Whitewater Rafting in Thailand

Wa River, Nan The Wa rushes through the forests of remote Nan province and hosts arguably the best whitewater in Thailand. Knowledgeable guides lead groups of rafters and kayakers down rapids that grade between class three and class five in the rainy season. Multi-day trips combine big water with wild, roadless jungle scenery.

Mae Taeng River, Chiang Mai The Mae Taeng is nearly as ferocious as the Wa, though the rapids rarely surpass class four. Around 30 rapids are packed into a punchy ten-kilometre run north of Chiang Mai. Trips are easily combined with trekking and homestays in nearby Karen villages.

Pai River, Mae Hong Son The Pai flows through the mountains of Mae Hong Son and is well served by adventure operators. Whitewater rafting is often bundled into multi-day treks out of Pai, and gentle bamboo rafting is offered for a more relaxed float. Waterfalls, hot springs and jungle scenery line the banks.

Mae Klong River, Tak The Mae Klong has the best rapids in Tak province, with a four-hour run through a rich, wildlife-filled ecosystem. Paddlers can work a visit to the spectacular Thi Lo Su waterfall into the outing. The remote setting keeps crowds to a minimum.

Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Nakhon Nayok Fed by the highlands of Khao Yai National Park, this stretch offers around four miles of exciting rafting. The first set of rapids is the finest, but there is plenty more to keep paddlers entertained for the remaining hour and a half. Trips generally run only in the rainy season when water levels are high.

Khek River, Phitsanulok Conditions on the Khek are famously hard to predict. On the best days the rapids come almost unbroken, delivering two solid hours of action. Because difficulty swings with the water level, it pays to check conditions before setting out.

Songkalia River, Sangkhla Buri Near the Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi, the Songkalia offers a 12-mile stretch of intermittent rapids that opens with a fast five-tier descent. Guides usually pause midway to let paddlers enjoy a waterfall. The lush frontier scenery is a highlight in its own right.

Klong Phra Prong, Chanthaburi This six-mile course in the eastern hills is moderately challenging and suitable for any reasonably fit paddler. A dozen or more rapids appear depending on the season, swelling to as many as 30 at the height of the monsoon. It makes a great day trip from the coast.

Phetchaburi River, Phetchaburi Running through Kaeng Krachan National Park, the Phetchaburi is ideal for children and novice rafters. There are no serious rapids, but the forest scenery is superb, and short trips often include stops at waterfalls. It is a gentle introduction to river running.

Kaeng Bok Fai, Chumphon This seven-mile stretch in the south enjoys easy road access, making it convenient for travellers short on time. Seven sets of mid-level rapids studded with boulders keep things lively over a roughly three-hour run. It is a fun, family-friendly option away from the northern crowds.

Umphang, Tak Deep in the far west, the rivers around Umphang combine rafting with a journey to Thi Lo Su, one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls. Multi-day trips drift and dash through pristine wildlife sanctuary before the trek to the falls. It is one of the country’s great off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Nam Khong, Loei In the far northeast, the small rivers around Loei offer seasonal whitewater amid rolling mountains and cool weather. Rapids are modest but the scenery of forested ridges and quiet villages is a reward in itself. Trips here see far fewer visitors than the famous northern rivers.