the tall paper bark trees. It feeds on vegetable matter, fruits, seeds and leaf buds. It is sometimes captured for pet trade.

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER This kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is very commonly seen in the savannah near fresh water ponds or perched on wires in Lions village.

Despite its name it rarely eats fish, but prefers insects, reptiles, frogs and other small animals. You can hear its laughing call throughout the day.

LESSER ADJUTANT The Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) is smaller and thinnerbilled that the Greater Adjutant. The bird is a large stock and has a bare neck and head. It is black-grey wings. mostly white colored with The Lesser Adjutant lives in mangroves forests, coastal brackfish water and freshwater swaps. The bird mainly eats fish, frogs, large invertebrates and reptiles

SAMBAR DEER Sambar Deer, Rusa unicolor, can be found around the island. They are large deer (shoulder height up to 160 centimeters), are highly adaptable as a species and are the most dominant species of deer found in Asia. Sambar Deer are usually crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and nocturnal, preferring forested landscapes.

ASIAN KOEL This fairly large bird (Eudynamys scolopacea) is usually hiding in a tree, but you can hear its loud and repetitive call ”ko-el” in Ban Lion village and the Savannah. Male is completely black and female is brown with pale spots and it has crimson red eyes. It is a parasitic nester and likes to lay eggs especially to a nest of a Large-billed crow.

FLAMEBACK WOODPECKERS There are two different flameback species seen on Koh Phra Thong: Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense) and Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes These two species look lucidus). very similar although they are quite distant relatives.

They eat insects, vegetable matter, fruits and seeds.

FROGS There are quite a few species of frogs found on the island. If you don’t manage to actually see one you’re likely to hear them calling at night during the wet season! The Common Tree Frog has a range of colors from a brighter orange to a yellow/brown and can grow quite large; up to six-seven centimeters long. You may hear what is commonly called a “Drain Frog” but are less likely to see it!

WILD BOAR Thai Wild Boar (Sus scrofa jubatus) is a subspecies of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) which is found across much of Asia. The Wild Boar is in fact an ancestor of a domestic pig and can easily breed with them. Adult males grow tusks which protrude from the mouth; these are used as both tools and weapons.

CRAB-EATING MACAQUE The Crab-Eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is a primate also known as the LongTailed Macaque and is native to South-East Asia. It will happily live in a wide variety of habitats, including developed areas. It is a medium-sized monkey and has relatively short arms and legs, but its name “long-tailed” comes from the fact its tail is significantly longer than its body length.

DUGONG The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is from the same order as the manatee.

The Dugong can only be found in Indo-Pacific, but the majority lives in the northern waters of Australia. The Dugong is an herbivorous mammal and heavily depends on sea grass for survival.

INDO-PACIFIC HUMPBACK DOLPHIN The humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) can be found along the coast of Africa, India and Australia. Each area has different varieties of humpbacks. In Koh Phra Thong the Indo-Pacific Humpback can be found.

LEOPARD CAT Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small, wild cat about the size of a domestic cat but has longer legs and a spotted/dappled coat similar to that of a leopard. It is solitary and mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), resting either in trees or in ground nests in forests during the day which makes it an uncommon sighting.

SEA OTTER The Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Aonyx capensis congicus) can still be found a lot of national parks in Thailand, as well as in the mangrove forests surrounding Koh Phra Thong. They are recognized by the partial webbing between the toes of their back feet and their peg-like claws. They eat frogs, egg and small vertebrates.

TOKAY GECKO The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal gecko, ranging from northeast India, to Nepal and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, Philippines to Indonesia and western New Guinea. Its native habitat is rainforest trees and cliffs, and it also frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey.

Choose a trip suitable for the skills, knowledge and experience of your group. Be realistic.

SAFETY A little bit of planning and preparation will ensure you keep yourself safe and enjoy your trip into the outdoors

PLANNING

NATURE ROUTES MAP

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HIKING TRACKS Track Classification Short walk - well-formed, easy walking for up to an hour. Few or no steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and tness. Streams and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required.

Walking track - easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. The track is mostly well formed although some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes or boots required.

1. AVECENNIA TRACK Walking time - 1 hour, (1,2 Km return) This leisurely, easy walk starts at the Ban Lion Village and takes you around mangrove forests where the dominant species are Rhizophora, Avecennia, Sonnerafia., Phoenix paludosa, Ceriops, and Xylocarpus obovatus sp. From there you can see Ko Ra island.

2. CERIOPS TRACK Walking time - 50 minutes, (1 km return) Starting at the Ban Lion Village, this short walk, suitable for prams, takes you over to mangrove area where you can see Klong Nop canal and Koh Klang island. When you make it in low tide you can continue along the mangrove for over 1km on the canal, but this section is steep and may be unsuitable for kids.

3. RHIZOPHORA TRACK Walking time - 2 hours, (2 km) This loop track starts at the Ban Lion car park. After approx. 200 m, cross the road and follow the track as it leads you on a sand road through a rich variety of savanna landscape. Here is the habitat for birds and deer such as Sambar Deer and the Lesser Adjutant. It may be not suitable during rainy season since there are several natural ponds along the path.

