Chiang Mai: Dan Tewada Land, Bamboo Rafting & Waterfall Tour

This tour promises a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural charm, all packed into an eight-hour day exploring some of Chiang Mai’s most picturesque spots. While I haven’t personally tried it, reviews consistently highlight its seamless organization, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery.

What really makes this experience stand out are the beautiful waterfalls, the peaceful bamboo rafting, and the chance to explore Dantewada’s angel statues and vibrant gardens. The only consideration? It’s a fairly full schedule, so patience for a full day out is key.

Perfect for nature lovers, families, or curious travelers wanting to see both natural wonders and local culture, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Chiang Mai’s outdoorsy side.

Good To Know

• Well-organized full-day itinerary with a mix of sights, adventure, and relaxation.
• Guide expertise is frequently praised for making the experience informative and fun.
• Stunning natural attractions like Bua Tong Waterfalls and scenic bamboo rafting routes.
• Delicious Thai cuisine included in the lunch stop, often highlighted as a highlight.
• Comfortable transport and pickups ensure smooth transitions between sites.
• Good value for money with multiple activities packed into one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Works

Exploring Chiang Mai through this tour offers a gentle blend of outdoorsy fun and cultural sights—ideal if you’re after a day outside the city bustle. We love the way it combines nature, local art, and soft adventure, giving travelers a chance to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Highlights such as the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, where you can climb up without slipping thanks to the mineral-rich limestone surface, make it a total standout. Plus, the bamboo rafting on the Mae Taeng River provides a serene escape into lush greenery, with elephants often appearing in the reviews as an extra bonus.

One thing to note is the pace—it’s quite packed, so if you’re after a super relaxed, slow day, you might want to prepare for a couple of early starts. But overall, this trip seems well-suited for those who want a taste of adventure combined with scenic beauty and good food.

Nature, Art, and Adventure: What You’ll Experience

Dantewada Park: The Land of Angels

Your journey kicks off at Dantewada Park, a peaceful garden bursting with brightly colored flowers, angel statues, and sweeping mountain views. Guests rave about the park’s calm atmosphere and stunning photo opportunities. The reviews mention “a hidden gem” where you can walk around, enjoy local art, and snap plenty of pictures.

It’s not just a pretty setting—it’s a chance to pause and enjoy some serenity before the more energetic activities. Visitors mention that the guide often shares interesting tidbits about the art and natural surroundings, enriching the visit.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls: A Unique Natural Wonder

Next, the highlight for many is the Bua Tong Waterfall, often called the “Sticky Waterfall” because of its mineral-rich limestone surface that allows you to climb up and down easily—without slipping!

Guests describe this as “great fun,” with some quoting that it’s “suitable for pretty much everyone”. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery and a number of tranquil spots perfect for photos. Some reviewers mention that visiting early in the day helps avoid crowds, making the experience more enjoyable.

Close by, there’s the Seven Colors Spring, which adds a splash of extra amazement. It’s a sacred spot that many find both beautiful and spiritually calming.

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Bamboo Rafting on Mae Taeng River

After lunch, you’ll settle in for a relaxing bamboo rafting trip along the Mae Taeng River. This activity is often described as “super chilled” and “peaceful,” allowing you to unwind amid nature’s best.

Guests share that guides often steer the bamboo rafts smoothly through green forests, rice paddies, and past elephants bathing in the river. Some reviewers mention that they even got to steer the raft themselves, adding an interactive element.

The riverside scenery, combined with the chance to see elephants up close, makes this segment a highlight. Many say the bamboo rafting feels like a gentle, scenic journey, perfect for a break from more vigorous activities.

Dantewada Land: Art and Souvenirs

The tour also includes a stop at Dantewada Land, where local arts and crafts are on display. This stop offers an opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere. Reviewers note that it’s a good place for photos and to support local artisans, adding an authentic touch to the day.

The Logistics: How the Day Unfolds

The full-day schedule starts with hotel pickups between 8:00 and 8:30 am, with the driver and guide ready to take you on a scenic drive. The transport is highly rated for comfort, and the itinerary is carefully arranged to maximize your time at each location without feeling rushed.

