Flowing down across the border of Burma and Thailand, Mae Kok River passes the districts of Mae Chan, Mueang Chiang Rai, Wiang Chai and Chiang Saen. In a world with few opportunities to enjoy an eventful yet pleasant cruise along a famous river at a reasonable price, Chiang Rai boasts the Mae Kok River Cruise offered at an inexpensive price. The Thaton-Chiang Rai boat service run by Chiang Rai’s Mae Kok Boat Service Company offers trips that last for nearly three hours packed with an abundance of captivating sights.
Having originated in this location due to the existence of the river which was the main trade artery between Chiang Rai and the Thaton-Fang, the Thaton boat service currently runs primarily for the passengers. An ideal way to behold the backwoods of Chiang Rai Province, the boat ride departs from the dock in Thaton.
An exciting activity to indulge in whilst visiting Northern Thailand, the boat ride progresses through portions of dense jungle and one will see hill-tribe villages on the banks at occasional intervals. It is crucial to keep in mind that during and right after the rainy season, the river is deep and some parts of it become rapids which must be traversed only by people with skill.
The river consists of hundreds of miniature islets which are widely visited by trekkers taking boat trips from Thaton. A village named Karen, where locals raise elephants to use them in their daily work is located between Thaton and Chiang Rai. Those in a boat travelling along the Mae Kok River can easily see this village, and if it is in the late afternoon they may also get to see the elephants taking baths in the river.
In addition to these boat rides, charter boat trips, rafting trips, overnight camping and hiking trips are also available for the eager tourists.
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