Mae Wang Bamboo Raft and Elephant Camps

This half-day tour takes you south to Mae Wang District, where you can experience bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River and visit several elephant camps. It’s a popular destination among backpackers, typically visited via organized tours. However, this guide allows you to explore independently on a scooter or motorbike, giving you the freedom to stop and enjoy as you please.

For the adventurous, an optional detour to the biggest Buddha statue in the region—standing 35 meters tall and overlooking the Mae Wang Valley—adds a thrilling challenge with steep switchbacks and breathtaking views.

Tour Data:

Route Numbers (per Google Maps): 108 – 3029 – 121 – 119 – 1013 (Bonus: 4053)
Road Condition: Good asphalt roads (Bonus: very steep concrete roads)
Distance: Approximately 100 km (Bonus: +40 km)
Driving Time (without breaks): 3.5 hours (Bonus: +1–1.5 hours)
Tour Map: Google Map Link

Directions and Highlights

Starting Point:

Begin at the R108 junction outside the moat at Chiang Mai’s South Gate.

Mae Wang District

Head south on R108 past the airport. Turn right at the next major junction onto R3029.
Turn left onto R121 (Canal Road), which transitions to R119. Follow Canal Road for 22 km and turn right onto R1013 toward Mae Wang.

Highlights:

Mae Wang Market (1 km along R1013): A bustling local market worth exploring. While English isn’t commonly spoken, the friendly locals make communication easy with smiles.

Continue past the market, where traffic thins out. Turn sharp right in the next village, leaving R3018 (which leads to Mae Wang National Park).

Little traffic,very green and some nice twisties

Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Camps

Bamboo Rafting (15 km from Mae Wang): Easily spotted on the left side of the road with multiple vendors and restaurants. Just ask any shop owner for a bamboo raft ride.

Tawan Riverside Elephant Resort: A professional and popular elephant camp with a coffee shop and suspension bridge leading to scenic bungalows.

Other Elephant Camps:

Mae Wang Elephant Home (near Mae Win): A personal favorite for its more natural setting.

From Mae Win, options include turning left to Doi Inthanon (see The Ban Khun Loop) or, for dirt bikers, turning right to the Karen Eco Lodge and taking the trail to Samoeng (see The Mae Wang-Samoeng Loop).

From Mae Win, options include turning left to Doi Inthanon

Bonus: The Biggest Buddha

For those seeking adventure, extend the tour to visit the Biggest Buddha Statue in the region. Note that this section is much steeper and suited for experienced riders.

From Mae Win, continue 7 km up to Mae Sapok at the end of the valley.
- Optional stops: Mae Wang and Mae Sapok Waterfalls, ideal for a picnic.
The road becomes steep, climbing through nail-biting switchbacks for 9 km to a ridgeline at 1,100 meters ASL.
After another 2 km, turn left onto R4053, which leads to the Doi Inthanon Road (see The Doi Inthanon Back Road Loop).

Wat Phra That Si Somdet Big Buddha Statue:

Located 2 km along R4053, park near Ban Huai Thong and climb 400 meters of stairs to the monastery.
Features:
- The largest Buddha statue in the region, standing 35 meters tall.
- A serene monastery with friendly monks and stunning views of the Mae Wang Valley.

largest Buddha statue in the region, standing 35 meters tall

Tip: Allow at least an hour to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and chat with the monks.

Return to Chiang Mai

Retrace your steps back to Chiang Mai.
Alternatively, for the adventurous, continue on R4053 to Mae Hae, Bokaeo, and Samoeng to explore the hill tribe area (see The Mae Hae Loop).

Summary

This loop offers a range of experiences, from beginner-friendly rides to challenging mountain roads. The main tour provides a taste of local culture with bamboo rafting and elephant camps, while the bonus section to the Biggest Buddha rewards adventurous riders with stunning views and an unforgettable experience.

This is a perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and adventure!