Al Khor is a coastal town about 50 km north of Doha, worth a visit for the mangrove reserve and the flamingo population rather than the town itself. The Al Thakira mangroves sit about 5 km from Al Khor centre and can be explored by rented kayak through the channels between the grey-green mangrove stands. The experience is quiet and requires no particular paddling skill.
The old dhow harbour at Al Khor has a modest corniche and a few fish restaurants popular with day-trippers from Doha. The drive north takes about 45 minutes on the highway; there is no public transport. Best combined with a morning on the water followed by lunch on the waterfront.