Pai River
Also known as: Nam Pai
Jungle-covered gorges, mountains, Suza/hidden waterfall, hot springs, waterfall rockslide, rock gorge
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Monsoon rain-fed; high/fast in peak, gentle scenic late season, too low Feb-May
WW early Jun to mid-Oct; scenic float late Oct to mid-Jan; no overnight trips dry season Feb-May
Jul-Sep peak whitewater
Warm tropical; cooler air Nov-Jan (bring light jacket)
Monsoon rises push rapids to class 4 and require extra paddling power
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
Class II-IV; up to class 4 (operators); ~50-60 rapids over 2 days
Whitewater rafting; kayaking
1-day (~45 km, ~15 rapids to class 4) or 2-day (~60-65 km, ~50-60 rapids); Day1 ~25 km / Day2 ~35 km (Pai Adventures)
All ages and abilities welcomed guided; extra guide (+~1000 THB) for 2 pax or young children in high water. Confirm.
The run
Class 4 rapids in high water; rock gorge section; big-water paddling when monsoon-swollen
Rock gorge, rapids to class 4 in flood, standard river hazards; optional 7 m cliff jump
Middle Pai River, Pai to Mae Hong Son (Mae Hong Son Forestry Office); Soppong wildlife sanctuary
Moderate; established Pai operators; jungle camp isolated with no other huts nearby
Access & shuttle
National park fee included; Pai Adventures 2-day ~3,900 THB pp, 1-day ~2,300 THB pp; Thai Adventure Rafting 2-day ~65 km; min 2-3 pax. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Pai to put-in ~1 hr drive; take-out at Mae Hong Son Forestry Office; showers/change at take-out
Operator truck/minibus Pai to put-in ~1 hr; take-out to Pai ~2 hr; Chiang Mai-Pai minivans
Bamboo jungle camp accessible only by river, rebuilt yearly with local materials, mosquito nets and sleeping gear, campfire meals; booked via operator. Confirm.
International-standard helmets, Carlisle paddles, NRS/Class V PFDs, hypalon expedition rafts, dry bags; no cell reception at camp; solar charging only
Thai Adventure Rafting and Pai Adventures (Pai); hubs Pai and Mae Hong Son
Hazards & exits
High water raises grade to class 4; wet-season only; no phone reception
Remote sanctuary, no villages near camp; guided self-rescue; evacuation limited
Licensed guided rafting; guides Rescue3 and Emergency First Response certified, TAT guide certificate
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.