Rafting Archives - 8Adventures

8Adventure’s guide to Chiang Mai rafting 2026

Liam Davies — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:15:00 +0000

White water rafting in Chiang Mai is one of those experiences that feels far removed from the city, even though it’s only a short drive north. Within about 90 minutes, the roads wind into the Mae Taeng valley, where the river cuts through dense forest and low mountains, creating some of the most consistent rafting conditions in Thailand.

The Mae Taeng River runs year-round, fed by mountain water, and it rarely looks the same twice. In the rainy season it can turn a deep reddish colour as sediment washes down from the hills, giving it what some people refer to as “red water rafting.” In the cooler months, its often crystal clear and slows slightly, but still keeps enough flow to make the experience engaging.

What surprises most people is how continuous the river is. This isn’t a short burst of rapids followed by long flat sections. The Mae Taeng has a rhythm to it — stretches of faster water building into technical sections, then easing off just enough before the next sequence begins.

A typical day starts with pickup in Chiang Mai and the drive into the valley. By the time you reach basecamp, the temperature has usually dropped a little, the air feels cleaner, and the landscape has shifted completely from urban to rural. After a detailed safety briefing and getting fitted with equipment, you head down to the river and ease into the first section, which is designed to let people get comfortable with paddling and commands before the pace picks up.

From there, the river gradually builds. On the longer 10KM oute, the experience leads into a sustained section of Class III–IV rapids where the water moves faster, the drops are more defined, and each raft works as a coordinated unit. It’s the kind of section where timing matters, and where the guide’s experience becomes very obvious. After that, the river relaxes again, giving space to enjoy the surroundings before the final stretches back toward base.

There are two main rafting options, and the difference between them is straightforward. The full 10 km route includes the most intense section of the river, where the largest rapids are concentrated. The shorter 8 km option follows the same river but exits before that section, making it a better fit for families or anyone who wants a slightly more relaxed version of the experience without losing the character of the river.

One detail that often goes unnoticed but makes a real difference is how the boats are used. Depending on water levels, group size, and conditions on the day, raft sizes are adjusted to keep the experience balanced — stable enough to feel safe, but still responsive in the water. It’s a small operational decision that has a big impact on how the river actually feels.

In terms of safety, rafting on the Mae Taeng is well established, but not all operations are equal. 8Adventures is currently the only company in Thailand accredited by the International Rafting Federation, which sets a higher standard for guide training, safety procedures, and overall operation. All guides are local, with deep familiarity of the river across different seasons, which is particularly important here because conditions do change throughout the year.

For families, this setup works especially well. The river offers enough flexibility to adapt the experience, and the 8 km route allows younger participants or first-time rafters to enjoy the day without committing to the most demanding sections. At the same time, the full route still delivers a proper adventure for those who want it.

Seasonally, the experience shifts rather than stops. From roughly July through February, water levels are stronger and the rapids are at their best, especially after periods of rain. Between March and June, the river becomes gentler, but still flows enough to run trips, just at a slower pace. The advantage of this is that rafting in Chiang Mai isn’t limited to a short window — it’s something that can be done almost any time of year, just with a slightly different character.

By the end of the day, most people are surprised by how complete the experience feels. It’s not just about the rapids, but the combination of landscape, movement, and the gradual immersion into the environment. You start the morning in the city and finish having spent hours moving through a river valley that feels far more remote than it actually is.

For anyone visiting Chiang Mai in 2026, rafting remains one of the few activities that genuinely combines accessibility with a real sense of adventure — and the Mae Taeng River continues to be the place where that happens.

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Unforgettable Outdoor Activities in Northern Thailand: Rafting, Trekking & Adventure Awaits!

Liam Davies — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 07:16:17 +0000

Exploring the natural beauty of northern Thailand is an essential experience for any traveler seeking adventure and tranquility. At 8Adventures, we offer daily whitewater rafting and jungle trekking tours from our basecamp in Mae Taeng, near Chiang Mai, immersing you in the region’s lush jungles, towering mountains, and dynamic rivers.

Engaging in outdoor activities like ours provides numerous benefits. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Physical activities such as rafting and trekking not only boost fitness but also foster a deeper connection with the environment.

Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is both convenient and affordable. With approximately 67 daily flights between the two cities, the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

tripadvisor.com

Upon arrival, you’ll find that Chiang Mai offers more affordable accommodations, less traffic, and lower pollution levels compared to Bangkok, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and creating lasting holiday memories with family and friends.

