Chiang Mai is the gateway to Thailand’s stunning great northern wilderness and offers loads of options for excursions and expeditions. One of the most popular options is boat tours from Chiang Mai, a great opportunity to explore the city and surroundings in a striking manner.

With its lush jungles, mesmerizing temples and beautiful vistas, Chiang Mai has so much to offer the savvy traveler — as you drift along the Mae Ping River, leisurely traveling from one landmark to the other.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, some of the most captivating outdoor activities in Chiang Mai.

What are the best boat trips and tours in Chiang Mai?

The best boat trip in Chiang Mai depends on what you want to experience. If, for example, you want to explore the local temples along Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River, a guided Chiang Mai boat trip is perfect.

However, if you want to venture further afield to visit the majestic Blue and White temples, a full-day boat tour from Chiang Mai is a better fit. Don’t worry, there’s a variety of boat trips available, making it simple to find one that fits your requirements.

Chiang Mai boat trip on Mae Ping River

When it comes to time and money, a boat trip on the Mae Ping River is the best budget option. This half-day boat tour starts in Chiang Mai, and from there, you’ll make your way up the river to a traditional Thai farm.

On your journey, you’ll pass a number of local attractions, as well as beautiful pastoral scenes. Your boatman will double as your tour guide and is available to answer any questions you may have.

Once you arrive at the farm, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and have a tour of the grounds. Here you’ll get a close-up look at the role that agriculture plays in Thai society and the importance of the river to the local populace. With your curiosity and appetite fully sated, you’ll head back home.

Private temple and boat tour in Chiang Mai

Private boat tours in Chiang Mai offer the perfect opportunity to explore this beautiful region on your own terms. Your party will be the only people on this boat tour, making it perfect for a more intimate expedition into the wonders of Chiang Mai.

This full-day private boat tour cruises down the Mae Ping River, stopping at local temples and landmarks along the way. As this is a private tour, you’ll be able to determine where and when you want to stop.

Before boarding your boats, you’ll have the chance to visit the Warorot Market, with your guide constantly present to explain the bartering process — invaluable information for future shopping sprees in Thailand.

Next, you’ll board your boat and start your cruise down the river. A delicious lunch is served at a local farm, ensuring you’ll explore the temples and sights along the river on a full stomach.

Finish off your Chiang Mai boat trip with a visit to Wat Sri Suphan, or the Silver Temple — the only temple in the area that is still decorated with real silver!

Chiang Mai full-day guided boat tour with White Temple visit

A guided boat tour from Chiang Mai is great for exploring the far-flung destinations in the area. By combining your boat tour with short drives in air-conditioned vans, you’ll get to visit attractions that are inaccessible to other tours.

Some of the landmarks to look out for include the Golden Triangle — an area where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge, the awe-inspiring White Temple and a visit to local Karen tribes.

Your guide is always close at hand on this full-day boat tour from Chiang Mai, allowing you to explore the area in full, with no detail skimmed over.

Chiang Mai evening boat cruise with dinner

If you are after a more laid-back experience with a delicious culinary element, a Chiang Mai evening boat cruise with dinner is just the ticket. An air-conditioned van will pick you up from your place of residence and take you to the riverside.

Here you’ll board a boat where you’ll enjoy local delicacies while gently bobbing down the Mae Ping River — the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a meal shared with friends. After dinner, the boat will head back to the shore, and you’ll return to your hotel.

How much do boat tours in Chiang Mai cost?

Boat tours in Chiang Mai come in various shapes and sizes, but they are relatively inexpensive — especially when compared to activities like hot air ballooning or white river rafting

A basic Chiang Mai boat trip is the most affordable option at US$20 per person. It includes a delicious lunch, making it a real bargain.

A Chiang Mai evening boat cruise with dinner will cost US$70 per person, a small price to pay for a memorable evening.

The full-day boat tour from Chiang Mai will cost $90 per person, with discounts available for larger groups.

The private full-day private boat tour in Chiang Mai is one of the more expensive options, costing US$120 per person. The price is well worth the privacy, with the tour only accommodating 2 to 9 people.

What is included?

Boat tours in Chiang Mai include entrance fees to all the attractions visited on the tour. Full-day boat tours include a meal and a bottle of water or tea, but alcohol and soft drinks are extra.

Some boat tours from Chiang Mai feature extra activities which can be purchased on-site, like zip lining and rafting. It’s suggested that you confirm all activities included when booking your boat tour.

Where does it start?

Boat tours in Chiang Mai either start from the tour company’s offices or from the Warorot Market. The latter is located in the city center, just west of the Mae Ping River.

Some Chiang Mai boat tours include pickup and drop-off services from your place of residence. If your hotel is far from the city center, a surcharge may be applied. Confirm the starting point of your boat tour when booking, and again 24 hours before departure.

How long does it last?

Chiang Mai boat tours come in two sizes — half-day or full-day boat tours. A half-day boat tour covers most of the landmarks in the city and lasts between 3 and 5 hours.

Full-day boat tours from Chiang Mai explore a much larger area and subsequently last anything from 7 to 12 hours.

Is it safe?

Yes, boat tours in Chiang Mai are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment. These excursions are suitable for most travelers, but not wheelchair accessible. Those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns should check with the tour provider before booking.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Boat tours in Chiang Mai will be canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable, and you can reschedule your trip or get a refund.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Chiang Mai?

Early morning or late afternoon is great for a Chiang Mai boat trip, as it’s a bit cooler. It’s best to visit Chiang Mai during October and April, with the winter months being the most popular.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Chiang Mai?

Travel tips

Wear appropriate clothes when visiting places of worship.
Take extra snacks and refreshments.
Wear sunscreen and take insect repellent.

Boat Tours in Chiang Mai