Thailand
The Kok River, marking the geographical boundaries between Myanmar and Thailand, is a favored cruise route. Calling all mountain-view enthusiasts, spa-goers, or those keen on venturing into traditional tribal villages!
Seeking an unparalleled trekking experience in Northern Thailand? Embark on the Kok River, a 285-kilometer waterway that passes through Thaton, a border farming village in Myanmar, and winds along Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before merging into the Mekong. Winding through mountainous landscapes adorned with terraced rice fields, banana trees, and tea gardens, the Kok River stands out among the country's most prestigious hiking routes. The river cruise includes frequent stops where passengers can trek, ride horses, swim in hot springs, or visit elephant sanctuaries. Choose the Kok River for an authentic experience within the Golden Triangle.
The Kok River originates in Myanmar, in the eastern Shan State, before flowing into the Thai village of Tha Ton. It then traverses Chiang Rai province and eventually joins the Mekong, which borders Laos. However, the majority of the Kok River belongs to Thailand, specifically Chiang Rai. It winds past Mueang Chiang Rai, irrigating the northeastern region, and meanders through Wiang Chai, Chiang Saen, and Mae Chan districts.
Cruising on the Kok River
The Kok River is immensely popular among cruisers due to its strategic location at the intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The river is wide, shallow, and has a slow current, making it ideal for pleasure boating. Cruising on the Mae Kok River is an excellent choice to explore the essentials of the Golden Triangle in four or five days.
The journey provides insights into the Kok River's significance in national agriculture and hydroelectric production. Kok's main tributary, the Laos River, originates from the Pil Pan Nam mountain range. This source ensures irrigation of the region via the eleven-gate dam in Chiang Rai, crucial for rice cultivation prosperity. Besides temples and chedis, the procession of long-tail boats traversing Mae Kok between Taton and Chiang Rai cities is a spectacle in itself.
Enjoy a complete excursion
By purchasing a cruise package from travel agencies, treat yourself to a dreamy stroll along the Kok River. More time on hand? Opt for serene bamboo rafts that take three days downstream to Chiang Rai.
Thaton
Most tourists spend a day exploring Thaton. With its resplendent chedi, known as the "crystal pagoda," rolling grassy hills, and vast rice fields, the village offers much to explore. More intriguing is the coexistence of various tribal communities, distinguished by their attire, languages, and customs. Share a meal with locals, soak in unique views of dense mountain forests, and engage with hill tribes recounting the glory of the Môn kingdom. Here, tradition reigns, embracing tolerance amidst technological progress.
From Thaton to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Descending 100 km along Mae Kok to Chiang Rai, travelers are treated to a feast of mountainous landscapes, a sight unseen on skytrains or subways.
Beyond Tha Ton, the river flows through a hilly region dotted with rice paddies and orchards, lined with tall reeds inhabited by swallows. Thirty minutes later, you pass Wat Phra That Sop Fang, 900 years old, with its small Chedi hill and stairway flanked by nagas rising from the bank.
Beyond Mae Salak town, 20 km from Tha Ton, nature takes over, and the river meanders through densely wooded slopes. Amid rows of banana trees and giant ferns, children play; adults tend to fields or wash clothes; and water buffaloes emerge from homes to cool off near the river. Further ahead, the hills steepen, and the banks become rockier. Throughout the journey, a procession of chartered boats circulates between Chiang Rai and the Karen village of Ruammid, 20 kilometers upstream. From here, the landscape unveils its splendor, with basins and plain depressions around Chiang Rai.
Advantages of exploring the Kok River and surroundings
During this river cruise, travelers can enjoy comfortable guesthouses with breathtaking cliff views. Trekking, guided or self-guided, along the southern Kok Riverbank is a delightful experience. Starting from Ruammid village, a 3-kilometer hiking trail leads to Huai Kaeo waterfall, a must-stop. Charming hotels equipped with bungalows welcome cruisers to indulge in hot spring baths. Rates are quite reasonable, and a hotel-operated shuttle service ensures daily transport to Chiang Rai.
Along the Mae Kok River, an hour upstream from Chiang Rai town, lies an "elephant camp." Many tour operators organize elephant rides, as Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts, making for a unique riding experience. However, this activity is strongly discouraged due to unacceptable animal mistreatment. Instead, enjoy a leisurely walk alongside them. Children will delight in feeding and caring for baby elephants.
A thermal experience will do wonders, whether to relieve stress or heal a nasty rheumatism. The riverside hot springs along the Kok River are perfect for swimming, with water temperatures neither too hot nor too cold. These springs gently flow along the banks of the Akha Hill tribe village, where most locals dress in traditional costumes and live in bamboo huts. The Akha domain remains less frequented by tourists, making the visit all the more enticing.
How to get there?
If departing from Thaton, catch the 2:25 PM bus directly to the Kok River banks. However, we recommend spending a night in Thaton, as there's much to do and discover in this town before hopping on a longtail boat to the Kok River. Most travelers depart from Chang Puak bus station at 7 a.m. or 9 a.m.