Our whitewater rafting adventures navigate the exhilarating rapids of the Mae Taeng River, providing both excitement and a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness. For those who prefer land-based exploration, our jungle trekking tours lead you through dense forests, across mountain trails, and into remote hill tribe villages, offering insights into the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of northern Thailand.

Incorporating nature activities into your Thailand holiday not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to your physical and mental health. At 8Adventures, we’re committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible outdoor activities that showcase the best of northern Thailand’s natural wonders.

Make your trip to Thailand unforgettable by embracing the great outdoors with 8Adventures. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting or the serenity of jungle trekking, our expert guides are here to ensure you have an exceptional experience amidst some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

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5 Reasons to Try Whitewater Rafting in Chiang Mai

Liam Davies — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:30:10 +0000

Are you an adventure seeker looking to add some excitement to your holiday in Chiang Mai?

Look no further than White Water Rafting! Nestled in the lush landscapes of northern Thailand, 8Adventure’s offers thrilling rafting experiences that will leave you exhilarated and grateful for choosing an outdoors activity.

Breathtaking Scenery: Picture yourself surrounded by pristine jungle scenery, with lush greenery, and water rushing beneath your raft. 8Adventure’s are based in the Mae Taeng valley, one of Chiang Mai’s most spectuacular districts. As you navigate through the rapids, you’ll have the chance to soak in the beauty of the untouched wilderness that surrounds you.
Thrilling Rapids: Whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai offers an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rafter, you’ll find rapids suitable for all skill levels, ranging from gentle currents to sections of Class IV and V rapids! Feel the rush of adrenaline as you tackle twists, turns, and drops, navigating your way through the rapids with the help of your guide.
Professional Guides: Safety is paramount when it comes to whitewater rafting, and at 8Adventures, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands. Experienced and certified guides (International Rafting Federation) accompany every trip, providing expert instruction and ensuring your safety throughout the adventure.
Accessible Adventure: One of the great things about whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai is that it’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need any prior experience to enjoy this thrilling activity – just a sense of adventure and a willingness to get wet! With a variety of routes available (8km and 10km options), ranging from gentle floats to more challenging runs, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai offers an adventure that’s accessible to all, making it the perfect addition to your vacation itinerary.
Unforgettable Memories: Finally, whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai promises to create memories that will last a lifetime. We have a photographer posted at each big rapid and along the river to get some great action photos of your journey! Professional photos are available for just 500THb per group

Whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai is an adventure not to be missed. With its stunning scenery, thrilling rapids, professional guides, accessibility, and the promise of unforgettable memories, it’s the perfect activity for anyone seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience in northern Thailand.

Learn more about our rafting tours

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What is Inflatable Kayaking?

Liam Davies — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:33:20 +0000

Inflatable Kayaking, or it’s abbreviation IK is a fun whitewater activity. It’s suitable for all ages and no experience of kayaking or rafting is required! 8Adventures use these IKs because during the summer season (March- May) in northern Thailand the water level is lower. This opens up new channels in the 10KM stretch which our larger rafts can’t fit through. There are tons of fun slots and drops making it a great way to run the river! The experience is more similar to rafting than kayaking. The IKs are set up with one guest in the front and a guide in the back. Your guide is an experienced whitewater captain fully trained to international rafting standards and our IKs, lifejackets and helmets are top-of-the-line equipment If you book an IK adventure you day will look like this. At 8.30AM you’ll be picked up by an air conditioned van, then we’ll drive around 1hour 30 minutes to Mae Taeng in the north of Chiang Mai. At our basecamp we have free tea and coffee, lockers and showers. Before we get to the river you’ll have a safety briefing and learn the commands and protocols. We’ll then paddle 10KMs of rapids and tranquil sections together. The encroaching jungle offers lots of shade and the middle section of water is action packed with class III and IV rapids. we’ll arrive back at 8Adventures basecamp and have a delicious lunch (Chicken kiev, salad, Thai soup, seasonal fruit and vegetarian options). We have towels for you when you finish and shower facilities that you can use before heading home. Make sure to bring a 2nd set of dry clothes so you can ride home dry!

For further info see our Inflatable Kayaking Page, or why not book a combination adventure with Trekking or ATV!

