4 Rafting Trips in Chiang Mai to Build a Day Around

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 $58Best value

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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3.8 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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4.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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