Coolest Kayaking in Thailand

Chiang Dao Jungle River

As the rains ease with the cool season and the hot dry season begins, during this time, the slowly receding water levels allow us to enter deep into the jungle and navigate through the lush and overgrown waterways of the northern Ping river. The creek like river winds itself through bamboo jungle and temperate forest presenting us with an intimate view of

Forest Kayaking north of Chiang Mai a jewel in the crown of nature exploration

undisturbed nature. The overhanging trees and the cool water provide for a unique cool environment as we navigate the task at hand.

Abundant bird life crossings, fish jumping and mysterious

sounds from the forest acompany us on our journey.

This Jungle can only be safely entered in the dry season…
So don’t miss it !

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Trip: downstream south through Chiang Dao Jungle
River grade : Class 1+
Distance/Time : 17 km , 4-5 hrs
Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience helpful
Lessons in basic river kayaking provided
Fitness level : good
Kayaks :Highly manoeuvrable Sit On Tops Kayaks

Chiang Dao Mountain Views

75 km north of Chiang Mai, our drive to our starting point reveals a beautiful valley with orchards, rice, corn fields and rolling hills. The famous Chiang Dao mountain, the “last tooth of the Himalayas”, sticks out like a giant fin . At 2225 m tall with its jagged and sharp peaks it cuts through the rest of the skyline and demands our attention.

The Ping River, here swift and twisty, flows vigorously in the shadow of the Chiang Dao mountain. Every turn seems to present itself for a new photo opportunity as we drift south across the valley. The river contours are demanding when the creek like features force us to adhere to the river’s path. Great place to learn the tricks of the trade without the harsh consequences of a Class 3 river. Life along the shores is at a relaxed pace, people here tend to natural resources . Living off the land has true meaning here. Is it crabs they are looking for as locals are snorkeling the river banks ? We notice the fisher man throwing the net waiting for a catch, and the farmers waving taking a break from tending their lands along the river .

Chiang Dao Massive ‘The last tooth of the Himalayas’ 3rd largest mnt. Thailand

The village of Chiang Dao nears and we enjoy a hearty lunch by the river, After our well deserved break, we continue past villages and farmland towards the southern part of the valley. In the distance we can already make out the hills that separate Chiang Dao from Mae Ngat Valley. Our ground transportation awaits us for the ride back to Chiang Mai.

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Trip: Crossing the Chiang Dao Valley
River grade : Class 1+
Distance/Time :18 km , 4 – 5 hrs
Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience help full
Lessons in basic river kayaking provided
Fitness level : good
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

to Mae Taeng Forest Reserve

Dam hop at north end of the Mae Ngat Valley

Motivated Beginners and advanced Kayakers alike enjoy the unspoiled nature along the upper Mae Ping River . The interesting contours keep challenging us. The creek like features of the river force us to adhere to its path, making this a great place to improve and learn the art of river kayaking. The swift waters help us across the valley. Lunch at the Mid Valley Bridge gives us the strength to continue to the Mae Taeng forest reserve.

The river widens here and the second half of the trip seems easier and certainly faster. The additional water flow added by the Mae Ngat Reservoir drifts us comfortably into the Mae Taeng Forest Reserve. Only accessible by boat it rewards us with a great appreciation for the region’s solitude and serenity. In the drier seasons this trip is a true challenge for the fit individual.

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. All year rain or shine

Trip: Following the Mae Ngat Valley

River grade : Class 1
Distance/Time : 32 km , 5-6 hrs
Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience help full
Lessons in basic river kayaking provided
Fitness level : excellent
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

to Mae Taeng Forest Reserve

Gliding along the shady side at the Mae Taeng Forest Reserve

The Mid Valley Trip river section has all the fun turns and twists the Mae Ping river has to offer here in the Mae Ngat
Valley. After the initial easy entry at the dam flow, the river
challenges us to pick the right line between the sand banks and the river shores. The mighty Ping River here a playful “large Creek” gives a handful of opportunities to practice our art of river navigation. Because of its mild “consequences but challenging nature of this terrain it is a favorite for new comers to the sport. The Mae Ping river’s cool water keeps the immediate environment at a comfortable temperature . The final destination the Mae Tang Forest Reserve ads a continous alley of large overhanging trees keeping us in the shade. The absence of civilization reminds us how quiet nature can be without modern life present .

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. All year rain or shine
Trip: Crossing thesouthern part of Mae Ngat Valley

River grade : Class 1

Location location location… a tree in the forest reserve never short on supply

Distance/Time : 16 km , 3hrs

Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience helpful
but not required .
Lessons in basic kayaking provided
Fitness level : good
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

Its wild country up here where the Mae ping river flows its own way

1.5 hrs drive north of Chiang Mai is the “spring” of the Mae Ping River and also our most northern entry . This 16km journey takes us through a pristine valley past farmland into northern Thai forest . Lots of over hanging trees makes this section of the ‘mighty’ Mae Ping (more like a creek here) a nice cool ride. Its pretty bumpy in the cool season and in the rainy season its quite advanced. So if you have some river kayaking experience and you are looking to get wet this is for you.

When: Day 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.
Trip: Mae Ping River following Mae Wang Valley
River grade : Class 1++ , Class 2 in the rainy season
Distance/Time : 16 km 3 hrs
Previous kayaking experience required
Fitness level : good

Kayaks : Sit on Tops with backrests
/knee straps & whitewater kayaks

Program 1

It seems every turn in the river shows the mountain from a different perspective , a nice focus while drifting past.

