8Adventures Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a whitewater rafting, ATV or trekking adventure in Chiang Mai? Find answers about our activities, age requirements, transport, what to bring and booking policies. All tours include lunch, drinking water, insurance and return transport from Chiang Mai city.

About our tours

What is 8Adventures?

8Adventures is an adventure tour company based in Mae Taeng, north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Founded by two-time world champion kayaker Eric Southwick and Thai kayaking champion Kriangsak Boonsom, we offer guided river and jungle adventures for beginners and experienced adventurers.

What activities and combinations do you offer?

Our activities include 8 km and 10 km whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, 3-hour ATV tours and a 3-hour waterfall trek. You can combine ATV and rafting, trekking and rafting, trekking and ATV, inflatable kayaking and ATV, or inflatable kayaking and trekking. We also offer school trips and a two-day overnight activity tour. Explore the tour menu for the available programmes.

Where is your camp?

Our riverside camp is in Mae Taeng, approximately 55 km north of Chiang Mai city. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point.

What is included in the tour price?

All tours include professional guides, the safety equipment needed for your activity, lunch, drinking water, insurance and return transport from Chiang Mai city. If you prefer to drive yourself, contact us with your group size for a discounted price and arrival instructions.

Booking and transport

How do I book and pay?

Book through 8adventures.com or contact us by email at info@8adventures.com, phone on +66 89 000 7728 or WhatsApp. Tell us your preferred activity, date, group size and accommodation. Follow the payment instructions provided during booking; our team can advise on payment arrangements for bookings made directly with us.

Is hotel pickup and drop off included?

Yes. Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle is included for hotels and guesthouses within Chiang Mai city. Give us your accommodation details when booking so we can confirm your pickup arrangements.

Can you pick me up outside Chiang Mai city?

Pickup farther outside the city costs extra. Send us your accommodation name and location so we can confirm the arrangements and additional charge before you book.

Can I drive to camp myself?

Yes, and we offer a discount for guests who arrange their own transport. Contact us with your group size for the price and instructions on when to arrive. Please arrange your booking and arrival time before travelling. See our maps and directions.

What time will I be picked up and return?

Pickup and return times depend on your chosen tour and accommodation. Check the relevant tour page and your booking confirmation for the schedule. Allow time for travel as well as the activity; a 3-hour activity does not mean a 3-hour trip from your hotel and back.

Can I book at the last minute?

Contact us by phone or WhatsApp to check availability. Please wait for confirmation before travelling to camp, especially if you are enquiring about a same-day trip.

White water rafting and inflatable kayaking

What is the difference between the 8 km and 10 km rafting trips?

The 8 km rafting trip follows Class II-III whitewater and skips the large Class IV rapids. It is our gentler option for families and guests who prefer a less demanding river trip. The 10 km rafting trip includes Class III-IV rapids and is the more challenging option. River conditions affect both trips.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming ability is not required for either rafting trip, but you should be comfortable in the water. All participants wear life jackets and receive a safety briefing. Tell us before booking if you are nervous around water so we can help you choose a suitable trip. A life jacket does not remove the risks of whitewater.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No. Our guides explain the equipment, paddling commands and safety procedures before you start. You need to be able to follow instructions and take part in the activity. The 10 km trip is more demanding than the 8 km route, so contact us if you are unsure which to choose.

When is the best time to go rafting?

We run river trips throughout the year, with the experience shaped by the water flow. River levels vary, so there are no fixed dates for switching boat types. Contact us if you would like advice about current conditions.

What happens when the river is low?

We use different-sized boats depending on the water flow. When the river is low, we use inflatable kayaks because they fit through tighter slots and drops. The boat used for your trip therefore depends on the river conditions.

What is inflatable kayaking?

Inflatable kayaking uses a smaller inflatable craft to travel down the river. We offer inflatable kayaking trips and combinations with ATV or trekking. Inflatable kayaks are also used on our river trips when low water makes them more suitable than larger rafts. Contact us to choose a suitable programme.

How many people fit in a boat?

Our larger rafts carry up to six people. We also use smaller boats and inflatable kayaks according to the water flow. If staying together matters to your group, mention this when booking; the number in each boat depends on the equipment and river conditions.

What happens if I fall out of the boat?

Falling out or a boat overturning is a possibility in whitewater. Your pre-trip safety briefing explains what to do, and our guides are trained in river rescue. Wear your life jacket as instructed and follow your guide’s directions throughout the trip.

ATV tours

Do I need experience to drive an ATV?

No previous experience is required. Before the tour, you receive instructions and practise on our test track. Guides assess your ability to control the ATV and choose an appropriate route. Let us know if you have previous riding experience. See our ATV tours.

Can children ride as ATV passengers?

Yes, the minimum age for an ATV passenger is seven. Drivers must be at least 15. Depending on the driver’s ability, a passenger may need to ride with a guide. Tell us the children’s ages when booking so we can arrange a suitable trip.

What terrain will we ride on?

Our 3-hour ATV tour includes a mixture of roads, off-road jungle trails and hill climbs. Guides choose tracks according to weather, trail conditions and the group’s riding ability.

What rules must ATV riders follow?

Wear the protective equipment provided, follow your guide’s instructions, keep a safe distance and remain on the designated route. Reckless driving is not allowed. Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure fit; long trousers are recommended.

Trekking

What is the waterfall trek like?

Our 3-hour waterfall trek is an approximately 3.2 km round trip through the jungle to a waterfall. The route follows a creek, with time to enjoy the waterfall before walking back. A guide accompanies you throughout the trek.

How difficult is the trek?

The trek requires a moderate level of fitness and confidence on uneven ground. Expect rocks, stream crossings and sections that can be wet or slippery. Wear shoes with good grip that you do not mind getting wet. Tell us before booking if you have mobility concerns.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

There is an opportunity to swim when conditions are suitable. Bring swimwear and follow your guide’s instructions about whether it is safe to enter the water.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see birds, butterflies, insects, lizards and other small animals. Sightings are not guaranteed. Stay with your guide, avoid touching or feeding wildlife and bring insect repellent.

Safety and participation

What safety certifications does 8Adventures have?

8Adventures is the only company in Thailand certified by the International Rafting Federation (IRF). Our guides receive first aid, CPR and activity-specific safety training, and our team regularly trains with organisations including Wilderness Medical Associates International. Read more about our approach to safety.

How do you manage safety on your tours?

We provide safety briefings, activity-appropriate protective equipment and experienced guides. Our teams have emergency procedures and first aid equipment. Rafting participants wear life jackets and helmets; ATV riders receive protective equipment and training before departure. Adventure activities carry inherent risks, so following the briefing and guide instructions is essential.

What are the minimum ages?

Eligibility also depends on the conditions and the participant’s ability. For guests under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them or provide a signed release of liability in advance. Tell us children’s ages when booking trekking, inflatable kayaking or a combination so we can advise on suitability.

Is there a weight limit?

The maximum participant weight for rafting and ATV tours is 120 kg. Please contact us before booking if you have questions about equipment fit or the requirements for a particular activity.

How fit do I need to be and what if I have a medical condition?

A moderate level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable being active outdoors and following your guide’s instructions. Our activities are not suitable during pregnancy or for people with heart, back or neck conditions or broken bones. Tell us about recent surgery or other relevant medical conditions before booking so we can advise on the activity requirements.

Can you accommodate guests with disabilities or limited mobility?

Contact us before booking with details of your needs. The activities involve uneven terrain, river access or operating equipment, and suitability needs to be considered individually. Our team can explain the requirements of each tour and discuss which options may be suitable.

What to bring and camp facilities

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and securely fitting shoes appropriate to your activity. Bring a dry change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle. For rafting, bring swimwear and shoes that can get wet. For ATV, wear closed-toe shoes and preferably long trousers. For trekking, bring a small backpack, shoes with good grip and swimwear if you want to swim. Bring a photo or photocopy of your passport for registration. Avoid loose jewellery and leave unnecessary valuables behind.

Are there showers and changing facilities at camp?

Yes. Our riverside camp has showers and facilities to change after your activity. Towels are provided after rafting. Bring dry clothes for the journey back to Chiang Mai.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Lunch and drinking water are included on every tour. Let us know about vegetarian meals, allergies or other dietary requirements when booking so we can confirm what can be arranged.

Can I bring my phone, camera or GoPro?

Cameras can get wet, damaged or lost during activities. We recommend leaving phones behind when rafting. If you bring a waterproof camera or GoPro, ask your guide about a suitable secure mount and follow their instructions. 8Adventures is not responsible for lost or damaged personal cameras or equipment.

Do you offer tour photographs?

We offer a rafting photography service for an additional charge. Ask our team for the current price and how to view or purchase your photographs.

What languages do your guides speak?

Our guides speak English and Thai. Please tell us before booking if you need any language support so we can discuss the arrangements.

Insurance and cancellations

What insurance is included?

Personal accident insurance is included for guests up to 75 years old. Cover is subject to the policy’s terms, limits and exclusions. It does not cover damage to ATV vehicles. Contact us before booking if you need details of the cover; do not assume every cost or type of loss is insured.

What is your cancellation policy?

• At least 72 hours before the tour: a 5% cancellation fee applies.
• Less than 72 hours but at least 24 hours before the tour: a 50% cancellation fee applies.
• Less than 24 hours before the tour: no refund.

See our Terms of Service for the full booking conditions. If you booked through another website or agent, check the cancellation conditions attached to that booking.

What happens if it rains or conditions are unsafe?

Rain alone does not necessarily stop a tour. We assess river, trail and weather conditions and run activities when it is safe to do so. If 8Adventures cancels your tour because conditions are unsafe, you will receive a refund.

Families and groups

Which activities are suitable for families?

The 8 km rafting trip is the gentler rafting option, while children aged seven and above can join as ATV passengers. Our waterfall trek is another option for families comfortable walking on uneven ground. Tell us your children’s ages and your group’s abilities so we can help you choose a suitable activity or combination.

Do you organise school trips or private group adventures?

Yes. Contact us with your group size, ages, preferred date and activities to discuss school trips, private adventures or a group programme. We will advise on suitable options and provide a quote. For a combination trip, everyone needs to meet the requirements of each activity they will join.