IK and ATV

IK and Trekking

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White Water Adventures in Chiang Mai

admin — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 07:05:58 +0000

Heart-pumping, pulse-racing and unforgettable. That’s exactly the three words I would use to describe one of the wildest rides of my life. Recalling my 2013 Bungee jump in Pattaya, I always thought that would be the most adrenaline-filled activity I could have done all my life, until Eric’s team at 8Adventures proved me wrong.

It all happened in Chiang Mai, the northern capital of Thailand, an escape from the typical hustle and bustle of daily life. Regardless of the number of people flocking in through trains and planes, the former capital city of the Lanna Kingdom remains as a relaxing and laid-back destination brimming with unspoiled beauty. The 2017 Nomad Summit was held in Chiang Mai on February 4, I confirmed my presence in early December last year. Successful digital nomads from all around the world gathered to network, share their business models, tips and hacks, and buck making techniques in the 20 minute TED Talk-style presentations. While, I had my plane arriving Chiang Mai two days before the event, I decided to grab some adrenaline, so I googled for “things to do in Chiang Mai” and came across white-water rafting, I did more research but couldn’t find anything that could beat white-water rafting. Then I started searching for an operator providing white-water rafting tours in Chiang Mai and came across 8Adventures, founded by world-class adventure enthusiast and two-time freestyle kayaking World Champion Eric Southwick. I sent him a couple of e-mails and Bam!, he totally convinced me to do the 10km adventure through the steep gorges and exhilarating rapids with a great Class III-IV rapid section on the Mae Taeng River.

BIG DAY
On the morning of Friday, February 3, a mini-van from 8Adventures picked me from my hostel in Chiang Mai at 08:15am. We went on collecting others who had registered for tours with 8Adventures for the same day, once we had everyone collected, we headed to the 8Adventures camp which took us a good 2-hour drive. On our way to the camp, the mini-van had an LCD tv that viewed a safety demonstration video by Eric himself. Upon our arrival, we stored our valuables in the lockers, signed the insurance documents, paid the dues, and enjoyed a few more minutes having a quick coffee and chit-chat with others.

We were called in for the safety demonstration and briefing, that’s when I realized that it was certainly not how I had imagined. As the instructor began telling us the Do’s and Dont’s, my mind started going absolutely insane:

“If I say ‘get inside’ ALL OF YOU GET TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RAFT and until I tell you all that we are out of danger.”

WTH?

“If you go overboard, DO NOT PANIC: relax and we will drag you back in.”

WTF?

“If the raft flips over, cling on to it until our rescue team comes for help.”

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME?

And then panic set in: I began thinking about all my options. Can I walk 10km around the rim of the Mae Taeng River instead? How do I cross this river without passing through gorges and canyons? Should I take my chances with the tribal people and hope I don’t disappear into the deep and tangled forests of Myanmar? These are only three of the hundreds of questions that ran through my head then, and then we were given the helmets, the exact moment I thought it was time to find religion! Alright, I’m exaggerating a little but you understand, right? We were told to hurry and get the rafts into the water.

The instructor telling us to obey the commands of our instructors, otherwise “Bye bye Thailand”!

SHIT JUST GOT REAL
There were fifteen of us including the instructors and four rafts. I was told to get into a raft with two Germans who sat at the front row, I was in the middle row and our instructor at the back. The remaining teams were even-numbered, everyone were in pairs, there was also a genuine couple in one raft, except ours, because of me. Maybe I had to sit alone in the middle for being the most reluctant. I tried to think positive because the instructor was sitting behind me, but it turns out it was not good and that it was the most difficult position apparently.

Starting the 2-hour white-water rafting adventure at the Mae Taeng River

We got into the rafts and began the ultimate 2-hour journey down the Mae Taeng river, we saw beautiful scenery, elephants bathing and dandelion falling off trees like snowing. The first 30 minutes passed without any major action, but all that time I was envisioning myself hitting a large rock with broken bones and admitted at a Thai hospital for the next couple of weeks. I was certainly alarmed about the adrenaline ride, but when I pledge to do something I am always 100% in it. The moment I climbed in the middle of the raft with my paddle and set off smacking the rapids, I was there, I was going to get through it and I was determined to live to tell this story to my friends and write it here.

