Chiang Mai: River Tubing, Waterfall Slide & Elephant Watching

River tubing in Chiang Mai with elephants and jungle slides

You’ll float through Chiang Mai’s jungle on a river tube, watch elephants wander by the banks, slide down Saa Gee waterfall, and share tea and snacks with your group at base camp. With a local guide handling all the details, including hotel pickup, you can just soak up the slow rhythm of northern Thailand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chiang Mai river tubing and waterfall slide

• Pickup from Chiang Mai hotels
• Arrive at base camp, change clothes
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Begin river tubing for 1.3 hours
• Slide and swim at Saa Gee Waterfall
• Tea, snacks, and hot shower at base camp
• Depart for Chiang Mai
• Drop-off at your hotel

The experience

I didn’t realize how quiet the Mae Taeng River would feel until we actually pushed off in our tubes. Just the gentle slap of water against rubber and this soft green hush from the trees overhead. Our guide, Nok, grinned as she handed out lemon sodas at base camp (which tasted way better than I expected, maybe because it was so hot). She told us to keep our eyes open for elephants. I thought she was joking at first, then about twenty minutes in, there they were: a couple of them just munching on bamboo across the riverbank. One flicked its ear and stared right back at us. It’s strange how calm everything felt in that moment.

The tubing itself was easygoing. Nothing wild, just drifting along with enough time to notice little things like the smell of wet earth or how the sun hit patches of water through the leaves. At one point, Nok pointed out some birds I’d never seen before (I forgot the names immediately). When we reached Saa Gee Waterfall, everyone got a bit louder. The rocks were slick but not too slippery. Sliding down into the pool was colder than I expected. I let out an embarrassing yelp and everyone laughed. There’s something about cold water in Thailand that wakes you up better than coffee.

Afterwards, back at base camp, we changed out of soggy clothes and sat around with tea and snacks (some kind of sticky rice treat I still think about). Nok explained how they’re trying to keep things sustainable (filtered water only, no plastic bottles anywhere), which honestly made me feel better about joining. Pickup and drop-off from Chiang Mai made everything easy. I barely had to think about logistics for once. The ride back was mostly quiet. I guess everyone else was replaying those elephant moments too.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Chiang Mai in an air-conditioned vehicle, all river tubing equipment with life jacket and dry bag or phone pouch on loan, towels and changing facilities at base camp near Saa Gee waterfall, a welcome drink of lemon soda plus local snacks and filtered drinking water throughout the experience, and secure lockers for your belongings while you’re out on the river.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Thai11:30

Guide in English or Thai11:30

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please arrive at Tubing Chiang Mai Base Camp by 1:15 PM for check-in and preparation. You can find us on Google Maps. Message us here if you need help with directions.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tubing Chiang Mai

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 24h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chiang Mai river tubing tour?

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

Will we see elephants during the tubing trip?

Elephants often roam near the riverbanks along the route but sightings can’t be guaranteed.

How long does the tubing last?

The river tubing section lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is provided but you’ll get snacks, tea, lemon soda, and filtered drinking water at base camp.

Are towels and changing rooms available?

Yes, towels and changing facilities are provided at base camp.

Is this eco-friendly or plastic-free?

The tour uses reusable bottles, provides filtered water, separates trash, and avoids single-use plastics.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What should I bring for river tubing in Chiang Mai?

A refillable water bottle is recommended. All other equipment is provided including life jackets and dry bags.