Half Day Whitewater Rafting (8km)

A half day on the water with a longer 8 km run down the Mae Taeng, the river that carries most of Chiang Mai's whitewater. The rapids on this stretch range from easy riffles to grade 3 and 4 in high water, so the same trip can be a relaxed float in the cool season and a proper workout in the rains. It suits anyone who is comfortable in water and wants more time on the river than the short 4 km taster.

After hotel pickup you drive about an hour north to the camp at Kaeng Kued, where the rafting guides fit you with a life jacket and helmet and run through paddle commands and what to do if you fall in. Rafts carry a small group plus a guide who steers from the back. You are driven upstream to the launch point and paddle back down through a series of rapids separated by calmer sections, past forested banks and the occasional elephant on the shore. Lunch is served at the camp afterwards, and you are back in Chiang Mai in the afternoon.

Drinking water, insurance and an English-speaking guide are included. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, and bring a full change for the drive home.