The instructor in our raft yelled simple commands in English as the water gushed around us, all of us acknowledged that we understood this during the 10-minute safety briefing session we attended before we got into the rafts. It started gaining speed down the river, an intense combination of excitement and fear began building inside me. Each time the instructor tells us LEFT, I would sit on the left side of the rafts middle row and move to the right side or turn back to look at him. He has actually been instructing one of the German guys who sat at the right side of the front row to move to the left, not me. I saw the helpless look on the instructor’s face, my heart was pounding in my chest, the adrenaline was pumping through my veins and I was thinking this is it and that we are all gonna die. “LEFFFTTT,” he screamed and I got back on the left side and began paddling left. He yelled “get inside” I got in the middle with the two sitting in the front row, we slowly began understanding and adapting to the situations, he began smiling for forcing us to do what he wanted. I felt a little relieved, at least things were looking up, and we might actually survive.

I must have spoken too soon, there was a huge drop in front of us and we had to get beyond the rocks. My heart sank and again I thought “What am I doing here?”, we managed to get past the treacherous rocks and rapids, and we did it without capsizing. All of us high-fived with our paddles up in the air. Another relatively easy 20 minutes passed and we got onto dry land and carried the rafts to the 8Adventures camp where we had a refreshing shower, collected our valuables from the lockers and had a sumptuous lunch along with everyone else who did rafting that day. Another 2 hour ride in the mini-van and everyone was dropped back to their accommodation in Chiang Mai before 2pm.

If you are planning a trip to Chiang Mai, I would repeatedly tell you not to come back without going for a white-water rafting trip with 8Adventures. Eric’s team are professionals and you would probably notice it that they are more geared and takes safety measures much more seriously compared with other competitors and operators in the region. You will also observe that they have rescue team members allocated on dry land where the rapids are more turbulent, they are on stand-by to throw ropes and drag you out of the water should you fall off the raft or the raft flips over.

Guest post by http://www.theislandlogic.com/

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White water rafting amongst elephants

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 07:58:10 +0000

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Originally posted on December 26, 2016 by bestregardsfromfar

My eyes catch something massive crossing the river in a slow but steady pace. It is an Asian elephant carrying a man on its neck, seated in a lotus position. Fresh water from the river splashes my face and startles me. “Paddle forward! Paddle forward! Get down! Get down!”, yells our rafting guide, and his instructions are putting my focus back on the class III rapid we are descending on this white water section of the Mae river, one hour and a half from Chiang Mai, the capital of Northern Thailand.The river gently winds itself through the low mountains which are partially cultivated. Birds hunt for fish. On calm sections, we drift by bamboo floats that are used by locals to cross and reach their bamboo houses on stilts on the opposite bank. Coffee plants grow in the shade. Elephants feed along the river banks as many elephant camps are located in this area.

I try to stay focused on the paddling. I hold on tightly as the boat hits one of the rocks rising up from the river in the middle of a significant water drop. “Go left!”, our instructor commands, his intonation revealing a mix between pleasure and seriousness. We put all our weight on the left size of the raft and avoid capsizing.

Occasionally, a mahout seating on the neck of a calm pachyderm crosses the river, heading to the jungle for a couple of days to find food. A bit further down, in a bend of the Mae River, we gently float by a group of five people who are washing an old retired elephant gently bathing.

The raft is moving fast through the class III rapids that turn class IV in the rainy season. Nice drops follow each other for a true adrenalin rush. A few young monks in their bright orange dresses are seating on a rock, laughing and taking pictures of the strange bright blue rubber embarkation maneuvered by a small bunch all-geared up in similarly bright orange life jackets!

About ten kilometres down our starting point, we see the landing beach on the left bank of the river. Rafting the Mae River is most likely the best way to explore the area while living a fun and adrenalin-packed adventure.

Claire & Marcella

Travel tips:

If you feel like living this adventure yourself, we are happy to recommend 8adventures. Located along the river banks of the Mae, they provide adventurous, fun and safe ways to explore the area (e.g. trekking, zip-lining, rafting,…).
To learn more about the elephant situation in Thailand and elephant camps, stay tuned: article on the way!
Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area!

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Adventure Tourism: How to choose the right activity

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 05:49:38 +0000

Adventure Tourism is an increasingly popular choice for travellers in Asia and in particular the north of Thailand. The mountains and jungles that surround Chiang Mai are the perfect place to explore and enjoy an exciting range of activities, from whitewater rafting to trekking and ATV. Many of these tours last around 3hrs so it’s possible to experience several adventure activities in a single day, perfect for people who want to get as much out of their holiday time as possible.

Firstly, Chiang Mai’s seasonal climate should be taken into consideration. In the summer months (April- June) the heat can be baking hot, and at times unbearable for those accustomed to cooler temperatures. Water based activities can still be enjoyed as fast flowing rivers offer a welcomed relief from the heat, although due to the lack of rain sometimes the water levels can drop too low. For this reason, rafting is most fun during the rainy season (June- September). The most popular time to visit northern Thailand is December- February, as the temperature is much more pleasant. All adventure tourism activities are recommend during this period.

