Chiang Mai Tours & Excursions
Whitewater Kayaking near Chiang Mai · Mae Wang and Mae Taeng Rivers (4 levels)
From
2 400 THB/ per person
≈ €63
E-mail confirmation as soon as you pay · WhatsApp reply within 1 hour
Whitewater kayaking with professional guides around Chiang Mai: first rapids on the Mae Wang, a technical canyon, a Class 4 section of the Mae Taeng, or a big 18 km day through the gorges. Kayak, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket, lunch and transfer included.
Included / Not included
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Guides trained in first aid
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai
- Whitewater kayak (or sit-on-top for beginners), spray skirt, helmet, life jacket and paddle
- Riverside lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available) and water
- Support vehicle with secure storage for your belongings
Not included
- Cash on site, per person: river fee and insurance 150 THB (Mae Wang) or 250 THB (upper Mae Taeng), medical insurance 50 THB (Mae Taeng Class 4)
Prices
| Group size | Price / person |
|---|---|
| Introduction · first class 2-3 rapids on the Mae Wang (from 14 years old)1 person or more | 2 400 THB |
| Expert · class 4 section of the Mae Taeng, 10 km (from 18 years old)1 person or more | 2 500 THB |
| Expert · Mae Wang canyon, class 3-4 (from 18 years old)1 person or more | 2 600 THB |
| Experienced · upper Mae Taeng, 18 km of gorges, November to June (from 14 years old)1 person or more | 4 400 THB |
Your day
Detailed programme
8:30
Hotel pick-up
8:30
Hotel pick-up
Sign-up and fitting of kayak, spray skirt and paddle at the shop (6:30 for the upper Mae Taeng).
9:30
Drive to the river
South of Chiang Mai for the Mae Wang, 1 hour north for the Mae Taeng.
10:30
Launch
Warm-up and skills check (rolling for experts), then set off.
13:30
Lunch
Meal by the riverside; elephants can sometimes be spotted on the banks of the Mae Wang.
14:30
Rapids
The second, livelier part of the descent, on the beginner route.
17:00
Return to your hotel
Between 15:00 and 17:00 depending on the river, around 18:30 for the upper Mae Taeng.
In pictures
Frequently asked
Ready to go?
Whitewater Kayaking near Chiang Mai · Mae Wang and Mae Taeng Rivers (4 levels)
From 2 400 THB / per person
E-mail confirmation as soon as you pay · WhatsApp reply within 1 hour
All the details
Whitewater kayaking with professional guides around Chiang Mai: first rapids on the Mae Wang, a technical canyon, a Class 4 section of the Mae Taeng, or a big 18 km day through the gorges. Kayak, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket, lunch and transfer included.
Why choose this trip
- From beginner to Class 4: a route for every level, led by professional kayakers.
- Jungle rivers: the Mae Wang to the south, the Mae Taeng and its gorges to the north.
- Full equipment: whitewater kayak, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket and paddle all provided.
What's included
- Beginner route, Mae Wang: a narrow jungle river south of Chiang Mai, first Class 2 to 3 rapids and tight turns with instructors on hand, elephants sometimes visible on the banks.
- Mae Taeng Class 4: 10 technical kilometres 1 hour to the north, rock gardens and small 1-2 m drops, high volume during the rainy season.
- Mae Wang canyon: a narrow rocky canyon, Class 3 and 4 drops between the boulders.
- Upper Mae Taeng: a 2 h 30 drive, including a long dirt track, followed by over 4 hours and 18 km of fast current through a jungle gorge.
Good to know
The expert-level routes require genuine whitewater experience: the guide checks your skills before setting off and may redirect you to the beginner route if needed. Bring a change of clothes and sandals that stay securely on your feet.
Before you go
Good to know
Prone to seasickness?
Take a tablet ~30 min before departure, sit mid-boat, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid heading out on an empty stomach.
Beat the crowds
Iconic spots like Maya Bay are far calmer early in the day. Our morning departures get you there before the midday ferry rush.
National park fees
Some sites sit inside a national park, so an entrance fee may apply. Check the “Not included” list above so there are no surprises.
Sun & reef care
The tropical sun is strong, bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Thai marine parks.
What to pack
Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, a dry bag for your phone, and a change of clothes for the trip back.
From
2 400 THB/ per person