Thailand · BAMBOO RAFTING & WHITE WATER

The 15 Best Rafting Trips in Thailand

34 tours  ·  from $33 a head

Bamboo rafts drift, rubber rafts do not. These 15 trips compare the gentle river floats usually bolted onto a sanctuary day against the genuine white water north of Chiang Mai, with grades and water levels by season.

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting - Leaving Chiang Mai for Mae Wang
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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

1.Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9,160 reviews · 9 hours · from $60Our pick

Travel from Chiang Mai to Pon Elephant Thailand for a guided day with rescued elephants. Feed bananas, walk through the forest, bathe with them, swim at Mae Wang Waterfalls, eat a Thai lunch, and float down the Mae Wang River on a bamboo raft. Guides such as Nop, Paul, Yaya, and Sunny add local insight and help with photos.

“Other than my wedding this was one of the best days of my life! Got to cuddle my favourite animal. The sanctuary was so well run. They really care for them and I learnt so many things I didn’t know. Can’t recommend this tour enough ❤️”

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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour - Climbing Bua Thong Waterfall barefoot
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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

2.Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 870 reviews · from $58Top rated

Spend about eight hours visiting Bua Thong’s climbable waterfall, New Elephant Home in Mae Tang Valley, and a bamboo rafting camp. The elephant program centers on welfare, forest walks, and no riding. Guides such as Paul, Fluke, and Mr. Poppy are known for clear explanations and hands-on help, though the waterfall needs steady footing.

“Paul was the guide for today's adventure. It started with a trip to the waterfalls, followed by the trip to New Elephant Home, and then the bamboo raft excursion. Paul took care of us, and gave us lots of information and what to expect. He was knowledgeable about the elephants and was always willing to help take pictures for everyone in the group during the entire trip. Paul took care of the admission fees/tickets. The length of time at both waterfall and elephant sanctuary was the right amount of time. By going to the waterfall first, we were able to enjoy more time with the elephants with less people around.…”

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Khaolak: Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation - Wang Kiang Koo Waterfall and the 50-minute raft trip
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Khaolak: Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation

3.Khaolak: Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 622 reviews · 3 hours · from $48

Travel from Khao Lak by air-conditioned van to Wang Kiang Koo Waterfall for a 50-minute bamboo raft ride. Guides such as Winnie, Dede, Kob, and Iris point out snakes, frogs, monkeys, and birds. Then visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and swim at Ton Pling Waterfall. Hotel pickup, drinks, cold towels, and an English-speaking guide are included.

“Very nice range of activities and great efficiency in scheduling for a half day trip.”

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8 hour Sticky waterfall, ATV and White water rafting Adventures - Sticky Waterfall: climbing limestone instead of stairs
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8 hour Sticky waterfall, ATV and White water rafting Adventures

4.8 hour Sticky waterfall, ATV and White water rafting Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 308 reviews · from $110

Spend about eight hours outside Chiang Mai with guide support, hotel pickup, a limestone Sticky Waterfall, an ATV ride through roads and jungle tracks, and 4 km of level 3 to 4 rafting. Guides such as Joe, Mr. B, and Mr. K are praised for clear instructions and friendly help. Thai lunch, water, transport, fees, and local insurance are included.

“If you want a funpacked adventure squeezed in one day you should definitely try this trip. You can expect about an hour of ATV ride amongst elephants, a beginner friendly but thrill rafting on the nearby river a nice meal for lunch and the stickRead more”

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Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center - What the turtle center actually offers
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Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center

5.Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 282 reviews · from $42

Float for about an hour through Khao Lak’s rainforest on a bamboo raft, visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, then swim at Ton Pling Waterfall. Hotel pickup, drinks, insurance, and park fees are included. Small groups of up to 12 are available, with private upgrades and guides such as K, Charlie, Boom, and Moo.

“We had a great time. Went to 3 different places and none of them for too long. The kids loved it. The raft was fun, the turtles were cute and the waterfall although small and busy was exciting”

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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional) - Sea turtles at the conservation center
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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional)

6.Phuket: Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 253 reviews · 10 hours · from $54

Travel from Phuket to Khao Lak for bamboo rafting, a turtle conservation visit, lunch, a jungle ATV ride if selected, Monkey Cave, and Tonsai Waterfall. Guides such as Hana, Hanan, Molly, and Kito have been praised for friendly help and clear explanations. Expect a full 10-hour day, including up to 2.5 hours each way in the van.

“Better then expected, our Tour Guide Hanan was amazing funny and very informative . Loved the turtle sanctuary it was like a dream come true & monkey feed & The Temple. Food was also good And in the end bamboo rafting The best !!!”

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Whitewater Rafting Adventure - Getting ready at the 8Adventures base
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Whitewater Rafting Adventure

7.Whitewater Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 205 reviews · from $97

Travel from Chiang Mai to 8Adventures for a 10-kilometer jungle rafting run, with calm water, class III and IV rapids, safety gear, guides, lunch, showers, and hotel transport. The route can be adjusted for younger or less experienced rafters, and guide Lo has earned praise for his warm, careful leadership.

“Fantastic rafting experience! The day was very well organised, professional and the facilities were great. Had a delicious vegetarian lunch and the venue had hot showers with shampoo and conditioner.”

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Phuket: White Water Rafting and Jungle Adventure with Lunch - Monkey Cave and the first taste of the jungle
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Phuket: White Water Rafting and Jungle Adventure with Lunch

8.Phuket: White Water Rafting and Jungle Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 192 reviews · 10 hours · from $49

Travel from Phuket into Phang Nga for a 5km rafting run, ATV ride, zipline, Monkey Cave visit, waterfall swim, and lunch. English-speaking guides lead the safety briefing and rafting drills. Hotel pickup, equipment, insurance, and return transport are included, though the long drive and optional rafting upgrade are worth noting.

“I recently embarked on an incredible rafting tour in Phuket that left me in awe. From the professional guides to the breathtaking route and thoughtful extras, every aspect of this adventure was phenomenal. The rapids were thrilling, the equipment top-notch, and the stops at waterfalls added a touch of natural beauty. The tour operators ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere among the group. If you're seeking an unforgettable adventure, this rafting tour in Phuket is a must-do! Thai adventure club is the best quality”

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Phuket: Monkey Cave, Water Rafting, Zipline with ATV Option - Monkey Cave and the reclining Buddha
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Phuket: Monkey Cave, Water Rafting, Zipline with ATV Option

9.Phuket: Monkey Cave, Water Rafting, Zipline with ATV Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 161 reviews · from $44

Travel from Phuket to Suwan Kuha Temple, see its reclining Buddha and monkeys, then tackle 5 kilometers of rafting, a short treetop zipline, and a forest mini-trek. Lunch, fruit, drinks, transport, insurance, and a guide are included. Add the 30-minute ATV ride for extra off-road fun. Expect a long drive and an early pickup.

“Enjoyed the activity. But the travelling time is too long - almost 3 hours from our place. Activity time is very less. Zipline is not that good. May be OK for 1st timer. Could have been better. ATV ride is OK - Need to increase the timing. Water rafting is good and enjoyed it. Overall will rate 6 out of 10.”

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Phuket: Rafting 5KM and ATV Ride 30MIN Adventures - The 30-minute ATV ride through the forest
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Phuket: Rafting 5KM and ATV Ride 30MIN Adventures

10.Phuket: Rafting 5KM and ATV Ride 30MIN Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 154 reviews · from $41

Spend a full day in Phang Nga Province with 5 kilometers of river rafting, a 30-minute ATV ride through jungle trails, a short zipline, lunch, a waterfall stop, and Wat Suwan Khuha temple. Pickup from Karon begins around 7:30 a.m. The long drive is the tradeoff for a packed day of outdoor activities.

“Rafting session was fantastic fun - well organised and food was deliciously fresh.”

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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option - Bamboo Rafting Through Quiet Water
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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option

11.Phuket: Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 129 reviews · 9 hours · from $56

Spend about nine hours traveling from Phuket toward Phang Nga and Khao Lak for Monkey Cave, bamboo rafting, a turtle center, Thai lunch, a 30-minute ATV ride, and a jungle waterfall. Small groups are capped at 10. Guides speak Thai and English. Confirm whether your departure includes any elephant stop before booking.

“It was amazing we loved every activity and the people that took us there were great! The guide was amazing, he doesn’t speak fluent English but he makes sure that you understand and he explained everything in our tour! Great job to him!”

