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Coolest Kayaking in Thailand

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Chiang Dao Jungle River 

but_booknow 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

width=300 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



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Chiang Dao Mountain Views 

but_booknow 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 .

width=300 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

 

 

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to Mae Taeng Forest Reserve 

width=300 but_booknow 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. width=300The 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


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to Mae Taeng Forest Reserve 

width=300 but_booknowGliding 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.

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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 


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45 minutes south in the Mae Wang valley flows the Mae Wang river.  At the start of the rainy season it starts to fill and kayakers get a taste of great jungle kayaking. There is a 3 hr trip that a sports minded  and coordinated beginner kayaker can handle,  class 2 rapids and plenty of jungle to navigate around make this an interesting challenge,  a seasoned river kayaker will also enjoy the drops and waves on the way.

 

The lower part of the Canyon is reserved for experts with full face helmets , rapids here depending on water level range from class 3 to 5 , confident kayakers can try their luck in lower water conditions.

 

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So signing up for the Mae wang , you get to scrape some rocks and brush some bamboo , so not for the faint hearted.

 

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Mae Wang upper Valley  Class 2 + 2300 thb
Mae Wang upper + lost Canyon Class  3 +   2500 thb

 

When: Day 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. Trip: Mae Wang Valley River experience  : Class 1-4 , Class 2-4 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

 

 


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Program 1 

width=300 but_booknowIt 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.width=300A 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

width=300 Cool water, cool shade and cool company , its good to be here.

 

 


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Programs 2

width=271 but_booknowIt 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.

 

 

width=300When: 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

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It’s a jungle out here

 


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width=300 but_booknow 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.

 

 

width=300When: 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

 

 

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width=225 but_booknow 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


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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

 


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width=300 but_booknowHome 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.

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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

Late afternoon on the Mae Ngat Reservoir, the shades show us a day ending and a goal reached.

Distance/Time : Day 1 = 11 km Day 2 = 7 km 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

 

 

 


 

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A 45 minute drive north of Chiang Mai brings us to the beautiful Mae Ngat Valley. We start out by visiting the amazing Ban Den Temple located at the entrance of the Valley.

Although this trip is not a Temple tour this Wat is hard to miss and makes a great starting point for our ride. Leaving all the glitz and glamour behind we now head into the Valley through open rice fields passing local farmers tending to their crops, experiencing traditional farming.

Cooling off we stop at a local produce markets and see what is on the menu. Relaxed we continue riding through the rural villages to the south of the Valley. Splurging on local fruits and snacks we are now energized for the kayaking leg of our Adventure. The ride left us with new impressions and we are now ready to change pace and leave civilization behind. With help of the favorable current of the Mae Ping River we are now steering our kayaks into the Mae Taeng Jungle Reserve. Only accessible by boat, as nature lovers, we find our peace here in this serene and quiet setting, As bird life accompany us through the Forest Reserve we reach the far south end of the Mae Ngat Valley, where we are usually greated by a kayaking monk, a friend. A cozy Restaurant in a plantation setting awaits us with a well deserved meal and a cold drink.

This trip suits all ability levels, and beginners can expect basic instructions in river kayaking.

Trips are at a relaxed pace but some fitness is required biking is flat

This Excursion can have 3 options, please refer to the trip # when booking

 

  • Trip 20 Option 1 Bike and Kayak. Biking 15/20km 2hrs, Kayaking 10-14 km 2hrs, Total 4hrs
  • Trip 7x Option 2 Bike Only aprox 3 hrs biking 25 km
  • Trip D Option 3 Kayak Only aprox 3.5 hrs kayaking 18 to 25 km(distance dep. on current)

Over all Time : 8:30 am Hotel pickup Return: depending on group size aprox 5pm to make a reservation book online , travel agent or call us 0810247046 053814297