Rafting the Wild, Wild Wa

BRIEFLY
We’ll be paddling inflatables through the rugged mountains along the Lao border, one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas with gorgeous forests and some of Thailand’s most exciting rapids. If you think a stretch is too daunting we’ll help you portage past it. Note: in December, the rapids are nowhere near the rainy-season ferocity portrayed in travel magazines, although we’re game to schedule a rafting trip next rainy season if you are. We’ll also explore the cultural treasures of the quiet town of Nan—including Wat Phumin and Wat Chae Hang. This is a homestay and camping trip, enjoying nature at its finest.

ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly at 3:30 to Nan and explore this lovely old town—heart of an ancient kingdom—on your own. Dinner on the river.

Day 2
After visiting the famed Wat Phumin and the National Museum to gain an idea of the area through which the river flows, we drive to the put-in. After a short paddle clinic, we kayak through gorges to a village. After a bath in the river, we dine and sleep in a village house.

Day 3
An awe-inspiring all-day paddle through some of Thailand’s finest scenery, and navigating some exciting rapids. We’ll take frequent breaks so you can absorb it all. Camp dinner with campfire.

Day 4
Paddle through more beautiful rainforest and camp on the river bank. Camp dinner and campfire.

Day 5
We emerge into farmlands, paddling a quiet stretch to reach the take-out. After lunch at a nearby town, we drive back to Nan, stopping to visit the famed hilltop Wat Chae Hang along the way. We then head for the airport for the 5 p.m. flight to Bangkok.

For more information and prices, e-mail +662 653 9712 and +6681 450 5340 noting your country of departure.