Ping River
Ping River
3.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
126 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
60
Average
39
Poor
6
Terrible
2
TomWall60
Rockville, MD597 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
This is about a 50 minute ride down a scnic river on a bamboo raft. It is quite safe, though the wooden bench seat can be hard on you bottom. There are some very mild rapids along the way. You will need to check to be sure there is water enough in the river, because I understand during dry times, it may be dry. A great day can be had if you combine this with an elephant ride and show.
Written 21 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
singhasam
Weymouth, UK4,023 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
THERE is something restful about spending time by the Mae Ping river in Chiang Mai.
During my stay in the city I took various boat rides up and down it out into the countryside, lazily watching bridges drift by, people fishing and the general bustle of river traffic from barges to long tailed boats.
But I found that by far one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Ping was to settle down and picnic in a park by the side of the river.
We had great trees over us to provide shade on a very hot day, we were graced with the occasional cool gust of air off the river and there was, of course, the food.
My guide and I had picked up some fresh barbecued sausage from a famous little business not far from the airport. To that we added some barbecued pork, chicken and fish, some salad and pickled vegetables and a couple of hefty bottles of water which were definitely needed in the heat.
Then we simply sat down at some concrete tables barely 20 metres from the river and tucked into our picnic.
It was delicious and I even had time to wander up and down the riverbank and edge cautiously out on to a pontoon. Just be careful you don't do what I did and carelessly put a hand down on bare metal. I only did it the once because the stanchion I touched had been made red hot by the sun.
For those who don't fancy a picnic then it is a nice stroll out across the Iron Bridge, up the far bank and back across the Nawarat Bridge.
Another nice way to enjoy the river is to go down to the famous Bus Bar on a platform on top of an old bus by the Iron Bridge and just enjoy a cold beer while watching the sun set.
I got a bit more than I bargained for when I did that because a local fisherman had just landed his catch. He then proceeded to wash all his clothes....and I mean all his clothes!
Don't miss a chance to enjoy the Ping. It is sheer lazy indulgence and quite scenic.
During my stay in the city I took various boat rides up and down it out into the countryside, lazily watching bridges drift by, people fishing and the general bustle of river traffic from barges to long tailed boats.
But I found that by far one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Ping was to settle down and picnic in a park by the side of the river.
We had great trees over us to provide shade on a very hot day, we were graced with the occasional cool gust of air off the river and there was, of course, the food.
My guide and I had picked up some fresh barbecued sausage from a famous little business not far from the airport. To that we added some barbecued pork, chicken and fish, some salad and pickled vegetables and a couple of hefty bottles of water which were definitely needed in the heat.
Then we simply sat down at some concrete tables barely 20 metres from the river and tucked into our picnic.
It was delicious and I even had time to wander up and down the riverbank and edge cautiously out on to a pontoon. Just be careful you don't do what I did and carelessly put a hand down on bare metal. I only did it the once because the stanchion I touched had been made red hot by the sun.
For those who don't fancy a picnic then it is a nice stroll out across the Iron Bridge, up the far bank and back across the Nawarat Bridge.
Another nice way to enjoy the river is to go down to the famous Bus Bar on a platform on top of an old bus by the Iron Bridge and just enjoy a cold beer while watching the sun set.
I got a bit more than I bargained for when I did that because a local fisherman had just landed his catch. He then proceeded to wash all his clothes....and I mean all his clothes!
Don't miss a chance to enjoy the Ping. It is sheer lazy indulgence and quite scenic.
Written 28 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet S
Wakefield, UK41 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Just a couple of hours spent cruising along the Mae Ping River is a very pleasant experience. A chance for your feet to recover too! Interesting sights along journey, some beautiful Thai houses and an angler sat in an armchair fishing the river brought a smile to our faces. The boat included a short visit to an organic "farm" and the guide shared lots of interesting facts about local trees, flowers and vegetables. We were served fresh, chilled melon and pineapple and a fruit jiuce at the farm. All in all, a very pleasant experience.
Written 26 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perry H
San Diego, CA1,794 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Even though the water was very low the 50 Min. Bamboo raft ride down the river was very nice and tranquil. Our two raftmen did a great job keeping us from bottoming out in the low river.
Beautiful scenery and quiet made this very wonderful.
Beautiful scenery and quiet made this very wonderful.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bhferrell
San Francisco, CA25 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We (four of us) booked this tour at the last minute with the help of our hotel staff. Picked up at our hotel and dropped off in time to explore War Chai Mongkhon and have a good cappuccino on the boathouse pier. We were fortunate to have the boat and a wonderful captain, Tien to ourselves. Khun Tien gave a wonderful tour pointing out different landmarks and the historical significance of each. He gave us a great tour of the riverside farmhouse and introduced us to the many fresh grown herbs used in regional cooking. As we enjoyed fresh herbed drinks and ice cream, it began to rain. And it rained HARD! There was no where better to be during a downpour! Although part of the farmhouse has suffered from the COVID pandemic’s devastating effects on tourism, the spirit there is very much alive!
We are grateful to KhunTien for sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the history and cultures which continue to shape the Chiang Mai area, northern Thailand and beyond. This boat ride down the Mae Ping was a truly wonderful experience and I highly recommend it!
We are grateful to KhunTien for sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the history and cultures which continue to shape the Chiang Mai area, northern Thailand and beyond. This boat ride down the Mae Ping was a truly wonderful experience and I highly recommend it!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
Sheffield, United Kingdom2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Fantastic trip, with my daughter, amazingly we had boat to ourselves! Great views, farmhouse trip was very informative and guide was really knowledgeable. Welcome ice cream and drink very nice! Would highly recommend!
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grebbs2014
Ponteland, UK81 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Had a great trip up the river with a stop off at the farmers lodge for fruit and drink, great way to spend the day and lots to see, well worth it
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenPJsy
Jersey, UK158 contributions
Jun 2013
20 mon down the fairly brown Ping River to a small jetty with a "farm" attached. Farm - 5 geese and 2 fat wild pigs and a few plants and herbs. Fresh fruit served. Watermelon and pineapple - not exactly from the farm but nice. Guide alleged it was the snake pit as filmed in Rambo 4......
Written 16 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia M
Zürich41 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
(http://www.maepingrivercruise.com/)
When we finally found it behind the Wat Chaimongkol, we booked a long boat river cruise in the afternoon. It was a very pleasant cruise and a great way to see the city from the waterside. The guide/skipper on the steering had entertaining stories to tell and was also explaining the sights as we went. The stop at the Thai Farmer’s House proved to be more interesting than we expected. It was a fun and easy-going activity. Take your photo camera with you!
When we finally found it behind the Wat Chaimongkol, we booked a long boat river cruise in the afternoon. It was a very pleasant cruise and a great way to see the city from the waterside. The guide/skipper on the steering had entertaining stories to tell and was also explaining the sights as we went. The stop at the Thai Farmer’s House proved to be more interesting than we expected. It was a fun and easy-going activity. Take your photo camera with you!
Written 2 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Genesis Int'l T
Chiang Mai, Thailand41 contributions
The river itself may not be that attractive. But there are river cruises available. You can get to see a number of places while cruising. Night lights are romantic.
Written 7 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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