Kayaking in Chiang Mai: Mae Taeng Forest & Valley Biking

Paddle into jungle walls and birdlife on a river only locals know.

A half-day biking and kayaking activity in Chiang Mai's Mae Ngat Valley combines five hours of pedaling through rice fields and villages with a kayak trip into Mae Taeng Forest Reserve, where you operate your own single or double kayak past water buffaloes and traditional fishing. Hotel pickup, lunch at a local restaurant, safety gear, and a professional guide in English or Thai are included. The river fee is THB 150 per person.

The experience

Start with hotel pickup and head straight to Mae Ngat Valley. You'll begin at Ban Den Temple, a quick stop to take in the architecture before swinging onto a bike. The ride itself moves at a leisurely pace through charming villages and lush rice fields, with a rest at a local produce stand to catch your breath and the landscape. After a snack break as you continue south through quieter villages, you'll reach the river.

The kayaking happens on the Mae Ping River inside Mae Taeng Forest Reserve: a stretch most visitors never see. You're the captain of your own boat, paddling past water buffaloes, jungle walls, and wild birds. The only sounds are the ones nature makes. Hard-shell kayaks (single or double) are provided, along with a life jacket and a hydration backpack. The guide stays with you, but this is not a tour where you watch. You paddle.

After the river, lunch waits at a local restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options available. You'll get water throughout the day and a cold drink with the meal. The whole outing runs about five hours from pickup to drop-off. A support truck follows with storage for valuables, and your guides are certified in First Aid and CPR. Children as young as four can join on a tag-along bike. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Bring a passport number for the river insurance at check-in.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van.
• professional guide in English or Thai.
• well-maintained mountain bike in your size with helmet and gloves.
• hard-shell single or double kayak with life jacket and hydration backpack.
• lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options.
• water and a cold drink throughout the day.
• support truck with secure storage for valuables.
• First Aid and CPR-certified guides.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 4.55

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaks

Is this one for you?Five hours leaves room for a morning or afternoon activity but not both. Book this if you have a half-day free and want to move between two different landscapes rather than settle into one. The fixed schedule and included transport mean you show up at your hotel and the day unfolds without planning.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

45 verified traveler reviews

5 ★30

4 ★14

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (4 to 5 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak in Mae Taeng Forest if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The kayaking in Mae Taeng Forest is peaceful and suitable for all fitness levels. You operate your own single or double kayak at your own pace, and the guide stays with you. Life jackets and hard-shell kayaks are provided.

What's included in the price for the full day?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the bike and helmet, kayak and life jacket, lunch at a local restaurant, water and a cold drink, and a professional guide in English or Thai are all included. The river fee and insurance (THB 150 per person) is separate.

How long is the biking part, and how hard is it?

The biking moves at a leisurely pace through Mae Ngat Valley's rice fields and villages over several hours, with rest stops and a snack break built in. It's suitable for all fitness levels and covers a mix of flat farmland and scenic jeep tracks leading to the river.

What will I see on the kayak stretch of the Mae Ping River?

The Mae Taeng Forest Reserve section of the river is home to water buffaloes, traditional fishing, wild birds, and jungle walls rising on either side. It's a quiet, protected area where the only sounds are natural ones.

What gear and safety equipment do I need to bring?

You don't need to bring anything. Helmets and gloves for biking, a life jacket for kayaking, and a hydration backpack are all provided. Lite hiking or water shoes, padded shorts, and jerseys are available at the Pro-shop if you want them.