Chiang Mai was established over 700 years ago and the city is known for its ancient temples, walled Old City and many remarkable monuments. Over the years, Chiang Mai has grown to become Thailand’s third-largest city— offering all the modern features that you could hope for.

Chiang Mai is surrounded by tropical jungles, dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls and flowing rivers. One of the best ways to experience all that the region has to offer is by booking a kayaking tour in Chiang Mai.

Paddle through pristine natural beauty and take in the magnificent views offered by northern Thailand’s countryside!

Here's all you need to know about kayaking, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Chiang Mai.

What are the best kayaking tours in Chiang Mai?

Ping River kayak experience in Chiang Mai

Paddle through the heart of Chiang Mai and marvel at the city’s lights reflecting on the water of the Ping River. This 6-kilometer kayaking experience is perfect for beginners and there are both single and double kayaks available.

Begin your tour at dusk with a safety briefing given by your professional kayaking instructor. You’ll be provided with a headlamp and all of the equipment you’ll need for the tour. As the sun sets, you’ll see the city lights turn on for the night.

Paddle past local homes, restaurants and cafes, with your guide leading the way. You’ll also see the incredible Mai Yai trees along the river banks, as you paddle through the city center.

You’ll go under bridges and enjoy amazing views of the city from the water. This tour provides a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the city, all while enjoying a unique Ping River adventure.

Full-day river kayaking trip from Chiang Mai

Make the most of your time in the jungles of northern Thailand when you embark on this full-day kayaking adventure. Spend the day exploring the creeks, bamboo forests, wetlands and wildlife of the beautiful Ping River.

Your guide picks you up from your Chiang Mai hotel and drives you out into the local countryside, where your kayaking adventure will begin. You’ll learn how to paddle and steer before you take to the water.

Paddle along the Ping River and marvel at the flooded forests, peaceful creeks and overgrown waterways. You’ll have to duck, as you pass under overhanging trees and your guide will provide you with many local stories and anecdotes along the way.

Keep your eyes peeled as you may get the chance to see tropical fish and local birdlife. Before you are taken back to your Chiang Mai hotel, you’ll be treated to a delicious riverside lunch.

Leisure kayaking in Mae Wang Valley from Chiang Mai

Get your adrenaline flowing as you navigate rapids and explore jungle-framed riverbanks on this kayaking adventure that takes place in the Mae Wang Valley, just 45 minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center.

Once you have been picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the local countryside as you’re driven to the Mae Wang Valley. Before you take to the river, you'll learn some basic kayaking safety and steering techniques.

You’ll get to choose between a beginner or intermediate kayak, based on your skill level. The Mae Wang River passes a series of elephant camps, and you’ll most likely see elephants bathing and drinking in the water.

During the tour, you’ll tackle some basic rapids and enjoy a local lunch on the banks of the river before you make your way back to Chiang Mai.

How much do kayaking tours in Chiang Mai cost?

A basic kayaking tour on the Ping River in Chiang Mai costs around US$40 per person and lasts roughly 2 hours. These basic tours include kayaks, life jackets and a professional guide.

For a more comprehensive kayaking experience, that takes place in the countryside outside Chiang Mai, you can expect to pay around US$70 per person. These tours typically last around 4 hours and include a riverside lunch.

What is included?

All kayaking tours in Chiang Mai are inclusive of all kayaking equipment and a safety briefing, given by a professional kayaking guide. Almost all kayaking tours offer hotel transfers for your convenience, and most tour operators also provide you with bottled water and snacks.

Where does it start?

In most cases, kayaking tours begin at adventure base camps around 40 kilometers from Chiang Mai’s city center. There are also one or two tours beginning on the Ping River, in Chiang Mai.

As most tour operators offer hotel transfer services, you won’t have to worry about reaching the starting point on your own.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a kayaking tour is around 4 hours. Depending on where the tour begins, you may spend around half of this time traveling to and from the starting point.

There are also many full-day kayaking tours available for those looking for a comprehensive experience.

When is the best time for a kayaking tour in Chiang Mai?

Kayaking tours in Chiang Mai is best to experience in the morning, while nighttime kayaking tour is also very popular as it offers a unique experience with the added benefit of cooler temperatures.

Book your kayaking tour at the beginning of your stay in Chiang Mai, as these tours provide a great introduction to the rural areas surrounding the city.

Are there any combo available with kayaking tours in Chiang Mai?

Kayaking, caving and jungle tour from Chiang Mai

The Chiang Dao Valley offers a plethora of natural wonders, including plants, animals and caves. Explore the bat caves of the Chiang Dao cave complex, as well as the Buddhist shrines, before taking to the Mae Ping River on a kayaking adventure.

Bike and kayak tour from Chiang Mai

Discover the Mae Ngat Valley on a bike tour, admiring the incredible scenery of the local farmlands. Next, paddle a kayak peacefully toward the Mae Taeng Forest Reserve, keeping a lookout for birds and other wildlife.

Inflatable kayaking and ATV adventure from Chiang Mai

Get your adrenaline pumping with an off-road ATV adventure or a quad tour that allows you to explore the countryside in a unique way. After you’ve completed the ATV portion of the tour, you’ll cool off as you enjoy a peaceful inflatable kayaking experience.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Chiang Mai?

Travel tips

Pack a change of clothes with you in case you end up getting wet during the kayaking tour.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Book your kayaking tour in Chiang Mai in advance to secure your spot.
Dress comfortably and wear your swimming costume underneath your clothing.

Kayaking in Chiang Mai