Secondly, consider your groups requirements, age and abilities. If you’re travelling with a family you’ll be pleased to know that many tours can be enjoyed by everyone, including young children. Kids love jungle trekking and rafting! If you’re travelling with a partner, you may wish to experience staying overnight in a hilltribe village. This is a unique and inspiring activity and can be combined with other fun adventures including ATV, Rafting, Trekking and Zipline. Large groups can also be accommodated, although it’s essential to contact the travel operators in advance during peak season.

Lastly, choose a company that has good reviews and safety record. Look for the TAT (Tourism Authority Thailand) number and research tours on popular sites such as TripAdvisor. If the operator receives 5-star reviews consistently then you’ve a good chance of having an amazing time. Be aware of low budget companies who may cut corners as regards to safety, insurance and maintenance of boats and vehicles.

8Adventures are proud to offer an exciting range of highly rated adventure tourism activities close to Chiang Mai, for more information please visit our website www.8Adventures.com and Facebook Page

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Rafting Chiang Mai

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:52:05 +0000

Thailand’s rainy season begins in July and usually continues until October. Recent weeks have seen steady rainfall across the whole of the country, and 8Adventure’s base in Chiang Mai has been no exception!

The Mae Taeng river- where we run our whitewater rafting day trips, is strongly affected by the rain and guests visiting in August and September can expect high and fast water. In actual fact, ‘red water rafting’ may be a more suitable term, as the water runs down from the mountains it takes on a reddish brown hue.

We recommend that for the most fun, our guests combine rafting with another activity and we proudly offer ATV Tours and Jungle Trekking to allow you to experience an adventure of a lifetime!

Please check out 200+ reviews from happy customers on our TripAdvisor page and we hope to see you soon.

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Family Activities Chiang Mai

admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 13:51:05 +0000

In our experience, children are amazed by Thailand. The sights, sounds and friendly people make it the perfect family destination. Chiang Mai is one of the safest and most beautiful cities in Asia and has plenty to offer people of all ages; from backpackers to honeymooners. With healthy food, shopping options and great climate, it’s fast becoming a must visit family location.

For all of the city’s charms, the team at 8Adventures believe that the best family activities Chiang Mai happen in the jungles surrounding the Mae Taeng river. The reason that many families travel is to inspire their children to be adventurous- a chance to experience White Water Rafting or Jungle Trekking shouldn’t be missed!

The activity that we really recommend you to try is Whitewater Rafting. Set in the amazing Mae Taeng river valley, rafting is an action sport safe enough to be enjoyed by children. Along the 10km journey we’ll experience fast and slow water, with places to swim, and of course rapids! Depending on the time of year we will ask younger children to watch from the riverside for bigger rapids. Safety is our absolute priority and we provide highly experience staff, professional equipment, safety kayakers and shore safety on every trip.

Jungle Trekking is also a great way to exercise and enjoy fresh air away from the city. Experience a unique environment with diverse wildlife. Our guides are highly knowledgeable about the jungle and can help you identify plants, birds and insects. We’ll stop at waterfalls and indigenous villages, see spectacular mountain views, varied habitats and possibly snakes!

8Adventures are proud to present some of the best family activities Chiang Mai has to offer, and are easy to contact via email at info@8adventures.com.

Alternatively, check out our Contact Us page, Facebook or YouTube Channel and we hope to see you soon at 8Adventures!

Video: Whitewater Rafting Chiang Mai

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Rain, Glorious Rain!

admin — Wed, 18 May 2016 08:29:30 +0000

This has been Thailand’s driest and hottest summer since the 1960s with temperatures reaching record breaking highs of 44c.

At 8Adventures we’ve had to work extra hard to keep our guests happy under the scorching sun. Rafting in Chiang Mai has been virtually impossible over the last few weeks, even with our inflatable kayaks that are suited to low water.

Last night we experienced the first of the seasons downpours and the water level in the Mae Taeng rose dramatically overnight, to the great relief of all our staff. Not only does this make for more exciting rafting and kayaking, it also means the surrounding jungle and forests are greener and fresher- making our trekking tours even better too.

Make sure to book your white water rafting tour today! Alternatively check out all our other combination tour packages for great value one day trips in Chiang Mai

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