Chiang Mai : Kayak The Jungle Rivers Of Chiang Dao Valley!

Very best experience great people safe , fun and great adventur

This tour took 11 hours to complete - from the time they picked me up until they dropped me back off. That was unexpected, since it said 5 hours on Viatour. However, the trip was really good! There are a lot of direction given, but you really don’t have to be a pro to do this trip. The river is pretty easy. You may fall out, you may not, but you will get wet regardless.

The guides where great! It was an all day excursion. Very peaceful, great way to get away from the crowds. The guides were informative and very helpful.

Great day! We were given some useful tips & advise on using the kayak. The kayaking was really straightforward, pretty gentle all the way. The guides were extremely helpful & made you feel relaxed & safe. Saw some beautiful birds along the way.

Had a fantastic jungle kayak adventure with guide Aidan today - a wonderful mix of drifting along and navigating some rapids! I was new to using a one-person kayak but Aidan took the time to explain what to do both before we got in the water and as we were paddling along. We saw and heard the bird life (including a vibrant kingfisher), drifted past elephants from the sanctuaries, and stopped for a delicious lunch half way. I felt safe with the guidance and equipment and would happily recommend this team for a nature escape while in Chiang Mai!

This is one of our favorite things to do in Thailand. Our guides have always been helpful and friendly. The river is an was relaxing f paddle.

A wonderful experience in a picturesque landscape. Very good and professionel organized, good plenty of water. Awesome crew. For me it was one of the best trips I have done in Thailand. Just dont forget the sunscreen/sunprotecting clothes, towel, sunglasses, hat and good shoes to walk a few steps in the river and in the mid.

Amazing. Our guide and driver were very kind and knowledgeable. This is the perfect way to get out into the countryside. Our guide had years of experience and guided us through the faster moving parts like an expert. Very very enjoyable day. Thank you.

The trip was fab. The staff were excellent. The group was excellent too. Though I had requested several times to get the email address of the co travellers, the company did not provide. Hope they will provide soon.

We are two travellers from Germany and made this trip for the second time. A couple of years ago we made the same trip with the same company. The experience was great - both times! There is a perfect transfer to Chiang Dao Valley north of Chiang Mai. You get all safety instructions you need. Even not experienced people can enjoy this fabulous tour. We highly recommend this trip.

What an amazing tour. I got picked up at my hostel and we were given a pre-kayak meal to ensure we had enough energy to make it through the day. Then we got a clear briefing and we were off. The river gave us astonishing views of the Thai jungle, as well as some challenging but doable obstacles to overcome. It was very beginner friendly, though be prepared to get wet if your motor-skills are questionable ;). I fell in once, but we had a laugh about it and the river temperature was enjoyable. After the kayaking we shared lunch (which can be catered to veggie/vegan diets) and we drove back to Chiang Mai. During the drive we had a good laugh together and I got some great tips from the guide about what to do in South East Asia. Couldn’t be happier, thanks for a great time!

Awesome trip, with friendly and helpful guides. The river kayak is a mellow and chilled with calm water. Totally recommend this company. 10/10!

I've kayaked at many places around the world and this trip ranks as one of the most memorable! The guides were fun and helpful. The jungle and the river were something else! It was both exciting and relaxing. Looking at my photos... it was impossible to capture the experience. I'll be back!😁

It took a while before we weer at the cave, but it was a great experience and ojr tourguides were lovely. Then we had a drive to the river for kayaking, this took longer then expected but the guide were very professional and made sure we got in our kayaks safely. The river was calm so we had plenty of time to relax, enjoy the nature and have a schat with the tourguides who shared extra information. We had a lovely day and saw amazing nature.

I happily recommend this trip. First we went to tour a large cave followed by lunch. Then we drove to the start of the kayak trip down the Ping river for a couple of hours. I loved just drifting in the kayak watching the birds and forest pass by. Staff was great.

Altogether awesome trip! The tour guides were great and kept us entertained throughout the day. The cave was pretty interesting. Guides were great about pointing out the features and wildlife throughout. Kayaking was relaxing and not rushed. Once we got off the river we sampled some local whiskey which was pretty good way to end the day. All and all it was a great day experiencing nature and culture of Chaing Mai. Highly recommend and would do again.

The trip we booked just said kayaking, but actually included a trip to caves and lunch. The caves were pretty cool and doable in thongs. We got a kayaking instructional briefing at the shop before we left, and it was a very easy float down the river when we arrived. Pretty scenery. Guides were friendly and funny.

