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Special
Interest
Growing
quickly in popularity is the wide
range of adventure and nature
tours now available in Thailand.
These include trekking in the
mountains and jungles of northern
and western Thailand, especially
in the border regions which still
boast pristine tropical forests,
spectacular waterfalls and rivers.
Indeed, rafting is frequently
featured as part of these treks.
Participants also usually have the
opportunity to stay overnight in
small villages where they can
experience the lifestyles of
Thailand’s hill tribe and
nomadic people.
Also
popular are mountain bikes tours.
Most are set in the mountains of
the North, and include guides and,
on certain tours, back-up vehicles
carrying food and overnight
equipment. Bikes are also widely
available in major tourists
destinations, where they can be
rented at extremely reasonable
rates on
a daily basis.
Cliff
climbing :
is an another environment-friendly
activity with a growing number of
participants. The most popular
area for climbing is the southern
province of Phang Nga, where
towering limestone cliffs provide
the perfect challenge.
the
far north is a memorable way of
enjoying the region’s natural
scenery.Mae Taeng, a tributary of
the Ping River in Chiang Mai, is a
favourite choice for rafters.
The
Pai River, Mae Hong Son,
at 180 kms in length, is the biggest
and longest river in Mae Hong Son.
There are three suitable points for
rafting; Juai Chang Kaeo to Amphoe
Pai – taking about 6 hours, from
Amphoe Pai to Amphae Muang –
taking 5 days to cover 70 kms, and
from Amphoe Muang to the
Thai-Myanmar border – a pleasant
and picturesque section of the river
that can also be negotiated by
long-tail boat and on elephant back.
The most suitable time for rafting
is between October and March.
Mae
Kok River
: This river
is 130 kms long and runs through the
heart of Chiang Rai province,
eventually emptying into the Mekong
River, Its route flows through
jungles and over towering mountain
cliffs, with several hilltribes
living nearby. Regular rafting trips
are organised from Chiang Rai to
selected destinations, and also
between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
Mae
Kong River :
In Umphang province, rafting takes
visitors past the Thi Lor Jor
waterfall, hot springs, and caves.
The Takobi rapids add an element of
hair raising excitement along the
way. In the area is also the
beautiful Thi Lor Su Waterfall, Mae
Tuen Sanctuary, Mae Sot. |