BACK to SCHOOL

A journey like no other, this tour allows guests to experience a remote national park with beautiful waterfalls, mountains and forests as well as a kayaking trip to a unique floating school with no access other than by boat.  With special permission you will be allowed to teach the young kids and play games, and if requested provide a welcome donation of learning materials such as books, pencils and drawing books.  You will spend a night at the school, completely cut off from the outside world before heading back upriver and home on day 2.

Day 1

After the welcome and introduction at the Trailhead Café we begin the long journey to Mae Ping National Park, 3 hours south of the city.  Once we arrive at the lakeshore we will enjoy a tasty lunch with lovely views of the lake and mountains before preparing to set off.  The kayaking journey takes us downstream, surrounded by hills and tall cliffs and interesting limestone formations.  The shores are dotted with small houses and you may get the chance to have a chat and learn about their lives.  After 3 hours of gentle kayaking we reach Ban Ko Jadsan School – a small school with just a handful of students whose parents live on the shores of the river in the nearby area.  The school was made famous from a Thai movie and receives support from various NGO’s and support groups.  Upon request visitors will be able to teach the children some basic English, art or simple engage in conversation and play games!  In the evening we will set up bedding within the grounds of the school before preparing dinner and relaxing for the evening.  

Day 2

Wake up to the small of freshly brewed coffee and help prepare breakfast in the school kitchen.  You will enjoy a hearty meal overlook the lake as the local fisherman begin their day on the waters of the river.  As the children prepare for a day in class guests can join them for the national anthem at 8.30am before loading up all of the gear onto a longtail boat and head back upstream from where the journey started.  We will load up the car and head back, stopping at a lovely temple on the way back to Chiang Mai as well as enjoy some local northern cuisine for lunch.    Upon arrival in Chiang Mai we can drop you off at your hotel or the Trailhead Café to conclude this amazing journey.   

A unique way to experience nature and Thai culture as well as supporting a local community!

What Can I Expect?

Mae Ping National Park is 3 hours from Chiang Mai so expect quite a long journey in the car, kayaking is on a calm stretch of water with flows into Bhumibol dam, there are no obstacles to worry about so no experience is needed but confidence in water will make the experience more enjoyable.  The children are friendly and inquisitive and fun to play with but happy to leave you in privacy if you prefer.  The school is not open 365 days a year and you will be told in advance if you’re able to visit on your requested dates.  If the school is closed, an alternative camping spot will be used which overlooks the school and you can still visit to take photos if you wish.