Southeast Asia offers some of the most spectacular places for kayaking. Sea kayaking is popular all over the world due to the possibility of enjoying and exercising in a natural environment for a better quality of life.

When sea kayaking enthusiasts prefer Southeast Asia to other regions, it is because of the wide variety of options and different natural environments that this vast region offers. Here, it is possible to go kayaking in the open sea, in more protected bays and go up the majestic majestic rivers in all their extension.

Although the weather is never too cold for sea kayaking, certain seasons are more advisable for some places than for others. As recommended by KayakerGuide here are the best seasons and the best places for kayaking in Southeast Asia.

The best season for kayaking

In general, the best season to enjoy these natural environments is undoubtedly from October to February. However, Southeast Asia is crossed by the equator. Here it is necessary to consider exactly the area you want to visit.

Those who wish to visit the southern hemisphere of Southeast Asia can choose spring and summer to enjoy these natural environments. The natural environment is much more beautiful between October and November and the water levels are higher.

Those who wish to visit the northern hemisphere of Southeast Asia should choose fall or winter. Beyond that, there isn’t much of a difference. For cooler temperatures, choose between October and February. Especially when people are close to the equator, the climate difference is not too great.

Those who wish to practice kayaking can find a wide variety of places with a warm and pleasant environment almost any time of the year if they check the local destination in high and low season.

Some of the most popular sites

While there are a myriad of locations to choose from, KayakerGuide recommends these four locations.

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

In Indonesia, the Raja Ampat Islands are a unique destination for kayaking in a warm and pleasant environment. Here it is also possible to enjoy other activities such as scuba diving. Throughout this area, people encounter spectacular landscapes that include pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a great diversity of marine life.

The Raja Ampat Islands are an Indonesian archipelago off the northwestern tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua. Comprising hundreds of jungle-covered islands, Raja Ampat is known for its beaches and coral reefs rich in marine life. Ancient cave paintings and caves can be found on Misool Island, while the Crimson Bird of Paradise lives on Waigeo Island. Batanta and Salawati are the other main islands of the archipelago.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most unforgettable places to go kayaking. However, in these sites it is necessary to have paddles and special equipment to protect the national park and the local community. It is a natural environment which is taken care of by the local authorities. It is also possible to find experienced kayakers on site who offer tours all year round.

2. Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is more easily accessible. This bay is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with tropical forests. The area is also popular for scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking, especially in the mountainous Cát Bà National Park.

Junk boat tours and sea kayaking expeditions take visitors through islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot Islets. However, people can also practice kayaking independently. It is also highly recommended to visit these places between October and February. Cat Ba Island has the port of Ben Beo. Here, kayaks are usually rented for two people who wish to enjoy the whole day in these waters.

Despite its popularity, the region also offers uninhabited beaches, hidden caves, all kinds of lagoons and natural tunnels. This is why a large number of people decide to come back every year to this magical place with unique nature.

3. Inle Lake, Myanmar

Another way to kayak in Southeast Asia between October and February is Inle Lake in Myanmar. Located in western Shan State, picturesque Inle Lake is famous for its floating villages and gardens and the unique way of life of the local Intha people, with their living communities based entirely on water.

The lake, which is 22 km long by 10 km wide, and sits in a valley between two mountain ranges, looks like a different world from the rest of Myanmar: in the villages and towns across the lake. , wooden houses are built on stilts and fishermen steer their individual boats in a characteristic rowing style, wrapping one leg around their oar.

Kayaking on the lake is a great alternative to regular sightseeing boats and allows you to go to places you choose individually. You will enjoy incredible natural environments.

Here people can enjoy the restaurants over the water or stay in an over water bungalow. It can be a good choice to enjoy several days of kayaking. It is even possible to enjoy the Jumping Cat Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries in the region.

4. Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Another very popular place in South East Asia for kayaking is Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Here, people can enjoy classic Asian culture with the locals. It is a lake located near Siem Reap. The peculiarity of this area is that there are calm waters that combine with a pleasant natural environment. Here, kayaking enthusiasts or those who are inexperienced can enjoy it.

This allows the kayaker to adapt to the kayak while enjoying all the natural environment. There are even floating villages here which provide a heavenly environment like few other places in the world.

With a bit of luck, people may come across rare birds when visiting the mangrove forest. This is why it is a highly recommended place to visit between October and February.