Negotiate Himalayan rapids, paddle down the Mekong river or see the dragons of the Komodo Islands. Kayaking Asia holidays offer an almost limitless choice of experiences. No other continent on the planet can match Asia for the sheer diversity of kayaking, from jungles to Himalayan glacial rivers and pristine coastlines.
With so many styles of kayaking, rivers, seas and cultural treasures to choose from, you are spoilt for choice on kayaking Asia holidays. From one-day excursions to multi-day trips, with combined trekking and cycling available, kayaking in Asia is a popular option.
Few places on earth can rival Indochina in terms of natural beauty and cultural charms. The iconic Mekong River, and the lagoons and caves of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay are just two of the diverse destinations you can visit, not to mention the further kayaking opportunities in Laos and Cambodia.
If you’re looking for white water and sensational views, it doesn’t get much better than Nepal and Northern India. Home to the Himalayas, the summer months see rivers boosted by glacial melt-water, transforming into raging torrents of pure crystal clear water. The Upper and Lower Seti and Marsyandi are highly recommended.
For something a little more relaxed but equally as exquisite, sea kayaking around the Komodo Islands will give you access to some of the world’s most remote beaches, coral reefs and islands inhabited by the mythical dragons. The jungles of Borneo, China’s colossal rivers and white water of the Ayung River in Bali are just three more of the countless kayaking Asia holidays to enjoy.
Depending on your preference, the kayaking in Asia is as varied as the destinations we’ve mentioned above. Try a four-day paddle down the calm but teeming Mekong River or similar trip on the Pai in Thailand. Camp overnight in dense jungle and spend the days on the river.
Nepal’s raging Himalayan torrents are home to some challenging rapids in the class V range. And sea kayaking options around the vast Asian coastline. In northern India you can tackle the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Indus and Zanskar rivers, all full of Himalayan run-off and offering some challenging rapid sections.
There are also plenty of options for combining your kayaking trips with trekking. Imagine spending a few days on the water before heading off to Cambodia’s majestic Angkor Watt, exploring Luang Prabang or any other of Asia’s cultural gems. There are also combined kayaking and cycling tour options in Thailand and Vietnam.
You need to research your kayaking Asia holidays options in depth as the style of trip and experience varies greatly with each destination. Depending on the type of kayaking you want, one location may be more suitable than others.
Remember that kayaking in a number of Asian destinations is also seasonal and dependent on temperature and mountain melt-water.