4. SWAMP TRACK Walking time - 2,5 hours, (4km) This pleasant mangrove forest walk starts t Ban Lion Village pier. The path is covered by mangrove trees and crosses swamp forestbased in the inner coastal zone next to the mangrove forest and beach forest zones. The environment here suffered damage from the tsunami waves. Although less badly affected by the tsunami, the swamp forest needs a clearly specified protected area in order regenerates without human disturbance.

5. MELALEUCA TRACK Walking time - 4 hours, (5km returne) This walk has stunning views in fine weather.

It is well marked and is suitable for reasonably fit people . During the rainy season, most of the Melaluca bore new leaves. Only 10% of swamp plants growing in the freshwater area such as Shorea roxburghii were unable to grow in the freshwater due to salt water intrusion.

6. NIGHT SAFARI PATH Walking time - 2 hours, (4km) This is the first section of a night route hiking. It consists of a loop route of large flat grass fields in the middle of the island.

During the rainy season, the grassland becomes a wetland. There are 12 plant species and it is an important habitat for diverse species of fauna e.g. the Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor)

7. THUNG LONG TRACK Walking time—2,5 hours, (4,5 km)

The route leads from below the diverse savanna forest bordering the mangrove forest of Bang Chong Lek Sanctuary.

Here the soil has rich in organic matter, within factor in controlling a number of nutrients to be circulated in the marine cycle system. Food source and sanctuary for animals, especially important species like the Lesser Adjutant.

A habitat for marine animals and for aquaculture. Retains rich nutrients and sediments.

8. SAK TRACK Walking time - 45 minutes, (1,5 Km return) This relatively easy-graded track takes you through to the sediment of alluvial deposits between Tawan's Bar (on the beach) and Tawan's Resort (inland). Here plays important breeding ground for many marine species, especially sea turtles

9. KONG KANG TRACK Walking time - 40 minutes, (800 metres return) This well-defined track passes through savanna forest to mangrove bank of Bang Chog Lek Sanctuary terraces. The path is used by locals for supplies herbs and fuelwood.

10. LAM TRACK Walking time - 30 minutes, (400 metres) Following the true left bank of Phra Thong Creek, a popular trout fishing stream, this sometimes this swampy track provides good opportunities for viewing waterfowl.

11. PHRA THONG BAY TRACK Walking time— 1,5 hours, (1,5 km) From The Junction of Phra Thong Nature Resort, the road follows the sand road to the south into the Casuarina forest and coconut trees with strong root systems, whilst protecting the beach forest from human activity to allow natural regeneration.

A great family walk. Habitat for fauna Houses different types of wild orchids.

12. SAAI TRACK

13. HORNBILL HILL TRACK

Walking time - 35 minutes, (800 metres)

Walking time -10 minutes, (130 metres)

For who whats to true "walk in the water".

Unique opportunity to watch HILL MYNA, WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER, EGRETS and PURPLE HERON. Following the true right bank of Saai Creek till the Phra Thron Bay that takes only half an hour.

This is a easy climb trail that explore the Hornbill Hill. From the top you can see Golden Buddha Beach. It’s a simply stunning 11km long stretch of golden sand that dips steeply into the sea while crashing waves bombard the shore.

KAYAKING TRAILS All routes in this book are considered easy to moderate. However, it advised you undertake suitable training in how to use all paddles, ensure you are a confident swimmer and can swim a minimum of 50m in the sea, check the forecast, ensure your kayak and equipment are well maintained and ready for the water.

1. KLONG NOP ROUTE Paddling time - 3 hour, (8 Km) The Klong Nop Route can be followed in either direction, but travelling with the flood tide, this route takes you east to west, from Avecennia Track inland to Klong Nop Mongrove Sanctuary.

The destination contains striking natural beauty in a dramatic setting formed by abundant wildlife.

Paddling along a spectacular section of mangove and exploring desert islands which pierce the tranquil waters.

2. KO RA ROUTE Paddling time - 2 hour, (6 km return)

Soon you are paddling on the Koh Ra strait, which is very wide and has a barely perceptible current.

You paddle about an hour before we stop at a tranquil destination of spectacular wild beach of Koh Ra.

3. BANG CHOG LEK ROUTE Paddling time - 3 hour, (8 Km)

It leads you head to the west coast of the island through a large canal.

This continues in paddling adventure inner the canal and discover the Ko Phra Thong hidden mangrove.

This route is complemented by outdoor living spaces with endless uninterrupted mangrove views.

You will explore the adjacent channels and islands. The exploration then centre on the Bang Chog Lek Sanctuary, discovering the a stunning mangrove.

4. ISLAND ROUTE Paddling time - 2 hours, (4 km )

The journey begins at Pling Beach which combines a paddle and hiking itinerary around the stunning islands of Koh Pling and Koh Phota.

The route covers kayak around unspoiled islands with Pine covered slopes and coastal cliffs , in additional stop to hike Hornbill Hill.

You will explore a hidden sea-cave, wild islands, white sand beaches at the blue sky above, warm air and mirror calm sea.