First of all, during the rainy season (roughly August-October) it usually only rains for a few hours at a time, most often in the afternoon. Bring an umbrella with you when heading out in the morning and build a bit of flexibility into your schedule and you’ll be fine. Second, the extra rain means that there’s never a better time to see Thailand in all its lush glory. During our first rainy season touring Thailand’s amazing countryside, we were unprepared for just how many shades of green there actually were in nature. But one of the best reasons to visit Thailand during the rainy season is because of the amazing white water rafting that’s available, especially in the northern part of the country. While the sport is often overshadowed by the gleaming beaches in the south and elephant/trekking/hill tribe village tours in the north, it’s well worth your while to think about making rafting a part of your trip.

Thailand’s mountainous north provides the perfect environment for battling rapids, which is especially true in the rainy months. All that water needs to go somewhere, and that somewhere is the Gulf of Thailand. Most rivers in this area eventually drain into the Chao Phraya River, which passes through Bangkok before emptying into the sea, but before it gets that far, it provides the perfect opportunity for some amazing water-borne adventures.

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Most rafting north of Bangkok takes place in the vicinity of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Umphang, or Prachinburi, depending on the type and duration of the trip, be it a quick one-day outing or a multi-day rafting/camping adventure combined with other activities. There are a lot of companies offering the service, so make sure you do some research first to find out which one has a good reputation and – most importantly – doesn’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Helmets and flotation vests must be worn at all times.

And with all of this going on, it’s no surprise that Thailand actually has a white water rafting festival! The Kaeng Hin Phoeng festival takes place in Khao Yai National Park, just a few hours northeast of Bangkok. From July to October, you can rent boats and safety gear, and head onto the Sai Yai River in groups to battle rapids that are fun but not too challenging. There are also races, food, music, dancing, and numerous other festive celebrations at various times during the festival.

One final bonus about white water rafting in Thailand – the water’s pretty warm! No need for thermal wetsuits, which lets you enjoy yourself in the water rather than trying to ignore how cold it is. So no matter what you read, the rainy season is still a fine time to see Thailand. The food is still delicious, the people are still friendly, and the adventure is still very real. And the added bonus of a white water rafting adventure just makes it all the more appealing!

Whether you’re interested in some adventurous white water challenges, a casual fun family day on a river or just spectating, we can plan a safe and comfortable experience for you around the rivers of Thailand. Contact us here.

The post White Water Rafting in Thailand first appeared on Smiling Albino.

Smiling Albino provides insider access experience.

Which would you prefer – front row seats at a Rolling Stones concert, or a fold up chair in the corner where you can only view the band from an oblique angle?

It’s a no-brainer, right? Of course the front row seats are obviously better. That is… unless the fold-up is backstage and you’re sitting next to Neil Young and Bono who are enjoying the show with you.

I hesitate to compare a Smiling Albino adventure with backstage access at a Rolling Stones concert, for we’re far less noisy, however I think you understand the point. Often times, it’s more than just getting off the beaten track that leads to a more memorable experience.

Over a decade ago, when we first started planning our Smiling Albino experiences, we asked ourselves what events in life are truly memorable, and why? What is it that gives an experience impact and value?

We’ve found that in our time of on-the-ground planning and delivering trips for our friends and guests that the best experiences are usually a blend of both visited –  and less-visited – sites woven together into tasty brew of “seeing the sites” and experiencing the culture through the eyes of a local, and with a little creative flair added in, just for the memories.

Some outstanding experiences we have delivered recently:

– a private art tour hosted by one of Vietnam’s former Communist Art Police agents

– family bamboo raft building, then cruising it downriver in Northern Thailand

– A street-food adventure via motor-scooter and tuk-tuk in lesser known corners of Old Bangkok

For some, a holiday is checking items off of someone else’s list of things that they would like to see or do. Smiling Albino adds the insider access that oils the machinery of a great trip and ensures that in addition to those highlights, you also have something quite unique and memorable to bring home with you. Contact us today to find out how we can tailor an experience for you that you’ll be talking about for years to come, backstage, or otherwise.

Daniel B. Fraser

Adventure Highlights

From our Blog: Naypyidaw: Capital City Built from the Ground Up

Naypyidaw: Capital City Built from the Ground Up

Myanmar is a land that’s been essentially cut off from the world for the better part of five decades. Over the past few years, much has been written about its first official steps into the 21st century as the military slowly (sloooowly) loosens control on media, politics, and travel. Read more…

Dan spent a week in Myanmar in July finalizing the finishing touches for our newest tour edition “Asia’s Golden Land”. First adventure will happen this November! See full itinerary here. Contact Smiling Albino for inquiries and questions!

What’s Going On

Expat Entrepreneur Awards 2014

Held for the first time by The Big Chilli magazine and networking community Bangkok Now (BNow), the awards recognise expat-established companies for their creativity, ingenuity, excellence and success. Smiling Albino’s very own Daniel Fraser has been selected as a candidate. Check out his “Nomination VDO” here…

Destination Thailand Coming to Toronto Sept. 14

Destination Thailand is the first Thai Festival to take place in Toronto’s world famous Yonge-Dundas Square this coming September 14. Smiling Albino’s Dan Fraser is honoured to emcee the event which will showcase the best Thailand has to offer to the Canadians and tourists from around the world. The event will feature famous Thai food from local restaurants, Muay Thai, traditional Thai Dance, exotic fresh Thai fruits, Thai handicrafts, authentic Thai massage, world class Thai beer, live entertainments, lucky draws, and much more. Please visit Destination Thailand on facebook at www.facebook.com/DestinationThailandToronto

What’s Coming Up…

Smiling Albino is offering three new and innovative Southeast Asia travel experiences.

Since 1999, Smiling Albino has been crafting memorable travel experiences in Southeast Asia and Nepal by capitalizing on local knowledge and personal connections. This year, Smiling Albino is offering three new and innovative tours for the active, luxury travel market: Multi-transport adventure through Myanmar, Insider’s Access SE Asia, and Luxury Train & Bike Adventures. These new experiences have been made possible by recent travel ban relaxations in Myanmar, new luxury en-suite train cars in Thailand and Smiling Albino’s tireless search for new and interesting local characters throughout the region. The Insider’s Access experiences feature everything from art discovery in Hanoi with a former communist art policeman, to market tours with acclaimed chefs in Bangkok, to walking tours of Phnom Penh with foreign and local journalists, to aerial discovery of outer Angkor with expert cartographers, to name but a few.

Contact Smiling Albino for inquiries and questions!

Connect With Smiling Albino!

Facebook and Twitter: “Like” and “follow” us on Facebook and Twitter and you will get tuned-in to the latest breaking news and hot tips on travel and adventure in Asia. Planet Asia Travel Channel: Subscribe to the Planet Asia Travel Channel and receive expert advice and insider tips on travel in Asia from the team at Smiling Albino and our network of in-the-know locals, expatriates, and travel enthusiasts. NEW on Google+ and Pinterest: Now even easier to connect and stay up to date with us! Contact: Get a hold of us any time.

The post More Experiences with Insider Access! – Albino Smiles August 2014 first appeared on Smiling Albino.