How to go rafting in Phang Nga from Phuket and what to check first

What we know about rafting in Phang Nga

Rafting from Phuket goes to the mainland, in Phang Nga province. Phuket Tour describes it like this: inflatable rafts with professional instructors, a route of up to 5 km, protective suits and helmets for the group, hotel transfer, lunch and a photo session. Elephant spa, ATVs or a zipline are added on to the rafting.

Phuket Tour’s program does not name the river. Thai2Siam calls it the Song Phraek and says the route is 5 or 9 km, with the last 4 km for those who want more thrill. A raft carries four guests and two guides, and training is given before the run. Steve Van Beek’s site (undated, last updated 15 April 2022) says five companies share the river and that a dam release raises the level by 30-40 cm.

Neither the DNP nor TAT describes rafting on this river. That is why there is a section below on what we could not confirm.

Getting there and how long it takes

Transfers are included in the programs. Wat Suwan Kuha is 79.9 km and about 85 minutes by car from Phuket Old Town (OSRM route on OpenStreetMap), in Takua Thung district. From Tha Dan pier it is 8.2 km and about 8 minutes. Thai2Siam puts the drive from Phuket at two hours by minivan. We could not confirm the coordinates of the rafting camp.

What we could not confirm

• Season. No program names months. The only hint: Thai2Siam says that in the dry season there is sometimes too little water for 9 km. Our inference is that the wetter months are safer for 9 km, while 5 km has water more often, but this is not operator data
• Rapids grade. No source. Do not expect extreme rafting until the operator states a grade
• Age and weight. Phuket Tour allows children after the briefing and gives no minimum
• National park. Phuket Tour’s combo lists national park tickets without saying which park. The Ao Phang Nga fee (THB 300 per adult, THB 150 per child per the DNP table, revision of 02.06.2023) does not apply to rafting unless the operator confirms otherwise
• High-water closures. Operators’ pages have no terms for closing the river at high water

Options: choosing a program

On elephants: judge the format in advance, details in the guide to elephants on Phuket. On quad bikes: ATV tours on Phuket.

What to do in rain and rough water

Rafting is on a river, so sea swell does not matter. Rain raises the water, and the sources have no rules for closing the river at high water, so the decision stays with the operator. Read the rebooking and refund terms in your booking. If the day is lost, the Phang Nga Bay day from Phuket is on the James Bond Island page, and the low season guide covers the weather.

Safety

• Phuket Tour says the group gets protective suits and helmets, and children take part after a briefing
• Thai2Siam says guides are trained in rescue, each raft has two guides, and training is given before the run
• At Wat Suwan Kuha visitors feed the monkeys, per Showcaves: do not provoke them and keep your things closed up

Who it suits and who should skip it

• Suits anyone who wants an active day on a river and can handle a 1.5-2 hour drive each way
• Suits families with children after the briefing, if the operator confirms admission
• Skip it if you want extreme rafting: the sources do not state a grade
• Skip it if you dislike a long drive and an early start
• Skip it if you are pregnant or have back problems, until the operator and your doctor confirm

Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.