Chiang Mai: Jungle Trek, River Tubing & Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Jungle trekking, river tubing and wild waterfalls near Chiang Mai

You’ll trek jungle trails near Chiang Mai with a local guide, splash in Tard Mok Waterfall, float Mae Taeng River by tube (maybe spot elephants or buffalo), then cool off sliding into Saa Gee Falls’ pools. Includes pickup, homemade lunch, gear—and ends with hot tea in the jungle before heading home.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you want to try the slide?” our guide Tee grinned at me as we stood by the waterfall, water misting my glasses. I’d just spent an hour following him through bamboo groves and muddy patches that squished under my shoes (I should’ve worn older sneakers). The air smelled green—like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. We’d left Chiang Mai early that morning, windows down on the van, passing rice fields and a few sleepy dogs who didn’t seem to care about us at all.

Tee grew up around here—he pointed out edible plants along the trail and told us stories about elephants he used to care for. At one point he stopped so we could listen: just cicadas, water somewhere ahead, and a distant laugh from another hiker. When we reached Tard Mok Waterfall it was louder than I expected—a constant rush that made talking tricky but felt kind of calming. I dunked my head in (cold!) and then just sat on a rock for a while watching sunlight flicker through the trees. Lunch back at base camp tasted better than it probably was—rice, chicken, something with lemongrass—maybe because I was starving from all that walking.

After lunch came the tubing part. They gave us these bright orange life jackets that made everyone look ridiculous (in a good way). Floating down the Mae Taeng River was slower than I thought—sometimes you spin in circles or bump into a branch and Tee shouts “left!” or “right!” from his own tube. We drifted past an elephant sanctuary; no elephants this time but we did see two water buffalo cooling off near the bank. The river’s not wild but it feels alive—there’s always some bird calling or kids waving from the shore.

The last bit was Saa Gee Waterfall—a short walk from camp but somehow it felt like its own world. The rocks were slippery and warm from the sun; I tried sliding down like Tee showed us but mostly just flopped into the pool at the bottom (everyone laughed). There was hot tea waiting back at camp after a quick shower—I don’t even drink tea usually but it tasted right after all that swimming. Heading back to Chiang Mai in the van, everything felt quieter inside me too. Sometimes you need days like this just to remember how big and strange and gentle nature can be—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle trek, tubing, and waterfalls

• Pick-up from Chiang Mai accommodation
• Drive 1.3 hours through countryside
• Arrive at Tubing Chiang Mai campsite
• Change clothes and safety orientation
• Trek through jungle to Tard Mok Waterfall
• Relax and take photos at waterfall
• Return to Base Camp
• Enjoy local lunch at Base Camp
• Change into swimwear
• Float down Mae Taeng River tubing
• Spot elephants and water buffalo (if lucky)
• Walk to Saa Gee Waterfalls
• Swim and relax at waterfalls
• Return to Base Camp for shower
• Enjoy hot tea and snacks
• Drive back to Chiang Mai
• Drop-off at accommodation

Top questions

How long is this Chiang Mai jungle trek & tubing tour?

The full-day trip lasts about 11-12 hours including pickup and drop-off from Chiang Mai.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Tard Mok Waterfall?

Yes, a homemade local lunch is included at base camp after your trek.

Will I see elephants during river tubing?

Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed since animals roam freely; sometimes you may see elephants or water buffalo near the river.

What should I bring for this Chiang Mai waterfall adventure?

Wear comfortable trekking clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet; swimwear for tubing and waterfalls is recommended.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai are included.

Is this suitable for beginners or families?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Do I need to know how to swim for river tubing?

No strong swimming skills required; life jackets are provided for everyone during tubing sections.

How far is base camp from Chiang Mai city center?

The drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes through scenic countryside north of Chiang Mai.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai by air-conditioned minivan, guided jungle trekking with an English-speaking local expert, use of lockers and towels at base camp, homemade lunch with snacks and drinks (including hot tea), all river tubing equipment with life jackets provided, entry to both Tard Mok and Saa Gee waterfalls, plus travel accident insurance throughout your adventure.