Shooting the Rapids in the North of Thailand Part II

Bhumibol Reservoir,Tak province

Start rafting here and finally, you will disembark at Ban Pae Dotha. Rafting duration: 4-5 hours/ Levels of difficulty: 2-4/ Recommended period: August-October

2.4 The Mae Klong River
(Umphang-Thi Lo Cho-Thi Lo Su), Tak province
Specific Details:
• November-May: During this period the road to the starting point is accessible, and the transfer service is available. Start shooting the rapids from Umphang county, pass Thi Lo Cho Waterfall, a hot spring and disembark at the Pha Luat Forest Guarding Unit. Rafting duration: 2-3 hours/ Levels of difficulty: 2-3
• June-November: During this period, the road to the starting point is closed, so you have to walk. Start from Umphang county, pass Thi Lo Cho Waterfall, a hot spring, Takhobi rapid and disembark at Tha Sai point. Rafting duration: 2-3 hours/ Levels of difficulty: 2-3/ Recommended period: all year round

Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Tak province

2.5 The Mae Klong River
(Umphang-Thi Lo Re Waterfall), Tak province
(2 days 1 night programme)
Specific Details: Start the rafting course at Palatha Karen Village and raft along the Mae Klong river, passing Leketi rapid which is a large and long rapid, Khon Mong rapid whose current is swift and full of rocks, and Kaso Chile rapid, which is the last, and end at Thi Lo Re Waterfall. Rafting duration 5-6 hours/ Levels of difficulty: 3-4/ Recommended period: October- December

2.6 The Mae Tuen River
(Omkoi-Samngao County), Chiang Mai province (696 km north of Bangkok)

Phra That Doi Suthep,
Chiang Mai province

Specific Details: Shoot the rapids at Ban Huai Nam Khao, Omkoi county, pass luxuriant forests in Mae Tuen Wild Life Sanctuary and stay overnight on the Mae Tuen river bank. Rafting duration: 2 nights 3 days/ Levels of difficulty: 2-3/ Recommended period: October-February.

Two pandas, the star of
Chiang Mai Zoo

For more information, please contact TAT Northern Office Region 4 or tel: 0 5551 4341-3 or fax: 0 5551 4344.

Reading up to this line, do you feel like getting drench? If so, why waiting? Get yourself fit, obtain enough information, pack your belongings and consult your travel agency to arrange your personalised trip now.

In this article, we provide only information about where to shoot the rapids in the north. However, you can also go to the following places for this sport.
• Hin Phoeng rapid, Prachin Buri
• Muak Lek Falls rapid, Saraburi
• Pong Nam Ron rapid, Chanthaburi
• Lam Takhong rapid, Nakhon Ratchasima
• Petchaburi River rapid, Petchaburi
• Pha To rapid, Chumphon
• Kaeng Krung rapid, Surat Thani
• Khlong Klai, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Phrai Sawan Falls rapid, Trang

SHOOTING THE RAPIDS: WHAT TO KNOW
By Sainamyen

To get excited and remain safe when you shoot the rapids, you are required to do as follows.
1. White-water rafting is not an activity that you can do by yourself. You need to contact a rafting operator with TAT licence, consider conditions and terms, check itineraries, insurance and safety equipment and then go with a guide.
2. Safety is of paramount importance in shooting the rapids. Life jackets and helmets must be worn at all times. Always concentrate on the guide's advice for your safety.
3. Most white-water rafting places are located in the vicinity of fragile water sources, thus, a permission must be granted before entering the sites. Rafting operators usually are responsible for this.
4. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable clothes to wear. They should be light and easy to dry. Sport sandal shoes with straps are excellent to prevent the swift current flushing your shoes away. If you have to trek very far, bring a pair of sneakers along. In the cool season (around November-January), do not forget a windproof jacket.
5. Clothing, camping equipment, cameras and other belongings should be kept in plastic bags or water-resistant bags. Pack only necessary items.
6. If you have to eat or cook meals during the rafting course, you should choose easy-to-prepare recipes. Avoid canned food, foam utensils and plastic bottles. When moving camp, try your best to make that area as clean as its original condition.
7. Keep fit and bring first-aid kit and medicine.

What to do when you fall into the river
1. Try to swim to the rubber boat or to the river bank as soon as possible to protect your body from the strong current and rocks.
2. Manage yourself to lie on your back and raise both legs to the surface of the water. This will allow your life jackets to float effectively. While you are drifting down the current, try to get both legs forward. Slowly kick your legs to reduce the current speed.
3. Do not bend your knees or lie face downward as your body might be hurt by underwater rocks.
4. If you cannot swim to the bank, stay calm and do as mentioned above. Then find a stable rock or tree to hold on to and wait for rescue.

Special thanks to:
1. Tourism Authority of Thailand: Bangkok Office for allowing Thaiways to use photographs.
2. Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 3 for giving Thaiways useful information and giving us photographs.