The Untamed Nam Wa River is located in the province of Nan in the remote Northeast of Thailand. Although Nan has been accessible to foreign tourists for several years, it is one of the least visited areas of Thailand and offers visitors a unique taste of untouched Thai culture and rural life. The original Wa people settled Nan over 700 years ago and are descendants of Laotions. Nowadays Nan is still quite and rural with few foreign tourists. The Nam Wa River was first run over 5 years ago and is one of the main attractions to Nan, along with the famous Provincial boat races held every year in end of October.
The source of the Nam Wa River comes from high in the Doi Nun Mountains. Before winding its way to Mae Charim, it flows through beautiful and remote valleys, passes through some incredible gorges and provides paddlers with some pumping grade 2-4 rapids along the way. You will enjoy riverside camping, healthy Thai meals, campfires and stargazing at night. This is an unforgettable wilderness experience!
The Nam Wa River is runnable 5-6 months a year, from July to December.
Siam River Adventures Co., Ltd. is the first and only western company to operate International standard whitewater rafting and kayaking trips on the Nam Wa River. We offer first class service personal service that can’t be beaten! Come padde this remote river and experience a trip of a lifetime!
First time whitewater rafters and experienced whitewater kayakers welcome!
Day 1: Travel to Nan
Paddlers can travel to Nan by air from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or from Chiang Mai by one of Siam River Adventure’s mini-buses. Departing on a 5 hour trip around 12 pm. A mid Evening arrival in Nan, We lodge at a local Hotel/guesthouse. We enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant and debrief about the upcoming days adventure.
Day 2: Paddling 15-20 Kilometers of Nam Wa Whitewater
Our multi-day expedition trip begins with an early morning wake up, coffee or tea and breakfast at the hotel. We will travel from Nan to our “put in” point in the village of Ban Sop Mang, a 2 hour drive. There, we will pack up our dry bags, gear up the rafts and set off around noon. We will paddle through the swiftly moving river and encounter an exciting mix of over 15 grade 2 & 3 rapids. After an enjoyable 1/2 day of paddling through beautiful jungle gorges, playing in waterfalls and checking out local wildlife that inhabits this area, we’ll arrive at our riverside camp just before sunset to relax and enjoy the untouched surroundings of the tropical forest. We feast on a delicious Thai dinner prepared by our river staff, unwind by a campfire and pass out in our riverside tents.
Day 3: Paddling 45-50 kilometers of Nam Wa Whitewater
An early morning wake up, coffee or tea and a Thai/Western breakfast. Today we will conquer over 90 rapids, from grade 2-4+, it will be our longest day yet. We pass many riverside waterfalls and amazing jungle scenery. Around 1pm we will pull over next to a beautiful stream as our skilled river guides prepare our Thai style lunch. We set off for what seems like more endless grade 3 & 4 rapids. This challenging day ends just before sunset as we arrive at Nam Wa Camp #2 .With riverside camping and another delicious Thai dinner, we sit around the fire and share our most memorable moments from the day.
Day 4: Paddling 15-20 kilometers of Nam Wa Whitewater
Our last day begins with a late morning wake up. coffee and a Western breakfast. Today we will push our way through over 20 grade 2-4 rapids and the last stretch of the remote Nam Wa River. We should reach our “take out” no later than 3pm. We unpack our gear, relax with some refreshments and gear up our “take out vehicle” which is no more than an old tractor made for the situation. Grabbing lunch on our way we travel back to the town of Nan, arriving at approximately 5pm. Tonight we lodge in the same local hotel/guesthouse. After an optional massage, we enjoy our last dinner together as a group and reminisce about the day’s adventure on the river.
Day 5: Travel Back to Chiang Mai
A mid morning wake up and breakfast at a local cafe. Before our 5 hour journey back we take time to tour the Nan history museum, which is filled with old artifacts and information about Nan ‘s past. Just after 12pm we hop back in our mini bus and head back Chiang Mai. Transfer to airport or hotel of your choice.
Additional Tour and Travel Options:
