RAFTING · BAMBOO RAFTING

Bamboo Rafting Around the World: 15 Rivers to Drift

70 trips  ·  from $20 a head

No paddling, no helmet, no rapids. A poler, a raised bench and split cane, on the Martha Brae in Jamaica, the Ayung in Bali and the rivers behind Chiang Mai. The 15 below are priced and timed, with a note on which end in a limestone foot massage.

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting - Mae Wang Waterfalls for an early swim
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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

1.Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9,160 reviews · 9 hours · from $60Our pick

Meet rescued elephants at Pon Elephant Thailand, feed them bananas, walk through the forest, and bathe with them in the river. Guides such as Nop, Paul, Yaya, and Sunny add warmth and useful elephant knowledge. The day also includes Mae Wang Waterfalls, Thai lunch, and bamboo rafting.

“This day was incredible, from the pick up to the drop off! We were picked up directly at our hotel. An hour drive in a comfortable air conditioned van. Our day started with amazing moments with beautiful elephants. We had the opportunity to learn about them, feed them sugar cane, take pictures, cuddle them and walk with them down to the water to give them a bath and a good scrub, which was a memorable experience for us! A good lunch was served,a walk down to the waterfall which was a beautiful site. We then proceeded to a location 10 min away to get on our bamboo raft down a…”

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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour - New Elephant Home: learning before getting close
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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

2.Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 870 reviews · from $58Top rated

Spend about eight hours climbing Bua Tong’s sticky waterfall, visiting New Elephant Home in Mae Tang Valley, and rafting through forest scenery. Guides such as Paul, Fluke, and Mr. Poppy lead the day, with lunch and entrance fees included.

“Best tour ever, and the guid paul was exceptional and so helpful, trully the activities in here were awesome”

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Khao Lak: Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Bathing Trip - An early start from Khao Lak
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Khao Lak: Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Bathing Trip

3.Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Bathing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 719 reviews · 7 hours · from $79

Spend seven hours with an English-speaking guide on a small-group trip from Khao Lak. Visit the Takua Pa market, feed and bathe elephants at a rescue camp, see Phanthurat Temple, eat Thai food, and drift down the Sok River on a bamboo raft with coffee served in bamboo cups.

“the tour guide was really friendly and chatty. took many pictures for us. she helped us out a lot when we needed to go to the chemist. brilliant tour guide. can't think of any improvements”

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Khaolak: Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation - Why the rafting feels better than a standard river ride
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Khaolak: Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation

4.Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 622 reviews · 3 hours · from $48

From Khao Lak, you will raft for about 50 minutes through jungle waterways, watch for snakes, frogs, monkeys, and birds, visit a sea turtle conservation center, then swim at Ton Pling Waterfall. English-speaking guides such as Winnie, Dede, and Kob add local context, while hotel transfers keep the outing simple.

“Fantastic afternoon! Winnie our driver was so kind and helpful and took us to 3 brilliant activities in a comfortable air conditioned car. We loved the bamboo rafting the most - our rafter pointed out snakes and toads in the trees, and we even stopped to swim and jump in the river from the rope swing! Winnie then took us to see the sea turtle conservation and tsunami memorial where she was very knowledgeable. The waterfall swim at the end was so peaceful and refreshing. Highly recommend! Top tip: remember to bring cash in a dry bag on the bamboo raft if you want to tip your rafter at the…”

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Jamaica Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting with Bus Transportation - What the raft ride feels like
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Jamaica Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting with Bus Transportation

5.Jamaica Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting with Bus Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 559 reviews · from $134

You’ll ride a private bamboo raft for two down the Martha Brae River, guided by a local captain for about an hour. Air-conditioned pickup from Montego Bay is included, and drivers such as Leon, Roger, and Everald are known for adding local stories and thoughtful service along the way.

“Roger picked us up promptly from our hotel lobby in an air conditioned, private car. His vibe and energy was positive from the start. We had a pleasant ride and great conversation on the way to the river. Once we arrived Roger handled evRead more”

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Bamboo Rafting and horseback - The rainforest trail and the road to the sea
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Bamboo Rafting and horseback

6.Bamboo Rafting and horseback

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 556 reviews · from $142

Travel through Trelawny with Courtney Taylor Private Tours for a rainforest walk, guided horseback ride into the Caribbean, and a slow bamboo raft trip on the White River. Guides such as Raj, Carrie Ann, Tyrone, and Captain Flowers are known for music, local stories, photos, and friendly care.

“Long drive but worth it! Terion was so kind and told us all about Jamaica! The ride was awesome on the boats!”

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Khao Sok: Elephant Rescue Center with Lunch & Bamboo Rafting - Khao Sok Viewpoint and the first mountain views
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Khao Sok: Elephant Rescue Center with Lunch & Bamboo Rafting

7.Khao Sok: Elephant Rescue Center with Lunch & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 306 reviews · 8 hours · from $84

From Khao Lak, join a small group of up to 10 for an eight-hour Khao Sok outing. Meet rescued elephants, prepare medicinal food, feed and bathe them, cook papaya salad, enjoy a Thai lunch, and drift down the Sok River with guides such as Didi, Otto, or Winnie.

