The 9 Best Rafting Trips in Thailand

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

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

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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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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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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8.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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9.Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $43

Spend a morning near Khao Lak with a small group of up to 10 people. You will receive hotel transfers, rafting instruction, safety gear, and water before floating by bamboo raft, visiting the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and stopping at Ton Pling Waterfall. Guides such as Tammy, Marta, Amata, and DD have been praised for their friendly approach.

“We took this trip early November 2025 and it's a great little morning trip, half hour away from khaolak. You can leave your bags on your bus, they are safe. Make sure you wear your swimmers on the way because your bum will get wet on the bRead more”

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