Rafting Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary from Pai: 35–45km jungle river

Thirty-five to forty-five kilometers of river, fifteen sets of rapids, a waterfall, a hot spring and a cliff jump in one day

A full-day rafting adventure from Pai through Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary covers 35–45km of river with a live English-speaking guide, including 15 sets of rapids up to class 4, a stop at Susa waterfall and a hot spring, lunch alongside the river, and return transport to Pai. Pickup from your lodging, national park fees, insurance and all transport are included. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the operator asks about dietary preference at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day rafting adventure

• Pick up from lodging
• Depart Pai Adventures office
• Drive to Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary
• Drive to rafting insertion point
• Safety briefing and rafting instruction
• Begin 35-45 km rafting adventure
• Eat lunch alongside river
• Continue rafting through jungle and rapids
• Finish rafting at Mae Hong Son
• Take shower and change clothes
• Drive back to Pai
• Arrive back in Pai

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your lodging between 8:00 and 8:15, then a 2-hour drive to Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary. Once there, you get a safety briefing and rafting instruction before the river itself begins at 11:00. The 35–45km run takes you through untouched jungle winding past rocky outcrops, Susa waterfall, a hot spring where you can stop, and a rocky gorge where cliff jumping is an option. The water holds 15 sets of rapids, some reaching class 4, so the pace is steady and the current is real.

Lunch happens alongside the river at 13:00, and the rafting finishes at Mae Hong Son by 17:00. You shower and change into dry clothes there, then ride 2 hours back to Pai, arriving around 19:30. The operator welcomes all ages and abilities, though the itinerary notes that the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health. Moderate fitness is expected. At booking, you'll need to provide name, age, gender, passport number and country for all participants, and to specify whether you want vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.

Water, a guide in English, national park fees, all transport to and from the river, and insurance are included in the price. Bring swimwear and dry clothes for the ride back, a towel, toiletries, insect repellent and sunscreen. Water-shoes are optional, and you can go barefoot if you prefer.

What’s included

• Pickup from your lodging in Pai.
• 2-hour drive to Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary and 2-hour return drive.
• safety briefing and rafting instruction.
• 35–45km rafting with 15 sets of rapids.
• stops at Susa waterfall and a hot spring.
• lunch alongside the river.
• shower and dry clothes at the finish.
• national park fees.
• live guide in English.
• water.
• insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pai Adventures

Is this one for you?The full day runs 9 to 12 hours with a 2-hour drive each way and steady water time in between, so an early 8:00 pickup and a 19:30 return suit travelers who are comfortable with a long day and moderate to strong fitness. Class 4 rapids and cliff jumping are options, not requirements, so the pace adapts to the group's comfort level.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Under 5: they 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.

How long is the actual rafting part of the day?

The rafting itself runs 35–45km and takes most of the afternoon, starting at 11:00 and finishing around 17:00 at Mae Hong Son. The full day from pickup to return to Pai is 9 to 12 hours.

What are the rapids like on this stretch of river?

Soppong Wildlife Sanctuary holds 15 sets of rapids, with some reaching class 4. The operator welcomes both beginners and experienced paddlers, and a safety briefing happens before you start.

What happens at the hot spring and the waterfall?

Susa waterfall is a named stop along the route where you can see it from the water. The hot spring is also a stop where you can get out and soak if you want to. Neither is a long detour from the main run.

Do I need to bring my own water-shoes, or can I go barefoot?

Water-shoes are optional. You can wear them or go barefoot. Either way works on this river. Bring swimwear and dry clothes to change into after you finish.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange myself?

Pickup from your lodging, transport to and from Soppong, national park fees, a guide in English, lunch, water, insurance and a shower at the end are all included. You provide swimwear, dry clothes, a towel, toiletries, sunscreen and insect repellent.