When you think of activities to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you probably think of Elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes and temple hopping. However, this northern Thai city is actually home to 3 raging rivers which are great for white water rafting!
White water rafting involves using an inflatable raft, usually in a group, to navigate a river. It is classed as an extreme sport given that the rivers are fast-flowing and the rocks surrounding the rivers may cause a threat to those who fall out of the raft. Suitable rafting gear includes a life vest, helmet and a paddle to prevent any life-threatening injuries.
Chiang Mai is home to the Mae Taeng, Mae Kok and Nam War Rivers – all of which are grade III and VI rapids. We decided to embark on this white water journey on the Mae Taeng River using this tour which includes a Thai buffet and a guaranteed small group which ensures extra safety!
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1. When To Go White Water Rafting In Chiang Mai
We visited Chiang Mai in February, which is a great time to visit the city in general – the weather is amazing and you avoid the dreaded burning season. However, we will say that this month isn’t so great for an extreme white water rafting experience. February in Thailand is a peak time for travellers to visit as it is the dry season, however, that just means that the rivers aren’t as raging as the rainfall is low. This is perfect if you would like to experience a calmer white water rafting experience. For a wilder ride, we definitely recommend visiting from June to October.
Due to the low tide in February, this also meant that there weren’t many people on this tour, so instead of us all going on one big inflatable raft together, we each had our own separate raft with a personal rafting guide to ourselves – double the safety!
2. How Long Does It Take To Navigate The River Fully?
Navigating the Mae Taeng River entirely took just under 2 hours, which is more than enough time to get soaked and enjoy the beautiful Chiang Mai scenery.
3. Our Experience White Water Rafting The Mae Taeng River
We got picked up from our hotel in an air-conditioned van at around 8 am. We then made the 1.5-hour journey to the Mae Taeng River.
Once we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the tour guides and then we were advised that our start time would be in around 40 minutes as we were waiting for other tourists who were making their own way to the base camp.
We were provided with snacks and refreshments, there is also a very friendly dog who will happily befriend you in exchange for food.
We were then briefed in terms of safety and then we made our way down to the river. As previously mentioned, we were assigned our own personal tour guide (because the group was so small) and then we got on the river! There are many cues that the tour guides will teach you such as ‘paddle forward’, ‘right back, left forward’ which will help you navigate the river safely.
We definitely enjoyed rafting the Mae Taeng River, however, it was a bit too calm for us. We have rafted class IV+ rapids so we typically enjoy a more extreme journey but it was still an enjoyable experience for us (as you can see below).
4. What Happens If I Fall Out Of The Raft?
This was one of our big fears when we first went rafting. The rafting guides are well skilled in terms of safety and they brief you very well.
Falling out of the raft isn’t as scary as you may think, you will simply swim towards the raft and the rafting guide will hoist you back into the raft using your life jacket. Or if you’re in a more treacherous situation where the rivers are raging, the rafting guide will bring the raft to you – all you have to do is lay there and they will either come towards you or throw you a rope.
Don’t let your weight stop you – these rafting guides are extremely strong and can easily hoist up even an 80kg female like myself!
You are always advised to float feet first in the direction of the flow of the water, just so that if you were to hit any rocks – it would be your feet and not your head. And in the unlikely event that it is your head, your helmet will protect you.
The key to staying in the boat is REALLY digging your feet under the flap of the raft. This handy technique helped me survive even the most challenging of drops and the biggest of waves (not sure how I managed to stay on board in the last picture).
5. Is White Water Rafting Safe?
Yes. Provided that you follow the safety instructions, and are fully equipped with the correct safety equipment – white water rafting can be an exhilarating and safe experience.
The chances of you incurring any injuries or even death are extremely rare. Do not let safety concerns stop you from going white water rafting – you only live once at the end of the day!
That’s All Folks! Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed reading through our experiences whilst white water rafting in Chiang Mai and why you should do it too!
23 Travels are Personal Travel Planners who have been creating bespoke travel itineraries for many years. If you would like us to plan your trip to Thailand, or any other worldwide destination for you, please visit 23 Travels Itinerary Services.
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