Bangkok Hidden Kayaking & Electric Boat Tour: Honest Review

So, you’re looking for something totally different to do in Bangkok? You know, something away from the usual temples and markets? Well, then the ‘Bangkok Hidden Kayaking Electric Longtail Boat Tour’ might just be your thing. It’s almost like peeking behind the curtain of the city, that is to say seeing a side most people don’t. We’re talking less hustle, less bustle, and more quiet exploration of Bangkok’s waterways, also known as the “Khlongs”. Is that something you’d find interesting?

What Exactly Is This Tour?

Alright, let’s break it down a bit. This tour basically mixes two pretty cool ways to see Bangkok: a slow-paced kayak adventure and a ride on a traditional, though in this case electric, longtail boat. You typically start off paddling through narrower canals, and getting real close to local life. Imagine little houses right on the water, maybe the smell of someone’s lunch cooking, and kids waving as you paddle by. Then, you hop onto a longtail boat. They’ve swapped out the loud engine for an electric one, so too it’s way quieter, which is a big plus. Is that appealing to you?

What’s neat is the electric motor actually lets you appreciate the sounds around you, you know? So, you can hear the birds, the water lapping, that’s assuming there’s no other boat around creating too much commotion, anyway. This whole tour isn’t really just about seeing sights, but about experiencing a totally different vibe, a more authentic slice of Bangkok. Does that make sense?

The Kayaking Portion: Up Close and Personal

The kayaking bit, this is where you’re going to get your arms working, so to speak, of course! It’s arguably the most active part of the tour, is that correct? Typically, the guides pick out canals that are reasonably calm, you know? But you should probably expect a little bit of paddling effort. Don’t expect a super intense workout. It’s very, very much more about taking things slow and soaking in the scenery.

You will glide past wooden houses on stilts, that’s homes of people who actually live along the water. So, too it’s not uncommon to see grandmas hanging laundry, and maybe even a water monitor lizard sunning itself on a bank. Keep an eye out! Bring a waterproof camera, and you might want to protect it anyway. I can’t stress this enough: Respect people’s privacy, right? Like your common sense says you should.

Electric Longtail Boat: A Relaxing Ride

Oh, the longtail boat ride…that’s really when you can kick back a bit. The electric engine actually makes a big difference, so you’re not shouting over the roar of a gas motor. The guides, they typically know a ton about the history of the Khlongs, or anything else that may interest you, actually, that is to say if they speak a language that you can understand. That is assuming that they speak your language! Just a heads up.

From the boat, things like riverside temples are visible. So, too the sometimes-quirky architecture will also be viewable! That part, it almost feels like stepping back in time. You might just catch glimpses of old ways of life slowly blending with the current city. It’s arguably the perfect way to end the tour, so I suggest you stay for the entirety of it. Is that acceptable to you?

Who is this Tour Actually Good For?

Alright, so who’s really going to dig this? If you are the type who likes checking off famous landmarks, you will probably find that boring. You should also pass if you only enjoy super luxurious, that is to say over-the-top kinds of experiences. Yet, this tour, it’s excellent for folks who are curious. Basically people interested in getting off the tourist trail, that’s putting it lightly. So, it is actually pretty good for:

Families with older kids: Kayaking isn’t typically suited to the very young, actually. But teenagers and older kids can often handle it no problem.
Solo travelers: This could be a very social way to see the city since tours often form small groups.
Couples: Want to see something unique? This is definitely a romantic escape from the city chaos.
Anyone who wants authentic experiences: That says it all, honestly.

Things to Actually Think About

Before you book, here are a couple things you’ll want to consider:

Physical fitness: You do need to be able to paddle a kayak for an hour or two. It doesn’t have to be intense, arguably, but you will have to exert yourself.
Sun protection: The sun is intense, after all! Slather on sunscreen, that’s in advance, bring a hat, and wear sunglasses. Seriously.
What to wear: Quick-drying clothes are preferable. You might get a little wet, actually. So, too consider sandals or water shoes.
Bugs: Mosquitoes can be a bit of a nuisance, you know? Repellent might be needed, is that something that you have available to you?
Rainy season: Bangkok’s rainy season can affect water levels, actually. That could possibly change the kayaking routes.
Ethical tourism: Try to pick tours that respect the local communities and the environment, it really matters, I assure you.

Are There Any Downsides?

No experience is entirely flawless, I will say that upfront! One thing is you might find some trash in the canals, you know? While it’s certainly gotten better, there are some areas that aren’t spotless. Is that a huge turnoff? I suppose it varies.

The kayaking can also be tiring for some people. Very much more if you aren’t used to being in the sun or paddling, that’s correct! Is that an issue for you? You might encounter other boats, but that depends on the time. If there’s too much, the canal might seem crowded, yet there’s nothing that can really be done about that, I suppose. In fact that is sometimes unavoidable.

Is It Actually Worth It?

Okay, that’s the big question! Assuming that you go in knowing what to realistically expect, and you value experiences over perfectly polished tourism, then yes, I would suggest it is pretty much worth it. So, it actually gives you a real glimpse of Bangkok life. Is that of value to you? It’s a memorable, and surprisingly peaceful, escape from the city, you know?

Just maybe don’t expect crystal-clear waters and untouched scenery. Also, don’t expect all your tour mates to be quiet and polite! Instead, think of it as an adventure, which will almost assuredly include some cool surprises. Hopefully, this helps you determine what tour you might want to do. Have a safe and happy tour, that is if you decide to take one!