The 8 Bamboo Rafting Trips in Chiang Mai We Would Book Again

1.Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9,160 reviews · 9 hours · from $60 a head Our pick

Travel from Chiang Mai to Pon Elephant Thailand for a full day of feeding, walking with, and bathing rescued elephants. Guides such as Nop, Paul, Yaya, and Sunny explain elephant care and help with photos. The day also includes a waterfall swim, Thai lunch, and bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River.

“Nop was a phenomenal guide! He was very welcoming, informative, and always put a smile on everyone’s faces! He made our trip unforgettable, thank you!”

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2.Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 870 reviews · from $58 a head Best rated

Spend about eight hours visiting Bua Tong’s climbable Sticky Waterfall, walking near elephants at New Elephant Home, and floating by bamboo raft through forested Mae Tang Valley. Pickup begins at Three Kings Monument, lunch and entrance fees are included, and guides such as Paul, Fluke, and Mr. Poppy are known for helpful service.

“Paul is a 5 star man. Jam-packed tour in the best way. You experience so much in one day. The elephants of course were my favorite part.”

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3.Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Padthai Cooking

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 245 reviews · 10 hours · from $54 a head

Travel 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary near Inthanon National Park. Feed and walk with rescued elephants, learn their stories, make vegetarian Pad Thai, and ride a bamboo raft on the Wang River. Guides such as Rainbow, Mark, and Jon lead the day in English. Bring a waterproof phone case.

“Fantastic trip, i had a great time, elephant look so happy and definitely ethical place for them, enjoyed soo much with the elephants, feeding them also bathing with them. Bamboo rafting is enjoyable, beautiful scenery.”

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4.Bamboo Rafting with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 111 reviews · from $46 a head Cheapest seat

Ride a traditional bamboo raft through Chiang Mai countryside, watch elephants near the river, and travel by hotel pickup and drop-off. Driver Joy, Joi, or Lek may handle your transfer, while a local raft driver steers the boat. Allow four hours, though the ride itself lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

“The rafting was a lovely peaceful experience, although it finished abruptly and we had to work out where we were with no instructions. It was a shame to see the elephants nearby in very small enclosures.”

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5.Chiangmai : A Bamboo Raft Safari , Sticky waterfalls,

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 8 hours · from $69 a head

This small-group day trip combines Dantewada’s photo-friendly gardens, a 35-minute bamboo raft ride on the Mae Taeng River, and a 75-minute visit to Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls. Guides such as Minty, May, Amy, and Star are warm and attentive, with photos, water, lunch, and air-conditioned transport included.

“What a fantastic day out. Minty and Key were our guides for the day and helped make it really special. The waterfall cafe stop was great for a few photos and the sticky waterfall was lots of fun (some of our group had time to walk up twice). But the highlight of our day was the bamboo rafting where we were lucky enough to be joined in the river by some playful baby elephants from a nearby sanctuary. The scenery was fantastic and seeing the elephants play and appear happy with the ability to roam as they wished was really nice. Minty and Key took our safety on the waterfall…”

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6.Chiang Mai Elephant Village Life: Long Neck & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 14 reviews · 8 hours · from $70 a head

Travel from Chiang Mai to a mountain village for a gentle elephant-care experience with local mahouts. Feed, walk with, and bathe rescued elephants, eat a local lunch, visit a Karen hill village, trek to Mae Wang Waterfall, and raft along a quiet river. Note that the advertised long neck visit may not take place.

“We loved it, our guides were very welcoming and caring. We really enjoyed the experience it is a must do! The food was very good. perfect day! Happy Thailand”

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7.Jungle Trek, Elephants care & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 1 day · from $58 a head

You’ll leave Chiang Mai by van for Mae Wang and Mae Win, stopping at a local market before bamboo rafting and a 2 to 5-hour trek. Expect rice fields, a waterfall, packed lunch, and a visit to a Karen village. The route is active, weather-sensitive, and may not include the elephant care suggested by the title.

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8.Bamboo Rafting and Wat Phra That Doi Kham

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 hours · from $118 a head

Spend five hours rafting through jungle scenery on the Mae Wang River, then visit Wat Phra That Doi Kham above Chiang Mai. An English-speaking guide, possibly Avi, leads the small group of up to nine. Transport, water, insurance, and rafting fees are included, though meals and personal costs are not.

“We had an amazing time with our guide Avi ! We learnt many things about the temples and the culture and we had a very funny time on the river”

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