 Prachin
Buri Province :
At Khao Yai National Park, the Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Nadi District
of Prachin Buri is a stretch of river noted for its wild beauty. The
water is very vigorous during the rainy months (June-October), and
some stretches are designated Level 5, the uppermost limit to whitewater
rafting.
Kanchanaburi Province :
On the western border, Kanchanaburi is a popular adventure destination
thanks to its mountainous terrain, covered with forests and crisscrossed
with a network of rivers. Jungle rafting can be arranged from a mountain
pass to the stunning Lawa Cave, a two-hour journey. Bamboo and inflatable
rafts are also available for a trip down the Songkalia in Sangkhlaburi.
Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young-at-heart.
The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater
rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the
rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to
be found in the northern reaches of the central region.
Mae Hong Son Province :
There are five levels of expertise, and all require experienced
guides to lead them. Mae Hong Song's Pai River is perhaps the most
famous venue, as it smashes its angry path towards Myanmar. A raft
trip starts at Ban Nam Kong, 65 km from Pai and continues through
virgin forests, waterfalls and 15 sets of rapids, a journey time
of about five hours.
 Chaing
Rai Province :
One of the oldest rafting destinations in the country, Chiang Rai
continues to draw adventure seekers from all over the globe. In
Chiang Rai, bamboo rafts and inflatable boats are available for
the journey down the Mae Kok, the province's major artery.
Chaing Mai Province :
Rafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang George in inflatable
boats is available through Mae Sot Travel. Another challenging route
is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi District, where the river rushes through
virgin forests to end at the Pha Dam Waterfall. No rubber raft is
available at the site, so it's best to book a trip with a tour agent
in Chiang Mai.
Phetchaburi Province :
The headwater of Phetchaburi River, the province's major artery,
lies within Kaeng Krachan National Park. The river offers good rafting;
a trip through its rapids and small tributaries takes about six
hours.
Nakhon Nayok Province :
As a rule, canoeing and kayaking is available at the destinations
that provide rafting. Nakhon Nayok, a small province to the north
of Bangkok, is a new destination for adventure tourism. Its rivers
originate in the Khao Yai range and flow down to meet the arterial
Bang Pakong River, which empties into the Gulf of Thailand.
Nakhon Nayok has several waterfalls, the most popular being Wang
Takhrai. Canoeing here is relatively new. The best time to visit
is June-October. Starting point for a canoe journey is the stretch
of Wang Takhrai canal where it flows through a coffee plantation.
The waterway is quite narrow and therefore unsuitable for larger
vessels. The route has no difficult rapids, but its many twists
and turns more than make up for it.
Preparation
Safety is paramount in whitewater rafting. Life jackets and helmets
must be worn at all times. Your guide should explain to you all
relevant safety procedures before you go, and check weather reports
and the condition of the river. You should be able to swim if you
wish to go whitewater rafting.
Tak Province :
This mountainous province south of Chiang Mai is an increasingly
popular adventure destination. The hub of activities is Umphang
District on the border with Myanmar which is now accessible via
a winding mountain route from Mae Sot, the centre of border trade.
The forests of Umphang are the source of many rivers, the most important
being the Huai Mae Klong, a popular rafting route with its many
rapids and scenic backdrops of jungle. There's also a rafting route
from the breathtaking Thi Lo Su Waterfall which takes three to four
hours.
Rafting on Kaeng Hin Phoeng
Kang Hin Phoeng: This is another stretch of river in Khao Yai National
Park noted for its wild beauty. The water is especially challenging
in the rainy season months of June to October, and it is a favourite
place for whitewater rafting. The passage along this stretch of
the river will take three hours or more.
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