Our Top Krabi Tour is a birding trip through the Krabi Mangroves on the Krabi River in town. We have 3 hour rides and sometimes 2 hour rides if the boat guide is accepting them. The boat can take up to 5 or 6 people in your group. Each tour is private unless you specify that others can join you. Birding Boats have life jackets for adults and children.
Join our BIRDING TRIP THROUGH THE MANGROVES in KRABI Tomorrow Morning!
Here are some items you may consider bringing with you on a Birding Tour by boat in Krabi or anywhere in Thailand or southern Asia. Many of these items are not essential to enjoying your trip, but they can help you enjoy it even more. Have a look!
Gear to Bring Along when Birding by Boat in Thailand
Birding in the mangroves of Southern Thailand is an incredible experience. From kingfishers to sea eagles, the unique ecosystem is full of fascinating wildlife. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to pack the right gear. Below is a detailed list of essential items and why you need them.
1. Essential Birding Gear
- Binoculars (7×20, 8×42, or 10×42) – A good pair of binoculars is a must. Look for waterproof and fog-proof models with a wide field of view for spotting birds in dense foliage. The first number is the magnification. So a 7x pair of binoculars will make it seem like you are 7 times closer to the birds. The second number refers to the diameter of the lenses at the end of your binoculars. Larger lenses gather more light and enable you to see in the dark better. Our little 7×20 are fantastic during daylight hours, but not quite as good in the low light of the morning. Still, they’re fine for us!
- Spotting Scope – Completely optional, but if you’re serious about birding, a spotting scope with a tripod or monopod can help identify distant birds. On our small boat, you’ll be bouncing around a bit though.
- Field Guide or Birding App – A guide to Thailand’s birds will help you quickly identify species. Mobile birding apps like Merlin Bird ID can be useful – get the Thailand birding pack to make sure you have the best chance to ID them. Probably you should focus on finding MORE birds during your trip than trying to ID them on the boat anyway. Just our two cents of advice. 🙂
2. Photography Equipment
- DSLR/Mirrorless Camera with a Telephoto Lens – A 300mm or longer lens is ideal for capturing birds at a distance. We have a cheap Nikon lens that works with our cropped sensor Nikon body and so it gives us 450mm shots that rival some more expensive camera setups.
- Waterproof Camera Bag or Dry Bag – Protects your gear from splashes and unexpected rain. Though the boat goes slow, rain can happen from April to December and it’s a good idea to protect your valuables in a waterproof bag.
- Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Birding trips last for 2-3 hours, and you don’t want to run out of storage or power.
3. Clothing and Footwear
- Lightweight, Breathable Clothing in Neutral Colors – Avoid bright colors that can scare birds away. Quick-dry fabrics work best in humid conditions.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt & Pants – Protects from sunburn and mosquito bites.
- Wide-Brim Hat or Cap – Provides shade from the tropical sun. One that covers your neck is also advised.
- Sunglasses (Polarized Preferred) – Reduces glare on the water and helps you to spot birds more easily.
- Waterproof Sandals or Lightweight Hiking Shoes – If you’ll be stepping off the boat, shoes with a good rubber grip are helpful. We’d suggest athletic shoes with a rubber sole.
4. Protection from the Elements
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – The sun is strong, even in the morning. If you’re prone to burning, use the sunblock before you get on the boat. Wash your hands well after.
- Insect Repellent (DEET or Natural Alternative) – Essential for keeping mosquitoes away. Though not that bad usually because the boat is moving, when it stops, you’ll want some protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho – Sudden showers are common in tropical climates. There is a roof on the boat, but you may want a poncho for sideways rain that sometimes comes blowing across fast.
5. Hydration and Snacks
- Reusable Water Bottle (Preferably Insulated) – Staying hydrated is key in the heat.
- Electrolyte Packets or Sports Drinks – Helps replace lost minerals due to sweating.
- Light Snacks (Energy Bars, Nuts, or Fruit) – Keeps energy levels up during the trip.