This started out badly, in that they sent us in the van with a group for a different tour. The company did correct the situation very graciously to our satisfaction. But I suggest quizzing the tour operators before leaving their office, to ensure you are on the tour you've signed up, where it starts, where the lunch is, etc. Kayaking started about 1.5 hours drive north of Chiang Mai. Water was more rapid than the very calm, relaxing kayaking trip we signed up for. This may have been because of the aforementioned mix-up. It was a bit of struggle to keep the kayak steered as needed through river debris, narrow white water like spots, etc. We did hit a submerged tree trunk and nearly toppled. The accompanying kayak guide had to come pull us off the tree trunk. The fast water requires full attention to kayaking and prevents you from enjoying nature and watching birds, etc. We did get to calmer water for about the last 20% of the trip. Getting the kayak's out at the meeting point and drive back to hotel took about 2 hours.

Don’t get me wrong, the actual trip was fantastic- beautiful views, helpful tour guides and gorgeous food… what I don’t appreciate is having to wait around for 2 and a 1/2 hours. We booked just kayaking which said it was 4 hours so that we could do another activity in the afternoon. We were collected at 8:30 so were expecting to arrive back at the hotel at 12:30/13:00… we didn’t book our 2nd activity until 4:30 as we wanted to make sure we had more than enough time between the two. We finished the kayaking at 14:00 and waited at a table without the instructors with nothing to do until 5pm. We didn’t arrive back to the hotel and didn’t make our next activity. Moral of the story, bring something to do to keep you busy, there’s a lot of waiting involved.

We found it a challenging but fun day of kayaking. We learnt about eddies, the stroke names and how to kayak safely. We had an especially good Thai guide (Sakthai) who was very kind helpful and good fun. To improve, a name check at the beginning would have been more helpful. Overall a good experience.

As novice kayakers ( especially on a river ) Aidan was very helpful in guiding and instructing us . The Ping river and surrounding hills were beautiful and peaceful. A tasty lunch was provided . The drive to the location was about an hour . Pickup was punctual and clear information was given . All in all an enjoyable day out , thanks.

Had a great time kayaking with Aidan and his professional team. Patient and supportive regardless of your kayaking experience. Tasty food and great accommodation in stunning Chiang Dao included.

When we booked we had planned to do a whole day kayaking. After being collected from our hotel we arrived at the office for a briefing/safety talk at which point we learnt it would be a full on 5 hours of hard kayaking. Given that neither of us are very experienced, or particularly fit, we decided to swap to the half day caving and half day kayaking, which we were able to do free of charge. The group we were with were extremely good company, as were our guides. The caving was non scary and very interesting, with bats and a few spiders, but no dark or claustraphibic moments. It was extremely hot in there and took about an hour or so. Following the caving it was a stop for lunch, all included in the price. The lunch was traditional and very good. Then it was on to the kayaking. This is where the most fun was had. No one was particularly experienced and the guides were happy to go at what ever pace we were happy with. There was much water splashing from the guides and I fell in at least twice, however no one else did, so this says more about me than anything else. Do take a hat, do wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet, and a bit muddy of you're a faller inner like me. We were given string to tie to sunglasses to ensure we didn't lose them, I left them in the van and I think this was for the best, I would have definitely lost them otherwise. I would also suggest taking a towel, although the website doesn't mention this. Do take dry clothes to pop on when you get back to the van for your return journey home. The river kayaking was blissful. Beautiful scenery and not difficult with some really relaxing spots. This was a great day made even better by the great bunch of people who were on the tour with us and the guides themselves. I thoroughly recommend it!

This was an amazing trip. We travelled 90 mins drive north of Chiang Mai through great scenery to our launch point. It was a small group with two guides. The water felt very safe (and in many parts was only 2-3 feet deep) and we had an opportunity to practice our paddle strokes before heading downstream. The scenery was amazing - half agriculture, half jungle; very peaceful and we saw pythons and kingfishers. Guides, James and Dani, were very helpful and informative and made sure we all got through the few bits of fast moving water safely. This trip was the highlight of my time in Chiang Mai.

From start to finish, our day with the staff team was amazing. The best part of the day was stopping half way and swimming as a group. Shout out to Mr. Art who had us lauging for the whole four hours. The lunch we had at the end of our kayaking trip was beautiful. Ice water was also provided throughout the day. If you love to laugh, this is the company to use in Chiang Mai.

I went for the one day Kayaking trip at Chiang Dao. I emailed the company to enquire about the trip and Aidan was very responsive through email. On the day of the trip, I met up with the guide and the driver. The guide, Danai, and the driver, Joe, both speak good English. It was easy to communicate with them. The guide, Danai, is an outgoing and humorous individual who brought joy to our trip. Prior to the trip, Danai gave us a simple lesson as to how to kayak and manoeuvre in the river as we are all beginners. It was easy to pick up. Perhaps it was due to the dry season that the river flow was gentle and it was great cruising down the river, enjoying the bird songs and looking at the fishes in the river. The trip also included a visit to the Chiang Dao Cave. It was a great experience. I enjoyed my trip with my guide and will be back for more!

