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Paddle the Mae Ping River through Chiang Dao valley on a two-day kayaking trip with guesthouse overnight. Jungle-lined creek paddling on day one gives way to a wider valley crossing with Chiang Dao mountain views on day two, with coaching, meals and kayak gear included throughout.
Hotel pickup around 8:30am brings you to our adventure base for kayak briefing and a 75-minute drive to the northern Chiang Dao put-in. Roughly 17 km of Class 1 and 2 paddling through farms and forest fills day one before guesthouse check-in in Chiang Dao town.
Day two offers an optional cave or monastery visit before the second river section across the valley with panoramic mountain views. Another 17 km on the water finishes around 4pm with the shuttle back to your Chiang Mai hotel.
Guides coach stroke technique and line choice throughout both days, adjusting put-ins for seasonal water levels so each section stays rewarding for your experience level.
The Mae Ping River flows through the Chiang Dao valley north of Chiang Mai, passing jungle reserves, rice fields and the iconic fin-shaped Chiang Dao mountain that dominates the skyline. The upper creek-like section feels remote and intimate while the wider valley crossing on day two opens panoramic mountain views.
Chiang Dao town sits between the two paddling days with access to the famous cave system and comfortable guesthouse accommodation. The setting is classic northern Thailand: slow river life, forested banks and farming communities watched over by one of the region's most dramatic peaks. Splitting the paddle across two days lets you absorb the valley at river pace rather than rushing back to the city after a single long session.
Reasonable fitness for two days of paddling, roughly 17 km each day, with some Class 1 and 2 current on day one. Motivated beginners with good stamina can manage with full coaching; prior flat-water kayaking experience helps.
Wear quick-dry clothes, secure footwear and bring a change of clothes each day. Sun protection is essential on open valley sections. Minimum age and kayak seating depend on water levels; we'll confirm details when you confirm your trip.
We run multi-day adventures from Chiang Mai with the same guides, gear and hotel transfers you get on our day trips, plus accommodation arranged and routes sequenced so each day builds naturally. Our team has years of experience on Doi Pakia, Doi Suthep and the Chiang Dao valley, so you get local pacing and safety calls in remote country.
We'll coordinate pickup, overnight stops and daily briefings. It's the simplest way to turn a weekend in northern Thailand into a proper expedition without piecing logistics together yourself.
Hotel pickup around 8:30am brings you to the adventure base for sign-up and river kayaking lessons. Guides cover paddle technique, safety signals and what to expect on Class 1 and 2 water before the drive north to the Chiang Dao valley put-in.
After a final paddle check around 11am you launch downstream through the Ping Kong jungle reserve, stopping for a hot riverside lunch around 1:30pm. The afternoon continues through northern Thai jungle before take-out near Chiang Dao town around 4:30pm and transfer to your guesthouse for dinner and a comfortable bed.
Breakfast at the guesthouse is followed by an optional walk through Chiang Dao cave or up to a nearby monastery. By 10:30am you are back on the Mae Ping River to cross the valley with magnificent views of the Chiang Dao mountain range on every bend.
Lunch and take-out at the south end of the valley around 2:30pm precede the return drive to your Chiang Mai hotel around 4pm after 34 km of river adventure.
The Mae Ping River on this section is Class 1 and 2, suitable for motivated beginners with good fitness. You paddle roughly 17 km each day for four or more hours, passing farm fields and jungle with gentle current and occasional easy rapids. Professional guides provide river kayaking lessons at the start and coach you throughout.
No previous kayaking experience is required if you are comfortable swimming and keen to learn. Quick-dry clothing works best on the water. Secure glasses with a strap and keep valuables in a dry bag provided or brought from your hotel.
Children from 12 can join in a double kayak with an adult. From 13 years old they may paddle a single kayak if confident in the water and strong enough for a full day on the river. Be sure your child is comfortable with the duration and terrain.
Correctly sized equipment is provided on the day where applicable. Be sure swimming ability and attention span for a multi-hour paddle day. Life jackets are mandatory for all ages.
Pickup is from hotels and guesthouses in Chiang Mai city centre around 8:30am on day one. You return to your accommodation around 4pm on day two after the second river section. Share your accommodation details ahead of the trip so the driver can find you easily.
Allow a few minutes either side of the stated pickup window. Share your hotel details The drive to the northern Chiang Dao valley put-in takes about 75 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on both days, with vegetarian options available if you mention dietary needs All drinking water is provided throughout the trip. Dietary preferences can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Bring a small snack if you like extra energy between scheduled meal stops.
Alcohol and extra snacks are not included. Bring personal snacks if you like extra energy between river stops.
Sit-on-top and white-water kayaks are used depending on conditions and skill level. Guides choose craft for safety and manoeuvrability on the Class 1 and 2 sections of the Mae Ping River. Quick-dry clothing works best on the water.
Secure glasses with a strap and keep valuables in a dry bag provided or brought from your hotel. Paddles, helmets and life jackets are included. Wear quick-dry clothing and secure water shoes that can get wet.
On day two morning you can take an optional walk through Chiang Dao cave or up to a small monastery near the guesthouse. The cave visit takes about an hour and is a fascinating add-on before returning to the river.
It is optional if you prefer a slower morning. The main focus remains the second day paddle across the valley with views of Chiang Dao mountain.
River levels vary with season and guides choose put-in points accordingly for safe paddling. The creek-like upper section and wider valley section both offer peaceful jungle scenery with farm life along the banks. Heavy rain may raise water levels and affect route choices.
Light rain often adds atmosphere without stopping the trip. Pack a light rain layer and a dry bag for electronics if showers are forecast. Northern Thailand heat and humidity can be tiring, so hydrate often and use sun protection even on cloudy days.
Good fitness helps for four or more hours of paddling each day across 34 km total. You do not need to be an athlete, but arm and core endurance matter for sustained paddling on moving water. Pace yourself on climbs and drink water regularly throughout the day.
Guides adjust rest stops to match the group so everyone can enjoy the scenery without rushing. Motivated beginners who swim confidently usually manage well with coaching. Take breaks on the riverbank as needed during lunch and snack stops.
Pack overnight clothes, kayaking shorts, a T-shirt or Lycra top, water shoes or old trainers, insect repellent, hat and sunscreen. A change of clothes for after each day's paddle is useful. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed shoes suitable for the activity.
A small day pack is enough for water, sunscreen and personal essentials. Keep valuables in a dry bag. A small overnight bag goes to the guesthouse while you paddle on day one.
Arrive with sunscreen, plenty of water and comfortable clothing suited to the activity. Wear closed shoes with good grip, and pack a light rain layer if showers are possible during your visit to northern Thailand.
Leave bulky luggage at your hotel and bring only a small day pack for personal essentials. Share your accommodation name and contact number ahead of the trip so morning pickup runs smoothly on the day of your adventure.
About the centre
Chiang Mai
From hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, you'll head into northern Thailand's forests, rivers and mountain trails on guided biking, kayaking and hiking adventures. Routes range from gentle rice-field rides and temple tours to advanced downhill runs in Doi Suthep National Park and white-water kayaking on the Mae Wang.
Every trip includes the equipment you need — bikes, helmets, kayaks, paddles and safety gear — sized on the day. Small groups and daily departures mean you can explore at your own pace, whether you're trying mountain biking for the first time or chasing technical singletrack through the jungle.
Operated by Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaks, a partner of adventuro.
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