4 Chiang Mai Ping River Cruises to Build a Day Around

1.Mae Ping River Cruise & Optional Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 336 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $17Our pick

Take a small-group long-tail boat from Chiang Mai along the Mae Ping River, with hotel pickup available in town. See riverside homes, stop at a family farm and herb garden, and choose a lunch of Khao soi or Pad Thai with herbal juice and ice cream.

“This was an excellent activity and very good value for money. The wooden, traditional boat was comfortable enough for a couple of hours, the captain/guide was very helpful and gave us some information on the way, (in not great English but he did his best). We passed hotels, riverside cafés and even a royal residence. The little place we stopped at by the river was cute. Do not miss the lunch!!! Both dishes offered were delicious and the ice cream was good, too. All in all a very pleasant way to cool off in Chiang Mai.”

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2.Ping River Night Kayaking into City Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 144 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Start with hotel pickup around 5:45 to 6 PM, then paddle from Wat Taa-Luk toward Nawarat Bridge with an English, German, or Thai guide. Expect an easy 6 km trip, gentle current, wildlife, riverside music, and glowing Chiang Mai views. Guides such as Jo Jo, AJ, Aidon, and A have earned warm praise.

“A great, casual trip down a beautiful river. We saw lots of bats and ducks, and even an owl up close. The kids really enjoyed it because the current was very gentle and easy for them to navigate. The tour begins in a natural forested area and then continues into the city where you can see the beautiful city lights on the water.”

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3.Explore Kayaking Through Mae Ping River on Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $17Top rated

Join a small group of up to eight for a gentle 5 to 6-kilometer paddle on Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River. A guide such as Tono leads you past Warorot Market, bridges, birds, local fishing, and riverside restaurants as daylight fades.

“The guide is really helpful and friendly and the river is flat and easy to navigate. It’s fun to paddle past the locals out fishing, and when it gets dark the riverside restaurants look really cool all lit up. I definitely recommend this easy, chill paddle up and down the Ping River.”

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4.Half Day Private Chiang Mai Trishaw Ride and Mae Ping River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $95

Spend four hours moving through Chiang Mai by song thaew, longtail rice barge, and traditional samlor. You’ll visit Warorot Market, see lotus-folding at the flower stalls, photograph Tha Phae Gate, and finish at Wat Phra Singh with an English-speaking guide such as Nannie or Touch.

“The boat ride was so so, nothing much to see but ended well with dessert ice cream :). The ricksaw ride was much better as its the first time we travel in a ricksaw convoy! That was cool!”

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