Our family group of 5 were part of a rather big group of 19 on our tour which for a complete novice such as myself was a bit intimidating when we were all in the water trying to find our way but once the group spread out and I found my space and pace it was better. In all we had an amazing time and were well looked after by the guides who were there to get us out of tight spots and give some advice through the faster water. I do think though with such a big group it may have been better to have divided the bunch up into smaller groups and set off at intervals as there were some pile ups and that's where I found it most stressful trying to avoid hitting into others or being hit. In all it was an unforgettable day and would recommend a trip with Chiang Mai mountain biking and kayaks.

Absolutely worth it. Top guides, small groups (we we're six), water and lunch included. But the most important, the landscape is amazing. Pure junglefeeling and it was just our group on the water, not like in France at adeche for example.

Went there with friends, didn't do kayak before. Very good introduction to the topic, helpful tips and a very beautiful route. Next time I'm over I'll do the advanced course 🙂

We had a brilliant day kayaking - we did route A, and given that both of us had only ever kayaked in lakes before we were slightly nervous, but our guide Danai was so helpful and made sure we felt confident and we had a brilliant day. This route is great for people of average to good fitness, and it’s a great way to see the beautiful jungles north of Chiang Mai. Massive thanks to Danai who made the ride so much fun - we’ll be back!

Booked this trip last minute as my last day in chiang mai. So glad that i did it was an amazing experience with different levels of difficulty. Getting to listen and see the different wildlife away from thw city, also the views are amazing!!. The team are also great, owner is awesome amd is american so speaks perfect english. All in all i would recommend this trip to any body looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush but also wanting to take in the views

We spend a total 5 days kayaking on 3 different rivers with this company, We were happily surprised by a well organized combination of multi day and single day kayak events. The Northern Thai Jungle with its pleasant currents and fun rapids , these guys picked the perfect routes for us. The equipment was excellent ,top of the line boats , paddles and safety gear. guidance was very professional We will be back , good luck getting that kayak slide build at the dam. Click & Clack

We were only a small party of 3 guests and "the Chief" himself, Aiden - owner of the company. Already the briefing assured me that we are in highly professional hands. We got all the theoretical part explained as well as the technical part. After a rather long ride of 90 min (with a short stop to buy snacks) we arrived at the starting point. Once more, Aiden explained to us how all works and what we have to watch out for and be careful. Once in the river, we fed a few minutes of practicing before we head off down. Nature is wonderful, from Dschungel to orchards to papaya and mango farms, you see it all. We so abundant bird life (herons, kingfisher, and many more) and butterflies and dragon flies in all colors! After 2h we stopped for lunch (great Thai chicken stir fry with rice and veggies) and then went on for the next 2 h. The terrain become more forest like and we had a few sharp curves and minor rapids ( I don't think you call them rapids - they were too small but still fun - sort, am not an expert). Over all, this trip would rate 12 put of 10, if only it would have been a bit close to town. But trust me, if you bear the ride- you get rewarded with a wonderful scenic clad 1.5 river kayak experience!

What an amazing day!! We had so much fun! We were a group of 4 plus guide which was the perfect group size for the tour. We were provided with helmet and life vests and had an instruction first before kayaking down the river. Lunch, water and bananas were included and we felt really good taken care of!

I don't normally write any reviews, in fact this is my first. Had to do it .. this Kayaking trip was the highlight of my entire Thailand trip !

my son and I booked for the kayaking both beginners the day was very good I kept capsizing a switch to a bigger kayak half way through solved that, must be fatter than I thought,I forgot the guides name but he was excellent and we all had a good laugh usually at my expense ,the food was good pleasantly surprised there too Hope the guide didn't cringe too much at my very bad rabies joke I'm 55 average fitness mountain bike and road bike in the UK .if I can do this anyone can. My son is 22 very fit My son booked for the mountain biking the day after I opted for the Singha beer in the bar option I would book this again even after having looking at the owners great replies to bad reviews

For someone inexperienced in a kayak (a couple of previous trips over the years) the Chiang Dao trip was an excellent day out. The river wended it's way through beautiful countryside with much to see (varied bird life and unspoiled country). The river itself was mostly easy flowing but there were some spots that were narrower and faster to enhance the adventure and to practice the skills that the excellent Aidan and guide impressed upon us during the day. I take away some fantastic memories and a few new skills from this trip :)

We have been kayaking 3 times with Aidan and it is exceptional. He judged our level from the first trip and he has brought us on trips perfect for our level. Kayaking through the jungle with amazing scenery, in the small rapids, such an amazing experience and we do come back every year to enjoy more kayaking with Aidan. We also decided to try out the mountain biking trip 1 during the wet season which was so much fun. We had hardly any control on the way down but that is the fun bit. It is very professional and friendly. Amazing experience and I would recommend to everyone who is up for some fun.