The stops are spaced out with van rides ranging from 10 to 1.5 hours, which some travelers find a bit long, but the comfort and organized timing usually make it manageable.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls: about 1 hour, including walking, climbing, and photos.
• Bamboo Rafting: around 40 minutes, including photos and a bit of exploration.
• Lunch at Elephant Terrace Restaurant: 40 minutes, often praised for tasty Thai dishes.
• Dantewada Land: about an hour to explore and shop, with scenic views.
• Travel time back to Chiang Mai: approximately 80 minutes, giving you time to relax before heading back.

Guides and Groups

Guides like Kawee and T are frequently highlighted for their friendliness, good English, and attention to detail. Guests mention that guides often share interesting tidbits about each site and take personalized photos, making the experience more memorable.

Group sizes tend to be moderate, giving a comfortable, intimate vibe while still allowing for social interaction.

What to Bring and What Not To

Travelers should remember to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops for the waterfalls, and some cash for souvenirs or extra snacks.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted, aligning with safety and conservation rules.

Authenticity and Value: Is It Worth It?

Considering the reviews, the tour seems to offer excellent value for money. The activities are well-paced, and the meals included tend to be tasty and satisfying, with many reviewers noting the quality of the Thai dishes.

The tour’s real strength lies in its combination of activities—each offering a different kind of joy: the adventure of climbing waterfalls, the peace of bamboo rafting, and the visual feast of Dantewada Park.

The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge turn what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a personalized experience. Plus, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, there’s flexibility for travelers to adjust plans if needed.

Price & Overall Value

While exact costs aren’t provided here, reviews mention good value for the comprehensive experience, especially when you consider the multiple stops, meals, and transportation included. It’s a day packed with diverse sights and activities that might cost significantly more if booked separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures but prefer a gentle pace. Families with kids often mention how suitable the waterfalls and bamboo rafting are for all ages, especially if you want a day full of natural beauty.

It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy local culture, scenic photography, and a bit of soft adventure. If you’re after a well-organized, friendly-guided tour that balances sightseeing with relaxation, this one will likely hit the spot.

The Sum Up

This tour in Chiang Mai offers a diverse, well-structured day that combines natural splendors, cultural experiences, and tranquil moments. The expert guides, stunning waterfall climbs, and peaceful bamboo rafting make it a memorable escape from city life, especially for those eager to connect with nature in a safe, fun environment.

The included Thai lunch, vibrant art stops, and scenic drives add to the overall value, making it a good choice for anyone wanting a full, authentic taste of the region’s outdoors.

While it’s a busy day, the variety keeps it exciting and engaging. You’ll leave with plenty of photos, new impressions, and a sense of having truly experienced Chiang Mai’s natural treasures.

Ideal for outdoor lovers, curious explorers, and families, this tour can turn a regular day into one full of genuine local charm and scenic wonder.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup is around 8:00-8:30 am, with the tour lasting about 8 hours, returning in the late afternoon.

Is the transport comfortable?
Yes, reviews praise the transport as highly rated and comfortable for the long drives.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring cash for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Most activities, including climbing the waterfalls and bamboo rafting, are suitable for children. Many reviews emphasize how family-friendly and fun they found it.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?
Lunch is provided at the Elephant Terrace Restaurant, featuring tasty Thai dishes. Several reviewers highlight its quality and variety.

How physically challenging are the waterfalls and rafting?
The waterfalls are climbable thanks to the limestone surface, and many say it’s suitable for most people. Bamboo rafting is gentle and relaxing, making it accessible.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?
Yes, Dantewada Land has shopping options, supporting local artisans, and offering good photo opportunities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, and clothes suitable for getting wet are recommended.

Are guides fluent in English?
Absolutely. Guides like Kawee and T are praised for their good English and friendly manner.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility to plan ahead or change your mind.

This tour is a fantastic way to see Chiang Mai’s natural side, full of memorable moments, great guides, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re after adventure, tranquility, or cultural insights, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby