Rubber Boat Rafting at Nam Wa River, Nan

Rubber Boat Rafting at Nam Wa River, Nan

Location: The start of this rafting course is at Mae Charim National Park, Amphoe Mae Charim, which is around 57 kilometers from Nan Town.


Characteristics: Nam Wa River is quite a small rive, its water will be full and red in rainy season. In cold season the water becomes clearer, and lower in summer, while the forest along the river changes its color too. This river flows from the mountain in Amphoe Bo Gleu, passing Amphoe  Santisuk, Amphoe  Mae Charim, and runs out at Amphoe  Wiang Sa, Nan.



Difficulty:
Rainy season (May-September): level 3-5
Cold season (October-February): level 3-4
Summer  (February -April): level  2-3
Duration 3-4 hours (both parts included)
Distance 18 kilometers

Highlights: Rubber boat rafting course in Nam Wa River can be divided into three parts.




The beginning of Nam Wa: This part starts from Sop Mang Village, Amphoe Bo Gleu, to Nam Wa Village, Amphoe Mae Charim. This part of the river is fitting for adventurous rafting, over a hundred of rapids are there to be conquered. The course is most narrow and the water flows fastest. The difficulty is level 4-5, and you will have to stay over at least one night.

The middle of Nam Wa: You can choose either one day program, or two days and one night program.
      The first program only takes one day, starting from Sop Mang, Amphoe Bo Gleu. There are many delightful rapids along the way, and the forest on the riverbank is beautiful. The difficulty of this part is 2-4, and the course finishes at Mae Sanan Village in late afternoon.
      The second program takes two days, starting from Mae Sanan Village after lunch, and stay in the camp for a night. The second day the rafting goes along several exciting rapids and finishes at Wang Lune, Nong Daeng Village, Amphoe Mae Charim. The difficulty level is 3-5.
       It is also possible to raft through both parts, and it will take 3 days and 2 nights.

The ending of Nam Wa: This program is often combined with elephant trekking. The start of rafting activity is in Mae Charim National Park, passing some pleasant rapids that are not too hard. The course ends at the elephant farm where you can go further to Sri Nan National Park and watch the sunset at a famous cliff called Pha Hua Sing.

Caution: It is necessary to wear helmet and life buoy while rafting in every part of the river. Moreover, because this rafting site is in the National Park, you should follow the regulations of the Park very strictly.

The Best season:

The first part of Nam Wa: the early cold season, after that the water will be too low, you might have to walk and carry the raft instead. The middle part of Nam Wa: October-February is most preferable. The last part of Nam Wa: all year

The Dealers: Nan Elephant Farm: +665478 1316,+661724 0579

Ranges of Rates:

One day program: the middle of Nam Wa: 1,500 Baht each (minimum 6 persons)*

Two day program: the middle of Nam Wa: 3,500 Baht each (minimum 6 persons)*

Three day program: both parts of the middle of Nam Wa: 5,500 Baht each (minimum 6 persons)*

All Programs include the transportation, guide, lunch and snacks.

Accommodations:   The  accommodation  that  is nearest to  Nam Wa River  is  in  Mae Charim  National  Park, but you  have to call  in first for  reservation.  However, most travelers just buy the package and stay in Nan Town which is more convenient. The dealer will come and pick the travelers up in the town and send them back after the activity finished.

The Mae Charim National Park: +665471 0136
*this price may br change any time. Please update current price with Dealers.

Interesting Tips:

     The beginning of Nam Wa River is quite narrow, and the water runs quite fast. So it is more difficult than the middle and the ending parts.

      Doi Phu Wae, the mointain well-known for the all nature lovers, as well as the rafting activity along Nam Wa River.

      Most rafting here is man. Rafting activity here is divided into two parts, and can be combined to the elephant riding activity as well. Although the excursion takes less than a day, it is really nice to stay overnight at Amphoe Mae Charim.

      Chae Hok Rapid in the early part of Nam Wa River runs pretty fast and furious.

      The water runs slower at the middle part of Nam Wa River, the natural surrounding on two sides of the river thus can be best appreciated.

      Huay Deau Rapid, the biggest rapid that is exciting enough for new rafters. After this rapid, you will find Pee Pa Rapid that is the highlight of this rafting course.

      Pha Rod May Rapid has a shape like a small waterfall across the river, but it the too low, you may have to get off the raft and walk over, it instead.

      Sroy Rapid, the real fun of the last part of Nam Wa River.

View Nam Wa River in a larger google map