I like a good outdoorsy vacation so this was perfect for me we did a nice country bike super easy but a bit muddy so don't wear anything you don't want covered in mud. The kayaking was great very serene and the big French family on the tour with me was hilarious and kept kayaking into each other and the reeds making the trip all the more fun. Ant, Pom, Danai and Jojo are the best guides and make the trip even better they're hilarious and super fun. Had a great time being in nature and making new friends. Definitely recommend!

Myself and a few friends booked a kayaking trip with these guys over the weekend and had an absolute blast. The owner Aidan came with us and was great. What I really appreciated was not only his appreciation for nature and the country of Thailand but his focus on safety. We had two other Thai guides who were also excellent. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path that is exciting and safe at the same time, you can't go wrong with Chiang Mai Mountain Biking and Kayaks!!

We went kayaking with a group of 6. The first part was challenging while the second part was more of a leisurely ride. It made for 2 experiences in one. All in all it was perfect;

We (6 guys) booked a trip just after a huge rainstorm in Chiang Mai. The owner promised that the river would be as exciting as ever, and we were not disappointed. It was the highest he'd ever seen it, and we found all sorts of rapids and hazards going down the river, which was exactly what we were looking for. Though keep in mind, that most of their trips aren't as extreme as ours, so they're perfect for beginners too. We had 3 guides with us, and they were all wonderful. Good kayakers, and good with instructions. Lunch and equipment was provided. All in all, a great day, and highly recommended!

A group of us guys went out for a day on the Ping river - The owner of this company as well as 2 other guides accompanied us. We were in great hands as the owner and his Thai staff were awesome. The river was flooded so it was usually challenging.. despite the strong currents all went smoothly. The guides were competent and fantastic. This company has a safety first approach. Their equipment is excellent & they make sure all life jackets fit properly, etc.. You are in great hands with this company.. we all had a blast and I would recommend them to anyone. We are fortunate to live in Chiang Mai and will be going back to them for future (longer) trips

A great trip - reasonably demanding in places but they had both sit on and sit in kayaks. On our day we had a lot of waiting around as they had to cut down trees that had blocked the river since the last trip. More exciting in rainy season (July-Sept) - our trip wasn't for younger children or the nervous (!) but theyhave plenty of other routes to cater for everyone. Good equipment - plenty of water and a fabulous lunch by side of river. Take of plenty of sun tan lotion and insect replant - use both regularly!!

The owner, Aidan, and the guide Danai are very helpful. I like how they gave us technical briefing first before the kayaking session. Unfortunately, the water level was low. I imagined it would be much more fun if the water current is a bit stronger! All in all, great day out with this tour operator. Recommended :)!

Great kayaking experience on the Ping river about 100km (60 miles) from downtown Chiang Mai. The river is quite calm, suitable for beginners. I enjoyed passing under the giant trees of the jungle. The service includes the transport and a Thai lunch. The staff is very professional and friendly. Our guide had 35 years of experience in Hawaii and Thailand. Definitely recommended for connecting with Thailand's nature.

My partner and I did the one day kayak trip. We are both pretty beginner level and initially a little apprehensive we might slow the group down. Thankfully this wasn't the case. Aiden and the guides were great and keeping the group together and giving advice on basic kayaking skills needed. Most of the group had limited experience. The lunch provided was great and the rest for a bit much needed. The water was quite low so a bit tricky in places. Only slight downer was the size of our group was quite large (19) so with the low water meant we sometimes got backed up, stuck or caught on rocks if someone got stuck on the main route. Also our minibus driver was terrifying to be a passenger in. Ridiculous and unnecessary overtakes and beeping the horn constantly as well as driving super fast at points. Still despite that a really enjoyable day and would highly recommend.

Attentive and experienced local guides, great introductory video and instructions for safety. Kayaking amidst wonderful nature and animals. A range of suitable tours for beginners, advanced, and professional kayakers! Getting to know helpful local people on the way and enjoying great local food afterwards. The company is taking care of almost everything, of course they have some costs, and trying to offer most afforedable prices, so please try to be generous with the tips or in case you happen to break some equipment without insurance. Overall highly recommended activity which will get our body and emotions going!

Did a 1 day kayaking trip billed as 'whitewater'. It was MUCH tamer than what I thought it would be with a few bumps but nothing that would qualify as Class 1 rapids. That being said it was a nice trip through the valley and jungle. Had a great time with a volunteer guide but the group was mostly beginners.