Rating: 3/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Please make an appointment/check with the operator before traveling (this activity depends on water levels and weather conditions)

Opening Hours: Please confirm the latest time slots and conditions before traveling – hours may change by season/water conditions

 

Nam Chaem Bamboo Rafting (Ban Om Khud) in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai, is an outdoor activity made for anyone who wants to “reset” without overthinking. Just letting yourself drift with the current, watching the green scenery along both riverbanks, and hearing the soft splash of water against the raft can feel like your body naturally unwinds. The rafting point is in Ban Om Khud, Moo 1, Tambon Kong Khaek, where the overall atmosphere is calm and community-like, surrounded by nature – the kind of place that feels more like a real pause than a quick check-in.

 

The core experience here is renting a bamboo raft or a rubber raft to float down the Nam Chaem River for a total distance of about 5 kilometers. Along the way, the scenery keeps changing: gentle river bends, gravelly banks, slower sections that invite easy conversation, and a few spots where the current picks up just enough to add a fun, light thrill. The charm of this style of rafting is that it isn’t a race against time – it’s a quiet competition against the noise in your own head. The more you let the river set the pace, the more you feel that you’re truly resting.

 

If you choose a bamboo raft, you get a classic, relaxed vibe with comfortable seating and wide-open views – ideal for friends or families who want to chill and take photos. A rubber raft feels more agile and suits people who want to move around more, hop in and out of the water, or enjoy a slightly more active floating experience. Either way, the heart of the trip stays the same: being close to nature and seeing Mae Chaem from a perspective roads can’t really deliver.

 

That said, every water-based activity comes with shared “variables” – mainly safety and water conditions. On days with heavy rain, muddy fast-flowing water, or quickly changing levels, the operator may suspend the activity temporarily for safety, and that’s something worth respecting. If you’re traveling with young children, seniors, or anyone who isn’t confident in the water, it’s best to inform the operator in advance and follow on-site instructions closely, especially regarding life jackets and choosing safe areas for swimming.

 

Getting There The rafting point is in Ban Om Khud, Moo 1, Tambon Kong Khaek, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai. The area sits along Highway 1088 (Mae Chaem – Hot route) and, based on local information, it’s about 10 km from the entrance to Mae Chaem District. Driving your own car is the most convenient option. Allow extra time because parts of the route are mountainous with many curves, and fog can appear in certain seasons. If you plan to swim or do outdoor activities, it’s best to go during daylight and plan your return before dark for safety.

 

If you want a full but not exhausting day, a solid formula is “half-day rafting + half-day sightseeing.” You can raft from late morning into the afternoon, then stop by key places in Mae Chaem or continue toward the Doi Inthanon route, depending on your schedule. Just keep in mind: rafting feels refreshing, but if you play in the water too long, fatigue can sneak up on you without warning.

 

 

A: It’s recommended to book or call ahead, because rafting sessions and conditions can change depending on water levels and weather.

 

A: In principle it depends on the season and safe water conditions. During heavy rain, service may be temporarily suspended, so please confirm before traveling.

 

A: Often yes, but it’s best to inform the operator in advance, wear a proper life jacket, and follow staff instructions carefully, choosing calm and safe areas for swimming.

 

A: A bamboo raft is more classic and relaxed, great for sightseeing and photos. A rubber raft is more agile and suits people who want a slightly more active float with more water play.

 

A: For a nature-focused continuation, consider Wat Phut En in Mae Chaem, or continue along the Doi Inthanon route to Kew Mae Pan and Wachirathan Waterfall – just allow travel time and check the weather.