WHITEWATER RAFTING AT NAM WA, NAN PROVINCE

The province of Nan, an area steeped in Lanna culture in the north of Thailand, provides many opportunities for whitewater rafting. One of these is on the Lam Nam Wa River in the forests of the Mae Charim National Park. Sections of this river offer challenging grade 3+ rapids with the promise of potential thrills and shivery spills, all in the beautiful scenery of the Mae Charim tropical forest.

BEST TIME FOR SEA CANOEING, RIVER KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING

Sea canoeing/kayaking is possible all year round however, it is best to avoid the rainy season from June to October. The best time to sea canoe is probably at year’s end during the cool season between November to January when are generally milder. Although April is a good time to sea canoe, this is when temperatures in Thailand are highest and is therefore one of the least recommended periods for this activity. The more adventurous kind of canoeing/rafting, white water rafting, will be covered in the next section.

River Kayaking and Bamboo Rafting is only possible during the rainy seasons when water levels are high. The rainy season runs from June to October. A good reference for canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting are http://www.seacanoe.net and http://www.wildwatchthailand.com/

BAMBOO RAFTING IN THE NORTHERN THAILAND

Interesting bamboo rafting experiences can also be found in northern Thailand where the rivers banks are a bit more scenic as the vegetation and forest is not as dense. Local life can be viewed as these rafts quietly meander past local villages. Bamboo rafting is best experienced during the cool season where temperatures. You can also travel to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai by bamboo rafts.

WHAT ARE FLOATELS?

Photo by Aoi

What are floatels? Well, it’s short for floating hotels of course. That’s right, spend a couple of nights in a bamboo hut that is placed atop a bamboo raft on the River Kwai, in the lush tropical forests of Kanchanaburi. Definitely a life-changing experience! Caution: The River Kwai that runs through Kanchanaburi has strong undercurrents therefore jumping off a float into the river is not a good idea. Be sure to consult your tour guide as to which locations are safe for swimming.

CANOE IN WESTERN THAILAND

Canoeing is quite popular in western Thailand in Kanchanaburi where visiters are given the option of traveling to the River Floatels by bamboo rafts or by canoes. Canoeing or bamboo rafting in a river is admittedly much more relaxing as one gets to experience the lush tropical forest where tree canopies shade you from the beating sun. At the end of the trip, be sure to spend at least one night at the many river floatels that are available in Kanchanaburi.

CANOEING/KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING: HOW TO GET STARTED?

Great canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting trips should be well researched. Always be sure to sign-up with a travel operator that has experience in conducting such trips. A good indicator of an experienced operator is their knowledge of the various rivers and streams within the country. The best operators for these trips are usually ecotourism or adventure travel companies. To start your research, consult the Tourism Authority of Thailand . The Thailand Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) is also a great body to consult as it includes listings of reliable member service providers and trip ideas.

CANOEING, KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTS

Canoeing kayaking and bamboo rafts are all great experiences for the adventurous. Canoeing and kayaking can be done in both the open sea and rivers, and are available for rent at most beach destinations. Sea canoeing is an incredibly relaxing activity and is not necessarily difficult. All operators offer a short introductory course for novices before the start of a trip. Why such brief lesson? Because it really is that easy and, not at as exhausting as you may think. For those who are unsure of their skills and stamina and maybe a little worried about being left behind, there is always the option for you to ask for an expert staff paddler to be your partner as kayaks/canoe usually seat 2 persons.

RAFTING IN THAILAND

Ever wish you could explore mysterious caves and mangroves the likes of Robinson Crusoe? Well, sea canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafts are one way you can archive this goal. Close your eyes and imagine you’re paddling past strange and wonderful creatures in dark, damp, haunting caves. Next you discover the sound of crickets and gibbon song as you paddle past mangroves. These are the very special reasons why canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting are another MUST DO when you’re in Thailand.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

It’s Level 5, the toughest there is for whitewater rafting, and there are several more hours of it, rapids swirling through breathtaking country all at the same steep pitch. If it’s excitement you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. That can be either the wild Kang Hin Peung river through the open jungle of Khao Yai National Park, the turbulent river Kwai in Kanchanaburi’s rainforest or, most challenging of all, the steep upper reaches of the Mae Nam Phetch or Phetchaburi river in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province. Whether you choose inflatable dinghies at Khao Yai or on the Mae Nam Phetch, or a bamboo raft on the Kwai river, you need to be here between July and October when the rivers have been swollen by rain. That is when much of the hinterland of the national parks becomes impassable. That is when, moving in by four-wheel drive and on foot, you will find one of the greatest thrill of your life. Make sure your tour guides train you first. They should tell you what to expect, explain the safety equipment and run briefly through the procedures. Then you step aboard your raft and you’re off on the turbulent rushing river. You probably get more of a kick with an inflatable, but bamboo rafts offer the additional challenge of handling a set of bucking poles that have been lashed together and are themselves awash with the river. This is the way it used to be done. Armed with only your paddle, you’ll need all your energy just to stay on board! Level 5 means a river in spate with a wild, rapid current and difficult rapid. Many of these are steep. But there are quite moments too when you can pull ashore for a meal or a rest or just to soak in the majestic tranquility of the deep forest. At those times, you’ll feel that cities, clocks or cars never existed.