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4 in 1 Elephants Long Neck Rafting and Sticky Waterfall Tour - Visiting the Karen Long Neck Village
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4 in 1 Elephants Long Neck Rafting and Sticky Waterfall Tour

12.4 in 1 Elephants Long Neck Rafting and Sticky Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $88

Spend about 10 hours exploring Mae Taeng with an English-speaking guide. Walk up Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall, feed and bathe elephants at a cruelty-free sanctuary, visit a Karen Long Neck Village, then choose white-water or bamboo rafting. Guides such as Yoong and Mr K have earned strong praise for friendly, well-run days.

“This was easily the best tour I have taken in more than 10 years travelling through South East Asia. Absolutely fantastic guide (Mr K), a small group and really fun activities. The elephant sanctuary was great and the elephants treated very well. The rafting was a blast, as was the Sticky Waterfall. I would highly recommend this tour, especially with Mr. K. 🙂”

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Ethical Elephant Visit and White Water Rafting in Chiang Mai - Meeting the elephants at E-Co Adventure Camp
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Ethical Elephant Visit and White Water Rafting in Chiang Mai

13.Ethical Elephant Visit and White Water Rafting in Chiang Mai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $58

Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng for a no-riding elephant visit at E-Co Adventure Camp. Feed and walk beside rescued elephants, watch them play in the river, enjoy a family-run Thai lunch, then tackle Mae Taeng River rapids with guides. Round-trip pickup, vegetarian food, and groups of up to 12 are included.

“This was an amazing experience! Pickup from our hotel 5 minutes after 8, and made one stop on our way to Eco Adventure camp. It was about 1.5 hours to get there. Once we arrived we changed into the elephant garb. And we fed thRead more”

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Chiang Mai Rafting in Mae Taeng River with Thai Buffet - What the Mae Taeng River feels like
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Chiang Mai Rafting in Mae Taeng River with Thai Buffet

14.Chiang Mai Rafting in Mae Taeng River with Thai Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $75

Spend about eight hours rafting the Mae Taeng River with Oh-Hoo, using safety gear and quality equipment under guides such as Mike, Tomy, and Tom. Pickup, a Thai buffet, waterfall time, and a small group of no more than 15 are included. Water levels affect the rapids, so expect a gentler ride in the dry season.

“If you want a 5-star adventure & I am not talking the cheesy touristy kind, then book this 5-star adventure. I cannot say enough good things about our trip, so I’ll just let you find out for yourself.”

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Khao Sok: Full Day Bamboo Rafting Tour from Khao Lak - Monkey Temple and the wild animals around it
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Khao Sok: Full Day Bamboo Rafting Tour from Khao Lak

15.Khao Sok: Full Day Bamboo Rafting Tour from Khao Lak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · from $114

Spend about nine hours moving from Khao Lak’s Takuapa market to an elephant rescue camp, Monkey Temple, and a quiet bamboo raft ride on the Khao Sok River. Feed and bathe elephants, stop for coffee served in a bamboo cup, enjoy lunch, and travel with an English-speaking guide in a group capped at 15.

“What can I say about this experience… and it WAS an experience! Small group (which is always a bonus) weather fantastic and our guide for the day Run, was excellent. Food at lunch outstanding and there was plenty of water etc to drRead more”

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New in Bamboo Rafting & White Water

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★ 5.0Full Day Chauffeur Driven Tuk Tuk Adventure in Chiang Mai including raftingFrom $19319 reviews
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★ 3.5Full Day Chiang Mai Zipline Adventure, Rafting, ATV-ing, and Sticky WaterfallFrom $1639 reviews
★ 5.0Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo RaftingFrom $7719 reviews
★ 5.0Chiang Mai Adventure ATV Secret Waterfall and Bamboo RaftingFrom $6416 reviews
★ 4.5Chiang Mai ATV White Water Rafting and Elephant Sanctuary Full-Day TripFrom $1388 reviews
★ 5.0Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting)From $648 reviews
★ 3.8Krabi: 5km Rafting and Waterfall TourFrom $5614 reviews
★ 4.8Elephant Habitat Park Feeding Entry & Rafting Van TransferFrom $3328 reviews
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