On the water · KHAO LAK RAFTING TOURS
Good khao lak rafting tours sell out weeks ahead in season and the famous ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each one includes and how they differ once you are wet.
Start with a calm bamboo-raft ride, visit a sea turtle center, cool off at Ton Pling Waterfall, then feed and bathe elephants at a conservation camp. English-speaking guides such as Boom, Adam, Marta, and Run lead the day, with lunch, fruit, water, transfers, and entry fees included.
“Excellent day, Adam was a great guide, we really enjoyed the experience.”
Spend three easy-going hours near Khao Lak bamboo rafting through jungle, spotting frogs, snakes, monkeys, and birds with guides such as Winnie, Dee Dee, or Shane. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, then swim at Ton Pling Waterfall. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, drinks, cold towels, and accident insurance are included.
“Excellent morning perfect for an easy start for some adventure with kids (our are 8 and 10) Pick up punctual, short comfortable van trip and 3 really fun activities for the perfect length of time. Dede our guide was also excellent. Highly recommend”
Spend four hours rafting through Khao Lak rainforest, visiting a Royal Thai Navy-supported turtle center, and swimming at Ton Pling Waterfall. Your English-speaking guide handles the stops, with guides such as Leyla, Lybae, Robert, and Nai praised for friendly local insight. Choose a shared or private outing for $41 per person.
“Amazing tour, worth every penny! Thank you so much for everything ♥️♥️♥️”
Float for an hour through Khao Lak rainforest on a local bamboo raft, visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and swim at Ton Pling Waterfall. Hotel pickup, drinks, fees, and insurance are included. Guides such as K, Boom, Charlie, Lydia, and Moo are praised for friendly service, though the turtle stop can feel lightly guided.
“Great experience, more a turtle hospital so they are well looked after. Lydia or guide was wonderful, very informative. Took photos and shared them on WhatsApp which is important for solo travellers.”
Spend seven hours exploring Khao Lak with hotel pickup, an English or German-speaking guide, and a small group or private vehicle. Visit a sea turtle center, raft down a jungle stream, swim at Wang Kiang Koo Waterfall, see Wat Lak Kaen and the Police Boat 813 memorial, then observe rescued elephants without riding, bathing, or physical contact. You will also make Ya Dom and Khanom Krok.
“We had an amazing day with Didi. She went out of her way to help me, was informative and a lot of fun. Everything was great but loved the rafting, lunch and interacting with the elephants.”
From Khao Lak, you’ll ride a bamboo raft along the Sok River with a local paddler, stop for coffee served in a bamboo cup, visit a monkey-filled cave temple, and pause at Khao Sok View Point. Guides such as Meil, Gay, Mong, and Dee Dee are praised for their warmth and local insight.
“A great morning out. Very enjoyable and relaxing trip down the river with some excellent mountainous backdrops. An hour each way on bus for one hour rafting was a bit tedious.”
Travel from Khao Lak to Khao Sok for an observation-only elephant sanctuary visit, Som Tum cooking, southern Thai lunch, bamboo rafting, river coffee, Mae Yai Waterfall, and rainforest viewpoints. Private trips include an English or German-speaking guide, with guides such as Winnie, Dee Dee, Sak, and Kob praised for thoughtful service and flexibility.
“Lots packed into a day. Dee Dee was brilliant, not rushed and informative”
Spend 8 to 9 hours exploring Phang Nga from Khao Lak with guide Ton and a small group. Visit Wat Tham Suwan Khuha, raft 5.5 kilometers on the Song Phraek River, cross a 200-meter zipline, eat a Thai lunch, and finish with a 30-minute ATV ride. Expect mud, river spray, monkeys, and a full day outdoors.
“Loved the day! Everything was fun but the rafting adventure was awesome!”
Spend 450 minutes exploring Khao Lak by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Raft Kiang Koo Creek, visit the Sea Turtle Center, eat Thai food by the sea, bathe and feed elephants at a no-riding camp, and swim at Lampi Waterfall. Guides have included Peter, Mong, Parry, and Toto.
“Really enjoyed trip especially bamboo rafting & spending time with elephants bathing & feeding them memories I will never forget ❤ . Turtles lovely too seeing them cared for hopefully to be released back into sea would of liked guide to of spoken more on the rehabilitation programme . Stop off at beach lunch amazing food & view also loved seeing pigs& piglets running around too . Last stop waterfall beautiful you can swim or just walk around and take in view. If travelling from phuket be prepared for 2 hour + journey to get there but definitely recommend doing it .”
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