As an adventurous traveller and avid blogger, I'm always on the lookout for thrilling activities to write about on my blog. I recently had the opportunity to go white water rafting in Chiang Mai, one of the top adventure destinations in Thailand. It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget, and it's one that I highly recommend to anyone who loves adventure and the outdoors.
Chiang Mai is a stunning city in northern Thailand that's nestled in the heart of the lush jungle. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and incredible adventure activities, it's no wonder that Chiang Mai is becoming increasingly popular with thrill-seekers from all over the world. Whether you're looking to go ziplining through the treetops, trekking through the jungle, or white water rafting down raging rivers, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to to satisfy your craving for adventure.
In this blog post, I would like to share my white water rafting experience and give you some insights into this thrilling adventure. I'll take you through the whole experience, from the preparation to the adrenaline-fueled rapids, and everything in between. So, sit back and let me tell you the story of my unforgettable white water rafting adventure in Chiang Mai.
Preparing for the Rapids
The sun was already beaming hot even though it was still early in the morning. I woke up earlier than usual, put on my shorts and rash guard, and gathered my group for a thrilling adventure of white water rafting in Chiang Mai. We chose to take the Mae Taeng River route, one of the most popular courses for this adventurous activity. I had been looking forward to this trip for so long, and finally, the day had come.
We packed our bags with essentials such as sunscreen, water bottles, extra clothes, and towels. We were advised to avoid wearing flip flops, loose clothing, and accessories as it might hinder our rafting experience. Instead, we wore our trainers, comfortable shorts and shirts, and tightened our helmets. Our guide from the rafting agency briefed us about the ride and gave us easy-to-understand instructions. We were informed that we would be taking a 10-kilometer route, which included five different rapids that would range from level two to four. The levels are categorized based on the water's velocity, obstacles, and technicality.
Brace Yourself for the White Water Rapids
We boarded the open truck that took us to our starting point, which was a little upstream. We had to walk down to the river bank while carrying our rafts. The Mae Taeng river looked calm at first, but the rapids were visible further downstream. Finally, we got on the rafts, and while following our guide's lead, we pushed ourselves off of the riverbank and sailed downstream. In no time, we found ourselves paddling through relatively easy currents, taking the time to soak in the area's natural beauty.
There was an instant adrenaline rush the moment we saw the first rapid – it was time to brace ourselves. Our guide signaled us to stop paddling and hold on, and within seconds, we were sailing through the water like it was nobody's business. Water splashed onto our faces, and we could hear the sound of our raft bouncing over the rocks. It was nothing like anything I had ever experienced before. The rapid gave me an instant thrill, but I knew that we had more ahead of us.
Taking a Break
After the first two rapids, we stopped for a break, and we were surprised at how serene the place was. It was a secluded spot, surrounded by lush green trees that provided a perfect shade. We got to enjoy nature's pristine beauty even more as we took a quick swim in the still water segment. The view from the riverbank gave us a glimpse of the forest, and it provided an entirely different perspective. We were high on the fantastic combination of tranquility and adventure that made us appreciate the experience even more.
Other Activities to Enjoy
After our quick break, we resumed our rafting journey through the course, passing through the more challenging rapids that required quick balance and coordination. We were a team at this point, trying our best to work in sync to tackle these obstacles one by one. We even had a mini-competition with another group that was passing the same route as we were, which made the experience even more exhilarating.
Apart from white water rafting, there are other splendid outdoor activities to enjoy in Chiang Mai that pushes your adrenaline level. One other noteworthy activity is bungee jumping. If you're brave enough to try it, you can safely experience the free-fall from 50 meters above the ground! The experience is unique and worth the try for any adventurous soul that finds themselves in Chiang Mai.
Capturing Memorable Moments
The river journey went by quickly, and before we knew it, we had reached the end station. We got off the raft with pure excitement and a sense of accomplishment. We changed into dry clothes and took a picturesque photo with our rafting crew. It was fascinating to capture pictures of the journey from a camera that we rented for this ride. It was a satisfying way to reminisce about the experience that is nothing but raw thrill.
Going Back Home with an Experience of a Lifetime
White water rafting through the Mae Taeng river is genuinely an experience of a lifetime. The journey is relatively short but intensely satisfying. Everything about the adventure, from the breathtaking scenery to the rapids themselves, made the trip worth visiting. The entire experience exceeded expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Chiang Mai looking for a wild and exhilarating getaway that takes you out of your comfort zone. So if you're feeling brave and adventurous, don't hesitate to try out white water rafting in Chiang Mai— it'll be an adventure that you'll never forget.
Sources
- Actual Reality Company. “White Water Rafting and Bungee.” Actual Reality Company, 2021, actual-reality.com/adventures-rafting.php.
