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Spend a playful day on Sirilanna Lake, a vast reservoir in Mae Ngat valley north of Chiang Mai. Paddle kayak or SUP across usually glassy water to floating houseboat restaurants, swim from a diving platform and enjoy jungle shorelines on a relaxed 14km round trip built for families and first-time paddlers.
Morning pickup and a paddle briefing at our adventure base precede the drive north to the Mae Ngat dam put-in. A final stroke check on calm water comes before the crossing toward floating houseboats where lunch and refreshments await.
Between paddling you can swim, explore the bay or simply relax on the water while houseboats drift nearby. The pace stays gentle throughout, with your guide keeping the group comfortable on open reservoir water.
The return leg in the afternoon follows scenic shorelines back to the take-out before the transfer to Chiang Mai around 4pm, capping a relaxed lake day suited to families and first-time paddlers.
The Mae Ngat reservoir stretches across Sirilanna National Park, roughly 60km north of Chiang Mai. Open water, forested banks and floating villages create a photogenic playground far from city traffic. Houseboats cluster in sheltered bays where locals gather for meals and swimming, a lifestyle on the water that feels a world away from the old city.
Forested shorelines of Sirilanna National Park frame the horizon on clear days. Conditions are typically mild compared to river paddling, making this a strong choice for families, couples and anyone wanting a gentle introduction to kayaking or SUP in northern Thailand.
No experience is required. Guides run a short skills session before you launch. You should be comfortable sitting in a kayak or standing on a board for a few hours with sun exposure.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and a light cover-up for the open water. Children from 8 are welcome with appropriate supervision. Double kayaks suit younger paddlers paddling with an adult.
We run kayak and SUP play days on Sirilanna Lake from our Chiang Mai adventure base, with hotel pickup, quality craft and guides who know the reservoir routes season by season. Lunch at the floating houseboats is built into the day, so you can focus on paddling rather than sorting logistics yourself.
Small groups keep the pace relaxed for families and first-timers without feeling rushed across the open water. We'll confirm craft choice, seating and pickup details before you travel, an easy way to enjoy one of northern Thailand's largest reservoirs without leaving from Chiang Mai on your own.
Hotel pickup around 8:30am brings you to the adventure base for sign-in and a kayak or SUP briefing. Guides cover paddle basics, safety and the plan for the 14km round trip across Sirilanna Lake before you head north toward Mae Ngat dam.
A scenic drive through the Mae Ngat valley reaches the dam put-in on the west side of the reservoir. Kayaks and boards are unloaded while you fit life jackets and hear final reminders about the crossing to the floating houseboats.
Around 10:45am a final stroke check on calm water precedes the launch across open reservoir toward the floating restaurants. Jungle shorelines and wide valley views make the crossing feel adventurous without demanding technical skills.
Lunch is served at the floating restaurant around midday. Eat on the water, cool off with a swim from the diving tower if you like, and explore the bay before the group prepares for the return paddle.
From 2:30pm you paddle back along scenic shorelines to the take-out at Mae Ngat dam. The afternoon light on the reservoir is often beautiful and the pace stays relaxed with guide support throughout.
Gear is loaded and you transfer back to Chiang Mai city centre hotels around 4pm. A short but memorable play day on one of northern Thailand's largest reservoirs.
You can choose a sit-on-top kayak or stand-up paddleboard for the day. Guides help you select the right craft at the shop briefing and give a paddle technique check before launching on the reservoir. 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. SUP works well on the usually glassy lake surface, while kayaks are popular for the longer round trip to the floating restaurants. Switching mid-day may be possible if equipment allows.
The minimum age is 8 years. Children from 12 can paddle a double kayak with an adult; from 16 they can use a single kayak. The calm reservoir and short coaching session make this one of the gentler paddle days in the region.
Younger children from 6 may be possible in a double kayak with a capable adult; message us through Adventuro chat Be sure your child is comfortable with the duration and terrain. Correctly sized equipment is provided on the day where applicable.
Yes, a minimum of two people is required to run the trip. This keeps the shuttle and guide ratio efficient for the drive north to the Mae Ngat reservoir.
Solo travellers can often join an existing group by trip for a date with other guests, or pair up with a travel companion. Check availability when you confirm your trip.
Pickup is from hotels and guesthouses in Chiang Mai city centre around 8:30am. After sign-in and a paddle briefing at the adventure base you drive roughly 60km north to the Mae Ngat dam put-in. 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. Return to your hotel is around 4pm after paddling back from the floating houseboats.
Yes, lunch and refreshments are served at a floating restaurant on the lake around midday. It is a highlight of the day: paddle up to the houseboats, eat on the water and relax before the return leg. Dietary preferences can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Bring a small snack if you like extra energy between scheduled meal stops. Some platforms have a diving tower for swimming. Bring swimwear if you want to jump in during the lunch stop.
The round trip is about 14km across open water and along jungle shorelines. Pace is leisurely with plenty of breaks, and the lake is usually calm with mild conditions ideal for families. 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. Wind can pick up on exposed sections; guides adjust the route and timing. First-time paddlers complete the distance comfortably after the morning skills check.
Sirilanna National Park surrounds the Mae Ngat reservoir, one of northern Thailand's largest bodies of water. Lush jungle climbs the shorelines and open water gives wide views across the Mae Ngat valley.
Floating houseboat communities add a unique cultural touch. The setting feels remote despite being a manageable day trip from Chiang Mai.
Wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothing that can get splashed. A sarong or cover-up protects from sun on the water. Bring a change of clothes and bathing suit if you plan to swim at lunch. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed shoes suitable for the activity.
A small day pack is enough for water, sunscreen and personal essentials. Secure footwear for the dam put-in is helpful. Sunglasses with a strap are useful on bright reservoir days.
Light wind or brief showers rarely cancel trips on this sheltered reservoir. Guides monitor conditions and may shorten open-water crossings if needed for comfort and safety. Light rain often adds atmosphere without stopping the trip.
Pack a light rain layer and a dry bag for electronics if showers are forecast. In rare cases of unsafe weather we may reschedule your trip. Northern Thailand heat and humidity can be tiring, so hydrate often and use sun protection even on cloudy days.
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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