75km north of Chiang Mai lies the Chiang Dao Valley. Kayakers immediately notice the majestic Chiang Dao mountain that rises above the rest of this scenic valley.
The 18 km kayak trip on the Mae Ping River crossing the valley is rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain range and interesting elements of local farm life. Arriving in the late afternoon at the southern end of the valley we complete the 1st leg of our trip at the River Ping Resort. A comfortable night and big breakfast and we are ready to tackle day 2. In the lush and well irrigated Mae Ngat Valley, we make a challenging crossing to the Mae Taeng Forest Reserve our final destination. Allowing 2 days brings us truly into the rhythm of the Northern Thai river life… a bit more relaxed, we meditate on the vibrant scenery and newly learned skills of kayaking .

When: Day 1 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. Day 2 – 2:30 pm
Available: All year rain or shine

Trip: Day 1 Chiang Dao Valley ,

Day 2 Mae Ngat Valley

River condition : Class 1 +
Distance/Time : Day 1 = 18 km Day 2 = 32 km
Previous kayaking experience helpfull

Lessons in riverkayaking provided
Fitness level : excellent
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

Cool water, cool shade and cool company , its good to be here.

Programs 2

It always looks easier from below.

95 km north of Chiang Mai near the spring of the mighty
Mae Ping River we enter clear water under the lush canopy, the creek like features of the river allow us to play the small currents as we drift south. Nature here largely undisturbed with occasional farming , draws us back here whenever we get a chance. 4 hrs of forest river kayaking takes us to the quiet and comfortable Pingkhong Homestay at the riverside.
Comfortable beds and a good breakfast guarantees us a
great 2nd day of kayaking through the Chiang Dao Jungle. This area, accessible only at lower water levels, still rewards us with lush vegetation creating navigational challenges as we drift south towards the Chiang Dao Valley. In short, this is our favorite in the drier seasons and a true jewel in the crown of river adventures in Northern Thailand.

When: Day 1 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. Day 2 – 2:30 pm
Available: All year rain or shine
Trip: Day 1: Northern Chiang Dao Forest , farmland
Day 2: Chiang Dao Jungle
River condition : class 1+
Distance/Time : Day 1 = 18 km Day 2 = 15 km

Previous kayaking experience helpful

At the Ping Khong Resort at River side, 2 day overnight stay.

Lessons in river kayaking provided
Fitness level : excellent
Kayaks :Highly maneuvrable Sit on Top’s ,
white water kayaks

It’s a jungle out here

This is to easy but what da heck , better then waiting for a bus to Laos

The River Ping flows smoothly but swifty as it nears Chiang Mai. 32 km north, it’s a peaceful large river that drifts towards the city. With only long wide turns this is good beginner territory, great for bird watching and viewing local village life encroaching on the river . Participants can choose to extend the 20 km trip to go all the way into town (32km) where we can enjoy a well deserved ice coffee on the river side in the center of Chaing Mai.

When: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm. All year rain or shine
Trip: taking the Mae Ping to town
River grade : Class 1
Distance/Time : 20- 32 km , 2 – 5 hrs
Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience help full
Lessons in basic river kayaking provided
Fitness level : goodKayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

Doi Suthep in the back ground , here we come 32 km to Chiang Mai

Serenity at the east end of Sirilanna National Park

60 km north of Chiang Mai lies the Mae Ngat Reservoir which stretches 18 km through the Sirilanna National Park.
Kayakers enjoy this trip through the surrealistic landscape of limestone walls and lush jungle-scape to open waters. In usually calm conditions we enter the reservoir from the quiet east end making our way west. At midday of our kayaking excursion we arrive at the floating village restaurant where lunch is served. After a cool dip, we continue our trip to the west end of Sirilanna National Park where we are rewarded with fantastic views of the Mae Ngat Valley and refreshments .

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. All year rain or shine
Trip: Siri Lanna National Park Reservoir
Lake condition : calm water
Distance/Time :18 km, 5 – 6 hrs
Motivated Beginners are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience helpful
Lessons in basic kayaking provided
Fitness level : excellent
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops

60km north of Chiang Mai stretches the Mae Ngat Reservoir, 18 km across Sirilanna National park.
The leisure kayaker can enjoy a 14 km round trip past lush jungle and across open water scapes. In usually glassy conditions we enter the reservoir from the west and kayak to a group of floating house boats while enjoying the coolness of the lake . At the floating restaurant we provide lunch and refreshments and diving tower invites us for a dip while others might explore the bay on their own. After a playful day at the lake, we head back to our starting point enjoying the fantastic views of the Mae Ngat Valley along the way.

When: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. All year rain or shine
Trip: Siri Lanna National Park Reservoir
Lake condition : calm water
Distance/Time :14 km round trip , 2-3 hrs
Novices are welcome ,
Previous kayaking experience not neccessary
Lessons in basic kayaking provided
Fitness level : ok
Kayaks :Touring Kayaks (sit in) & Sit On Tops
Double Kayaks on request

Home sweet home at the boat house, arriving by kayak , you really feel you have arrived.

Soak in the life of the lake and spend the night at the boat house in Siri Lanna National Park. We enter the lake on the quiet east end and paddle 11 km west to the boat houses .
The calm water makes for smooth kayaking conditions . The jaw dropping awesome countryside with its limestone rock formations and lush forests are a sight not to be missed. After lunch at our final destination for the day, there is time to relax, take a swim or explore the bay. Rustic boat house accommodations are provided. Enjoy an early morning paddle on your own before breakfast. With plenty of time to spare, we paddle onward the remaining 7km to the west end of the reservoir for our 2:30 pm return drive back to Chiang Mai.

When: Day 1 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. Day 2 – 1:30 pm
Available: All year rain or shine
Trip: Siri Lanna National Park Reservoir
Lake condition : calm water