Rafting down the Maetaeng River is an experience worth considering when visiting Chiang Mai Province. The starting point is located approximately 1.5 hours by car northwest of the old town. Throughout your descent, you'll be accompanied by dynamic and witty English-speaking Thai professional instructors. This activity is perfect for families or groups of friends—it's a highly convivial experience filled with excitement and adrenaline.

Before the Rafting Adventure

A driver will pick you up in front of your hotel. If you prefer, you can also rent scooters for the day and make your way to the rafting club, stopping along the way to discover the magnificent Mok Fa Waterfall. The club is actually the finishing point of the rafting descent, and instructors will take you in an open pickup truck—with inflatable boats strapped to the roof—to the starting point.

Once you arrive, the instructors will explain the rules you'll need to follow while on board, in perfectly understandable English.

They will cover:

• The proper seating position on the boat (you'll notice it's not necessarily intuitive)
• How to react if the boat begins to capsize
• Verbal instructions and how to respond to them

After receiving all the safety briefing, you'll finally be ready to board the boats for this wonderful adventure lasting several hours.

During the Maetaeng River Descent

There are two difficulty levels available:

• The first level is relatively easy and is open to anyone between 5 and 65 years old, making it ideal for family outings. The descent moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully enjoy the absolutely stunning landscape. You're surrounded by lush forest-covered slopes on both sides of the river—a view that transports you straight into the world of The Jungle Book. Although the course is quite long, it's broken up to avoid the most turbulent rapids. About halfway through, you'll return to shore and drive for a few minutes before boarding the boats again at a second embarkation point to complete the descent.
• If you choose the second course, you'll follow the same initial section as the first route, but your journey will be uninterrupted. This means you'll navigate the rapids continuously, making for a more adrenaline-pumped experience. This second course comes with an additional fee.

When Should You Go?

Certain seasons are better suited for Mae Taeng rafting than others. Heavy rains tend to dramatically increase the river level and rapid intensity, potentially making the waters impassable. Here's a breakdown of when rafting is feasible and when it's more challenging or impossible:

Months when rafting is possible:

• November
• December
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July

Months when it's not advisable:

• August
• September
• October

What to Pack for Rafting in Thailand

Contrary to what you might think, it's perfectly fine to wear shorts instead of a swimsuit for rafting. However, it's wise to bring a few practical items that will make your experience more enjoyable:

• Sunscreen
• Your phone (instructors will provide a waterproof bag if you want to bring belongings on board. During calm stretches, you can safely take photos, but be careful not to drop it in the water)
• A change of clothes
• A towel
• Water shoes (optional, as you can go barefoot in the boat if you prefer)