Bamboo Rafting & Secret Waterfall from Chiang Mai

Six hours of swimming, drifting and jungle sounds

A half-day rafting trip from Chiang Mai combines a swim at a secluded waterfall with a bamboo raft float down the Wang River, bookable as a morning or midday departure. The day includes a picnic with tea and snacks at the waterfall, lunch at a local restaurant, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup. Life jacket and towel are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfall, rafting, and local lunch

• Explore secret waterfall and swim
• Picnic with tea and snacks
• Enjoy bamboo raft down Wang River
• Have lunch at local restaurant

The experience

Six hours takes you from Chiang Mai through a sequence built around water and stillness. You start by hiking to a secret waterfall where you swim in cool water, then settle into a picnic break with tea and snacks while the sound of falling water fills the background. The shift from moving to resting happens naturally. You've exerted yourself, now you sit.

The bamboo raft ride down the Wang River is the spine of the afternoon. You're on the water itself, not watching it pass. The raft moves slowly enough that the jungle around you stays visible and the air stays cool. No paddling or steering. You recline on bamboo while the current carries you through the forest. Lunch at a local restaurant closes the day before the drive back to your hotel.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your Chiang Mai accommodation and returns you there. Your guide speaks English and travels with you the whole way. A life jacket and mini towel are included. Bring your own swimsuit, extra clothes, sunscreen and insect spray.

What’s included

• Bamboo raft ticket.
• bottled water.
• picnic with tea and snacks at the waterfall.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return to your Chiang Mai hotel.
• life jacket.
• mini towel.
• insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning Waterfall and Bamboo RaftGuide in English · 09:00Morning session: pickup between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.; drop-off by 3:00 p.m.; pickup is included

Noon Waterfall and Bamboo RaftingGuide in English · 12:00 and 13:00Afternoon session: pickup between 12:00 and 12:30 p.m.; drop-off by 6:00 p.m.; includes pickup

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Joy Your Trip

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to start early and have the afternoon free, or the noon option if you prefer a later start. Either way, the raft ride is passive, you float rather than paddle, so it suits anyone who wants to move through nature without exertion.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

54 verified traveler reviews

5 ★49

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What time does the day start and end?

You can choose a morning departure or a noon departure. Both run for six hours total. The morning option starts earlier, the noon option later in the day.

Can I bring my kids on the bamboo raft?

Children can raft with you. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available on request. A child seat is also available if you ask when booking.

What's the secret waterfall actually like?

It's a natural waterfall where you can swim in cool water. The picnic break happens right there, so you eat and rest while listening to the water in the background.

Do I need to be fit or a strong swimmer?

The trip suits all physical fitness levels. The raft ride requires no effort. You're floating, not paddling. The waterfall swim is in a natural pool. Bring a life jacket if you want one, and the operator provides it.

What should I pack?

Bring a swimsuit, extra clothes, sandals, sunscreen and insect spray. The operator supplies a life jacket, towel and bottled water. You'll change clothes before and after the water activities.