Wangsaithong Rafting

“Left, left ..,” the shouted directions competing with the sound of the water flowing down the rapids, are a signal to the boats that they need to line up to enter the channel. Some of the boats have new hands on board and flop around this way and that, bringing the sound of laughter and teasing shouts that echo around the waterway and showing that everyone is enjoying the ride.

Taking a kayak down the Wangsaithong rapids and following the water course in Manang district is a soft adventure activity that is very popular with tourists. It’s often combined in a program with a visit to Phu Pha Phet Cave (a beautiful cave that is one of the largest in the world), which is in the same area. The most popular way is to visit the cave in the morning and to go rafting in the afternoon when there is a cooling breeze and time to enjoy the water.

Rafting at Wangsaithong is a soft core activity when compared to white water rafting or rafting in the north of Thailand. The more leisurely waters of Khlong Lam Lone average about only about a meter in depth with just a few sections of deeper water and rapids where the water flows more rapidly through the rocks. So overall, it’s a very relaxing experience, like taking a ride to look at the nature. The water is crystal clear and you can easily spot any rocks below the surface, with thick forest standing tall on both banks. Those with no kayaking experience can safely take on the rapids because the tour guides will insist that life jackets and safety helmets are worn