Thailand white water rafting

White water rafting is Thailand's newest and most exciting water sport. Nothing compares to the thrill of running fast moving rapids in a rubber raft. Or the tranquility of floating past cascading waterfalls and towering canyons deep in the jungle.

The main rafting areas are in the North of Thailand, at Khao Yai National Park, in Kanchnaburi and Phetchaburi areas.

Tak, a mountainous province south of Chiang Mai is an increasingly popular adventure destination. The forests of Umphang are the source of many rivers, the most important being the Huai Mae Klong, a popular rafting route with its many rapids and scenic backdrops of jungle. There's also a rafting route from the breathtaking Thi Lo Su Waterfall which takes three to four hours.

Mae Hong Song's Pai River is perhaps the most famous venue, as it smashes its angry path towards Myanmar . A raft trip starts at Ban Nam Kong, 65 km from Pai and continues through virgin forests, waterfalls and 15 sets of rapids, a journey time of about five hours. There are five levels of expertise, and all require experienced guides to lead them.

Chiang Rai is the oldest rafting destinations in the country. In Chiang Rai, bamboo rafts and inflatable boats are available for the journey down the Mae Kok, the province's major artery.

In Chiang Mai area, rafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang George in inflatable boats is available through local travel agents. Another challenging route is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi District, where the river rushes through virgin forests to end at the Pha Dam Waterfall.

Nam Wa stream in Nan is recognised as an ultimate rafting adventure. During rainy season the stream is swollen and rates 3 - 5 on the difficulty scale. Local rafting operators are offering soft adventure tour for beginners wanting to test out their skills. The three day tour features rafting through a series of rapids, such as Sop Huai Duea and Phi Pa.

At Khao Yai National Park , the Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Nadi district of Prachin Buri is a stretch of river noted for its wild beauty. The water is very vigorous During the rainy months between June and October.

On the western border, Kanchanaburi is a popular adventure destination thanks to its mountainous terrain, covered with forests and crisscrossed with a network of rivers. Jungle rafting can be arranged from a mountain pass to the stunning Lawa Cave , a two-hour journey. Bamboo and inflatable rafts are also available for a trip down the Songkalia in Sangkhlaburi.

The headwater of Phetchaburi River , the province's major artery, lies within Kaeng Krachan National Park . The river offers good rafting; a trip through its rapids and small tributaries takes about six hours.

Nakhon Nayok, a small province to the north of Bangkok , is a new destination for adventure tourism. Its rivers originate in the Khao Yai range and flow down to meet the arterial Bang Pakong River , which empties into Gulf of Thailand .