“Our trip was fantastic. Our guide, Ron and our driver Mr A were both great. Ron told us lots of interesting facts and was really fun. The experience with the Elephants was incredible and the rafting was brilliant. Its well worth the money for a full day out. The lunch was lovely too, really good food. 👍”

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Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center - One hour on a bamboo raft
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Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center

8.Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 282 reviews · from $42

Spend about three hours in Khao Lak’s jungle with hotel pickup, a calm bamboo raft ride, the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and Ton Pling Waterfall. Guides such as K, Charlie, Boom, and Lydia add local insight. Expect wet shoes, a small group, and a relaxed half-day outing.

“Fantastic trip with guide Charlie. Pick up from hotel was efficient with pick up time being emailed previously. Taken to the bamboo rafting, were were gently positioned into the raft to float along in peace and quiet with only jungle noises. I have Read more”

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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional) - Sea Turtle Conservation Center: a short, quiet first stop
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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional)

9.Bamboo Rafting & ATV Ride (Optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 253 reviews · 10 hours · from $54

Spend a full day traveling from Phuket to Khao Lak for bamboo rafting, the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, a basic Thai lunch, Monkey Cave, and Tonsai Waterfall. Add a 15 or 30-minute ATV ride for extra speed. Guides such as Hana and Hanan are praised for keeping the day friendly and organized.

“Loved all the activities apart from the elephant bathing, the elephants did not seem well looked after and was definitely not ethical. would have preferred to stay longer with the monkeys”

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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Padthai Cooking - The 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Padthai Cooking

10.Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Padthai Cooking

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 245 reviews · 10 hours · from $54

Leave Chiang Mai for Living Green Elephant Sanctuary near Inthanon National Park. Feed and walk with rescued elephants, cook vegetarian Pad Thai, and raft the Wang River with local guides. Guides such as Rainbow, Mark, Jon, and Tuctuc are praised for their care and humor. Bring a waterproof phone case.

“Honestly such a highlight of our trip, our guide was so friendly and kind with the elephants. The animals seemed happy and well looked after- and seeing a baby elephant was honestly a dream come true!! The bamboo rafting was a highlight too”

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Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour - The Great River bamboo raft ride
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Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour

11.Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · from $30

Your private driver, often Kemar or Ramon, collects you in Montego Bay for a Great River bamboo raft ride and a stop at the Hip Strip. Expect a one-hour raft trip with music, river views, optional limestone foot massage, and time for food, drinks, or shopping.

“Great experience of a lifetime celebrating my sister’s birthday was a wonderful adventure and it was an amazing awesome experience”

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Private Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massage - Boarding the 30-foot bamboo raft
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Private Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massage

12.Private Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massage

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 200 reviews · from $20Best value

Travel from Montego Bay to Lethe, then float down the Great River on a private 30-foot bamboo raft with a certified captain. Expect local stories, river scenery, optional swimming, music, and a limestone foot massage. Captains such as AJ, Jerry, Ronnie, and C4 are known for warm, personal service.

“I enjoyed the entire experience with Ricky, he was an awesome and amazing young man.. The ride to and from in the van was scary.. very nice young man but wow did he drive very fast..”

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St. Lucia Private Bamboo Rafting Experience - On the bamboo raft: rainforest, mangroves, and local stories
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St. Lucia Private Bamboo Rafting Experience

13.St. Lucia Private Bamboo Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $95

You’ll float along the Roseau River near Soufriere with a private guide such as Alan, Simon, or Captain Joe. Expect mangroves, rainforest, local stories, gentle water, and a rum punch or beer before setting off. The ride suits couples, families, and nature lovers more than thrill seekers.

“Bad experience with travel coordinador. Not notified of cancelation. No refund processed yet. Late notice”

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Great River bamboo Rafting and Margaritaville from Montego Bay - Margaritaville adds a very different mood
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Great River bamboo Rafting and Margaritaville from Montego Bay

14.Great River bamboo Rafting and Margaritaville from Montego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 130 reviews · from $25

From Montego Bay, your private driver takes you to Margaritaville and Hanover’s Great River. Float on a 30-foot bamboo raft, enjoy a limestone foot massage, fresh coconut, music, and tropical views. Rafting-only bookings last about one hour, while combined visits take about two hours.

“This was amazingggg! Our tour guide let us stop & pictures. This massage with the limestone was so amazing. This is worth the money and you would NOT regret it.”

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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option - The early hotel pickup and the road north
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Phuket: Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option

15.Bamboo Rafting, Monkey Cave, and ATV Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 129 reviews · 9 hours · from $56

Spend a full day beyond Phuket on a small-group trip to Monkey Cave, bamboo rafting, a turtle conservation center, Thai lunch, jungle walking, and an optional 30-minute ATV ride. Expect an early start, long road transfers, wet clothes, and a mix of gentle nature stops and light adventure.

“Full day loved the rafting it was the highlight of the day make sure you stop for a swim the water is not too cold and is so clear The turtle sanctuary and tsunami memorial was good to see My daughter had never been on an atv before and loved the experience, it was a little tame for the guys and I was a little disappointed in the view I was expecting to atv through Thailand forest and it didn’t really feel that way. Lunch was very very nice Waterfall was ok only a small one, the swim was better with the rafting Monkey temple was also good to see…”

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