 Central
Thailand. Popular white water rafting locations are within Khao
Yai National Park. Khao Yai is Thailand’s
largest national park that spans 3 provinces and a mere 2-hour drive
from Bangkok. Kaeng Hin Phoeng
in Khao Yai is probably one of the most recommended spots for white
water rafting.
Western Thailand. The next closest
white water rafting spots are in western Thailand
in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi’s
River Kwai does have some interesting rapids suitable for both kayaks
and bamboo rafts. Another close-by destination would be Petchaburi
which is the first southern province. In Phetchaburi, Kaeng Krachan
National Park’s rapids are probably one of the most well known
in Thailand and is the country’s
first white water rafting destination. A trip through the rapids
and small tributaries here takes 6-hours.
Northeast Thailand.
One of the most exhilarating white water rafting experience in Thailand
can be found at Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Nakhon
Ratchasima Province which is also part of Khao Yai National
Park. The river here is designated a Level 5 which is the upper
most limit for white water rafting
(white water rafting is classed
from Level 1 --- mildest, to Level 5 --- most violent rapids and
for experienced rafters and kayakers only).
Northern Thailand. In
northern Thailand, you can choose
among a number of locations. Being the highest region of the country,
rapids here are plentiful. The most popular northern location for
white waters is Mae Hong Son’s
Pai River where a full journey takes you through a 65 km. route
past virgin forests, waterfalls and 15 sets of rapids. The full
journey takes up to 5 hours to complete.
White water can also be experienced at Tak
in Umphang district, the source of many rivers with a rafting route
from the breathtaking Thi Lo Su Waterfall that takes 3 to 4 hours
to complete. White water rafting
in Phitsanulok’s Kaeng
Song, part of the Kag River takes you through milder rapid (level
3). The full journey here takes 3 hours.
References / Service Provider
Rafting through rapids is a very serious sport even through the
mildest rapids and should be not be endeavoured independently as
experienced guides are required to navigate an expedition safely
through these rocky water paths. Be sure to consult your travel
agent on the most appropriate white water and rapids trips before
signing on to any expedition.
The best reference for white
water rafting is available at Thai
Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) website
www.teata.org/introduction/Whitewater_Rafting.htm which gives a
rather detailed listing of rapids in the country, rapid levels and
duration. Also visit www.siamrivers.com and www.raftingholidays.com
for information on white water rafting.
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