Boat ride on the Mae Kok River in Thailand

One of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting Northern Thailand is to take a "Long-Tail" boat ride. The most popular ride is on the Mae Kok river from Thaton, in far north Chiang Mai province, to Chiang Rai. Most ride the local bus from the Chang Puak bus station departing at 7 and 9 am, although those leaving at 9 might miss the boat, which departs at 12:30 pm from Thaton, as the bus journey is 3 1/2 hours. It's much better to take your time and stay in Thaton for the evening.

Bus Chiang Mai - Thaton

The reason is 95% of the people riding the boats start in Thaton leaving a lot of empty boats going in the opposite direction.

private boat

The boats depart Chiang Rai at 10:30 am arriving in Thaton about 2 pm. This way you miss the heat of the day and you will probably be the only one in the boat. This means you can stretch out and relax in boat while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the river. Local hill tribe people who live along the river also take this boat as it will stop for them if they wave it down. The boats from Thaton filled with tourists going to Chiang Rai won't stop but those who live along the river with boats and provide a ferry service to Chiang Rai do.

Akha woman at hot springs

Another possibility is you can charter a boat and spend the evening on the river at the hot springs next to an Akha hill tribe village before going on to Thaton. This is a great way to enjoy the river for a group of two to four persons. 

Good food can be had just across the river from the hot springs at the Karen village of Rhummit where you can also arrange for riding elephants. Your boat driver will take you there when you want to eat.

If you don't speak Thai it is best to arrange for a guide from one of the tour companies or your guest house in Chiang Rai. They can also provide things like blankets or sleeping bags and food if you would rather eat by campfire. elephant riding and trekking which leaves this area peaceful and mostly unspoiled. 

Sleeping is aboard the boat which has plenty of room and comfortable. The hot springs has toilets and showers along with a small store. The springs run into the river which is a good place to take a refreshing bath as the water is not too hot. The Akha hill tribe village next to the hot springs is very authentic with most dressed in their traditional costumes and all living in Bamboo houses. Not many tourists visit the village as most go to Rhummit to do elephant riding.

View of Thaton and Mae Kok river from Wat Thaton Temple

The last bus from Thaton to Chiang Mai leaves at 2:25 in the afternoon. Don't be in a hurry to leave

Wat Thaton

as Thaton has many things to see and do along with accommodations from 60 to 2000 baht. The Tourist Police in Thaton will help you with any information you may need. They are located along the river not far from the boat landing.

Visiting Wat Thaton Temple overlooking the river and town is a must before leaving.  The temple grounds consisting of over 400 rai of land is famous for it large Buddha statues over looking the town. The breath taking vistas from the upper temple grounds are unmatched anywhere in Thailand. The temple is a perfect place for meditation and study because of its quiet tree covered grounds and flower gardens.

Hundreds of people each day during the busy season ride to boats from Thaton to Chiang Rai. They all leave about the same time in a large convoy one behind the other. For a better experience be different and see the river in the opposite direction. When you see the boats full of people passing just smile and wave from your uncrowded boat as they are sure to be envious.

Written, photos and video by Randy Gaudet
Founder/Director
All Thailand Experiences