Description

White Water rafting in the Phang Nga jungle

Plus elephant trekking, waterfall, monkey temple

Schedule

The best months are May to November when the river is higher.

December, January and February only the shorter 5 km run is available.

March and April operation closed.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary for tour A2. If you do the packages with optional extras they are done in the afternoon. Pick up and return times are the same.

07.15 hrs: Pick up from your hotel in Phuket and transfer to Phang Nga by shared minibus.
09.00 hrs: On the way stop at Suwan Kuha Temple (also known as the Monkey Cave).
10.00 hrs: Arrive at the raft camp. Rafting instruction then move to the top of the river.
10.30 hrs: Float gates open. 5 km white water rapids ride.
12.00 hrs: Thai buffet lunch at rafting camp.
13.00 hrs: Guided jungle walk to Tone Pariwat waterfall.
14.30 hrs: Enjoy a Thai Herbal Sauna or simply relax at the rafting camp and watch the elephants.
16.00 hrs: Transfer back to Phuket.
17.30 hrs: Drop off at your hotel.

*itineraries are subject to change

Prices

• A1 Rafting 9 km: 2,300 baht per adult
• A2 Rafting 5 km: 1,700 baht per adult / 1,400 baht per child
• B1 Rafting 9 km + 30 minute elephant trek: 2,900 baht per adult
• B2 Rafting 5 km + 30 minute elephant trek: 2,300 baht per adult / 1,800 baht per child
• C1 Rafting 9 km + 1 hour atv: 3,400 baht per adult
• C2 Rafting 5 km + 1 hour atv: 2,800 baht per adult/ 2,500 baht per child
• D2 Rafting 5 km + 30 minute elephant trek + 1 hour atv: 3,400 baht per adult / 3,100 baht per child

Price includes: Transfers from Phuket hotels*, rafting guides, lunch, life jackets and helmets, insurance.

Child = 6-12 years

Restrictions: White water rafting is not suitable for children under 6 years old, or for pregnant women and the elderly over 70 years of age. The 9 km ride is only suitable for adults and may not be possible in the dry season.

*Hotel pick up and transfer: Free transfers by shared minibus are provided from Phuket hotels in Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamala, Surin, Bangtao beach. A transfer fee may be charged for other areas. Transfers cannot be provided from private addresses or AirBnBs.

What to take: You should take a change of dry clothes.

Cancellations:
In the event of cancellation by you the following charges apply:
– 7 days or more prior to the package or tour date: 30% of total price.
– Within 7 days of the package or tour date, or no show: 100% of total price.

Weather Policy: This is an all weather tour and still runs if it is raining in the morning. You will get wet anyway 🙂

What to expect

About 2 hours drive from Phuket, in deepest Phang Nga Province is a great spot for white water rafting. When we first went to try this we weren’t expecting much but it’s actually a lot of fun and it’s do-able all year round because the water is supplied from a nearby dam. That said the best time to do it is from May to November when the water is higher and the full course can be completed.

There is a 5km run (grade 1-3 rapids) or an extended 9km run (grade 2-4 rapids ). It starts very sedately and then the flood gates get opened and the action starts. Because all boats must go down the river when the dam is opened the boats all end up bunched together but that’s also part of the fun as you bump and splash each other. At the end there is a chance to swim in the river.

The 5km rafting is suitable for all and instruction is provided. There are two guides in each raft, one forward and one back. They will tell you when to paddle forwards and backwards. It’s important to work as a group to balance the raft and keep from flipping. You also get given life jackets and helmets. The 9km run is not offered to children under 12 years old.

The journey to the rafting is split up with a visit to Wat Suwankuha (monkey cave temple). Also included in the tour is a trip to Tone Pariwat waterfall for a swim and of course you get a tasty lunch.

The 5km ride takes 30-40 minutes, the 9km ride takes 60-70 minutes. The 9km ride may not be available in high season when Phang Nga receives less rain. For those only doing the 5km run there are other activities available to fill the time including a 30 minute elephant trek and atv riding.