If you are looking for adventure on your holidays, rather than just relaxing in the sun, white water rafting down one of Thailand’s scenic rivers might be just the thing for you!
A number of tour companies are now offering these exciting short breaks, which can be booked before you even leave England. The best time to go is between May and October, when the rivers are swollen due to the monsoon rains.
Most packages include transportation from and to your hotel in the price of the trip, as well as food and accommodation, and provision of all the necessary rafting gear. Safety is of paramount importance, so all participants will be given a lesson in river safety and paddling techniques before setting out.
One of the most popular tours is a two-day excursion from Chiang Mai, which navigates the challenging rapids of the Mae Teng River, a steep waterway that runs steadily downwards through scenic, mountainous countryside. The organizers claim that this will appeal to both novice rafters and experienced adrenalin junkies.
Your overnight accommodation will be in a local village, where the residents will give you a warm welcome and provide you with a delicious, traditional meal. For a small extra charge you can enjoy a display of native music and dancing; or you may prefer to spend the evening strolling about the local countryside, or learning about Thai life and culture from your hosts.
The second day starts with a short jungle trek, escorted by a professional guide, and you can then enjoy the amazing experience of ‘flying’ across the rainforest canopy via a network of zip lines and sky bridges. After lunch, there is another hike to see the beautiful and spectacular Mae Gompong Falls, before returning to your hotel in an air-conditioned minibus.
The Wa River, in the Nan Province of Thailand, is one of the most sought-after rafting destinations in the world, and offers two distinct experiences: for the complete novice, there is a gentler stretch of river passing through the Amphoe Mae Charim National Park; while experienced thrill-seekers can do battle with the torrential waters between Kaeng Luang and Pang Chang. In both cases, the route will take you past lush green forests and stunning scenery. Back on land, there is the opportunity to experience an elephant ride before returning to your hotel.
For a gentler rafting experience, the River Kwai in western Thailand has softer bends and more tranquil waters; and this expedition passes through the beautiful Saiyoke National Park with its amazing waterfalls. You can often catch a glimpse of elephants lumbering through the bamboo forests; and you will sail past awe-inspiring limestone cliffs riddled with natural caves. This is the perfect expedition for complete novices, since there are no dangerous rapids, and you can relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
As a rough guide, the current price – as of September 2010 – for the two-day Chiang Mai rafting expedition is $175 US (or £116).