Chiang Mai Tours & Excursions
Jungle Kayaking on the Upper Ping · Chiang Dao and Mae Ngat Valleys (6 Routes)
From
2 100 THB/ per person
≈ €55
E-mail confirmation as soon as you pay · WhatsApp reply within 1 hour
A day of kayaking on the upper Ping River, north of Chiang Mai: bends beneath Doi Chiang Dao, the Mae Taeng forest reserve, Chiang Dao Cave or small rapids. Kayak, life jacket, English-speaking guide, lunch and transfer included, with a route chosen to match your level.
Included / Not included
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Guides trained in first aid
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai
- Rigid single or double kayak (whitewater or sit-on-top kayak on the rapids) and life jacket
- Briefing and paddling tips
- Riverside lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available) and water
- Cave entrance, headlamp and local guide (cave route)
- Support vehicle with secure storage for your belongings
Not included
- River fee and insurance (150 THB per person, cash on site)
Prices
| Group size | Price / person |
|---|---|
| Easy · Chiang Dao valley, bends and villages (from 6 years old)1 person or more | 2 100 THB |
| Easy · Mae Ngat and Mae Taeng forest reserve (from 6 years old)1 person or more | 2 100 THB |
| Easy · Chiang Dao cave then jungle kayaking (from 6 years old)1 person or more | 2 400 THB |
| Moderate · gorge passage, 14 km and class 2 rapids1 person or more | 2 100 THB |
| Moderate · Chiang Dao jungle, creeks and bamboo groves (from 14 years old)1 person or more | 2 300 THB |
| Sporty · Mae Ngat valley crossing, 32 km1 person or more | 2 300 THB |
Your day
Detailed programme
8:30 am
Hotel pick-up
8:30 am
Hotel pick-up
Stop at the shop: sign-in, life jacket, helmet and safety briefing.
9:30 am
Drive north
About 1 to 1.5 hours' drive to the Chiang Dao or Mae Ngat valley.
Late morning
Launch
A final paddling tip-off, then setting out on the Ping (a 1-hour visit to Chiang Dao Cave beforehand for the cave route).
Midday
Lunch
A meal at a riverside restaurant.
Afternoon
Continuing the descent
Jungle, villages and mountain views all the way to the finish point.
5:00 pm
Return to the hotel
Between 4:30 and 5:30 pm depending on the route and water level.
In pictures
Frequently asked
Ready to go?
Jungle Kayaking on the Upper Ping · Chiang Dao and Mae Ngat Valleys (6 Routes)
From 2 100 THB / per person
E-mail confirmation as soon as you pay · WhatsApp reply within 1 hour
All the details
A day of kayaking on the upper Ping River, north of Chiang Mai: bends beneath Doi Chiang Dao, the Mae Taeng forest reserve, Chiang Dao Cave or small rapids. Kayak, life jacket, English-speaking guide, lunch and transfer included, with a route chosen to match your level.
Why choose this trip
- The river in pure nature: jungle, bamboo groves, buffalo and birds, just an hour from Chiang Mai.
- A route for every level: from a gentle meander to your first rapids, all at the group's pace.
- Chiang Dao Cave: as an option, an hour exploring its grand chambers by headlamp with a local guide.
What's included
- Chiang Dao valley: a winding river beneath Doi Chiang Dao, fields and villages, lunch near a small rock dam.
- Mae Ngat: an easy paddle through the Mae Taeng forest reserve, birds, buffalo and fishermen, a paddling intro, lunch in a mango orchard.
- Cave + kayak: 1 hour inside Chiang Dao Cave, its statues and lit chambers, lunch near the cave followed by 2 hours of jungle kayaking.
- Gorge passage: 14 km of mountain jungle between the Chiang Dao and Mae Ngat valleys, rock gardens and class 2 rapids.
- Chiang Dao jungle: coves, bamboo groves and wetlands of the upper Ping, with a few short walking stretches.
- Mae Ngat crossing: 32 km of paddling to the Mae Taeng forest reserve, a real workout.
Good to know
The starting point is chosen based on water levels, which vary by season; the gorge passage and the 32 km crossing are livelier during the rainy season. Bring clothes that can get wet and sandals that stay 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
2 100 THB/ per person