Rafting on the Wang River | Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

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Location details

Mae Wang Rafting | Chiang Mai
During this hot summer, if you're thinking of a popular cooling-off destination in Northern Thailand, it has to be a cool place with nature to enjoy, and not too far from the city, like Mae Wang District in Chiang Mai Province. Rafting along the river is a popular activity here, attracting locals from Chiang Mai, neighboring provinces, and foreigners alike, especially during the summer months.
February - April every year
Rafting Location Details
Mae Win Subdistrict and Ban Kad Subdistrict, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
(depending on water level and current each day)
Price: Approximately 300 - 400 baht per raft, maximum 4 people
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
(Opening hours are busier during the summer and Songkran festival)
Transportation and Travel Recommendations
From Chiang Mai city, it takes approximately 1 hour (about 50 kilometers).
Passing through Hang Dong and San Pa Tong districts. Turn onto Highway 1013
towards Mae Wang. Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays.
However, reservations are recommended for holidays or Songkran.
Nearby activities: Mae Wang Elephant Camp, Weir (a children's play area)
and over 50 riverside restaurants.



Bamboo rafting in Chiang Mai is a popular activity that allows you to experience nature, the river, and the local way of life.
1. Mae Wang District (Mae Wang River)
Ideal for those who prefer convenience; it is located not too far from Chiang Mai city (about an hour’s drive). Programs here are often combined with visits to elephant sanctuaries or waterfalls.
• Mae Wang Ai Bao Bamboo Rafting
• Details: Each raft accommodates 3–4 people. Options are available for either self-navigating or having a guide paddle for you.
• Price: 400 THB per raft (self-navigated) / 500 THB per raft (with a guide/paddler). (Covers a distance of approximately 6 kilometers, taking about 1 hour.)
• Phone: 085-712-0371
• Other operators in the Mae Wang area: Such as Pa Tae Mae Wang Rafting or other Mae Wang River rafting services, which often feature riverside restaurants and cafés.
2. Mae Taeng District (Kaeng Kuet / Mae Taeng River)
Perfect for adventure seekers who love lush, mountainous natural scenery. Located near elephant sanctuaries and hiking trails.
• Kaeng Kuet Bamboo Rafting & Kayaking
• Details: Offers a shaded, tranquil atmosphere as you drift along the Mae Taeng River. You might even catch a glimpse of elephants along the way.
• Opening Hours: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (Tel: 081-602-8454)
• Pong Ngan Homestay: An accommodation deep in the forest
• Details: Perfect for those who enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle and trekking.
• Activities: Trek into a village nestled in the forest (no electricity or mobile signal), then return by bamboo raft along the river.
Travel and activities at Kaeng Kuet (Mae Taeng River), Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, involve the following:
• Travel time from Chiang Mai city to Kaeng Kuet: Approximately 1 – 1 hour 15 minutes (a distance of about 50–60 kilometers).
• Whitewater rafting (rubber raft) duration:
• 5-kilometer route: Approximately 30 – 60 minutes.
• 10-kilometer route: Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours (depending on water current intensity and the season).
3. Chiang Dao District (Mueang Khong)
A peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and experiencing the authentic local way of life.
• Details: Managed by the local community. Accommodates approximately 3–5 people (depending on body weight). A rafter is provided to navigate the raft, and a shuttle service to the rafting starting point is available.
• Price: 700 THB per raft (or approximately 200 THB per person).
• Phone: 090-475-2279 or 091-851-1658 (Nong Fah).
The journey from Chiang Mai city to Mueang Khong (Chiang Dao District) takes approximately 2–3 hours (covering a distance of about 90–110 kilometers).
• From Chiang Mai city to Chiang Dao District: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• From Chiang Dao District to Mueang Khong Village: An additional 1–1.5 hours, involving a drive up into the mountains along winding roads.
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