6. Navigation and Safety
- Dry Bag for Valuables – Keeps your phone, wallet, and documents safe from water. Mentioned before, but bears repeating!
- Smartphone with Offline Maps – Helpful if you need to navigate back after the tour. Like if the boat guy falls off the boat! Joking, joking, you shouldn’t need any maps unless you’re boating on your own.
- Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, motion sickness tablets, and any personal medications. Maybe a good idea to carry around.
Join our BIRDING TRIP THROUGH THE MANGROVES in KRABI Tomorrow Morning!
7. Other Useful Items
- Notebook & Pen – Great for jotting down bird species and observations.
- Headlamp or Flashlight – Useful for pre-dawn or post-sunset trips.
- Towel or Small Pack Wet-Wipes Towels – Can be handy!
8. Comfort Items for the Boat
- Small Cushion or Seat Pad – Those wooden boat seats can get uncomfortable after a few hours of birding. A foldable cushion makes a huge difference!
- Sea Bands or Ginger Candy – Even calm waters can cause queasiness. These natural remedies help if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- Light Scarf or Neck Gaiter – Great for wiping sweat, protecting your neck from sun, or using as an emergency head covering.
9. Tech Support for Better Birding
- Power Bank – Your phone’s battery drains faster in the heat, especially when using bird ID apps. A 10,000mAh power bank should last all day – on and off the boat.
- Bird Call Speaker (Optional) – Some guides use recorded calls to attract birds. If you bring one, please use it sparingly and responsibly. There are some ethical considerations to their use. Ask yourself whether it’s something you really need.
- Weather App – Download a reliable weather app that works offline. Local weather patterns can change quickly in Krabi.
10. Social and Cultural Considerations
- Cash in Small Bills – Helpful for paying and tipping your boat driver and guide, or buying snacks from local vendors. Thais operating small service businesses always need change.
- Basic Thai Phrases – Learning “thank you” (khob khun ka/krap) and “beautiful” (suay) goes a long way with local guides. Learn some more at our Thai language page.
- Buddhist vs. Muslim Culture – The guide on our trips is Muslim nad there’s no need to wai him, but you can always greet him with Sawatdee Ka (women) or Kup (men).
11. Special Tips for Photography
- Bean Bag Support – More practical than a tripod on a moving boat. Fill it with rice or beans when you arrive.
- Lens Cleaning Kit – Salt spray and humidity can leave marks on your gear. Bring microfiber cloths and cleaning solution.
- Rain Cover – A simple plastic sleeve for your camera. The fancy ones are nice, but even a shower cap works!
12. Things You Might Not Think Of
- Zip-Lock Bags – Amazing for protecting phones, keeping snacks fresh, and storing wet clothes.
- Hair Ties or Bandana – Keeps hair from blowing in your face while looking through binoculars.
- Old Hand Towel – For wiping down wet gear, mopping sweat, or creating shade for your camera screen.
- Ear Plugs – the longtail boats on the river can be extra loud. Ear plugs may help save your ears.
13. Health and Safety Extras
- Copy of Health Insurance – Keep a paper copy in your dry bag, just in case.
- Oral Rehydration Salts – The tropical heat can be sneaky. These are great if you start feeling wobbly.
- Anti-Fog Spray – Your binoculars and camera lenses will thank you in the humid mangrove air.
Remember: You don’t need everything on this list to enjoy birding in Krabi! Pick what makes sense for your style of birding and comfort level. The most important things are your binoculars, sun protection, and sense of adventure. Krabi’s lush mangroves are waiting to show you their feathered treasures!
Join our BIRDING TRIP THROUGH THE MANGROVES in KRABI Tomorrow Morning! It’s better to book in advance to make sure you can go when you arrive in Krabi, but sometimes we have an opening for the next morning.
Birding in the Mangroves is on a Longtail Boat – a traditional Thai boat that locals use for river transportation.
