Upon hotel pickup in Krabi by air-conditioned vehicle, enjoy an approximately 2-hour drive to Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary. Before embarking on your white-water rafting adventure, you’ll receive safety training and paddling tips from an experienced river guide, who scouts the 3-mile (5-km) route ahead.
Rapids in the Khlong Song Phraek river — which flows from the Kata Kwam and Ra Sung mountains — rank in difficulty from level 2 to 4, with waves ranging from medium-sized to high and powerful. Rest assured that you have top-quality equipment and a trained boatman whose expertise can maneuver your raft around the rapids and rocks.
Hold on tight as your raft bounces down the swift stream, flanked by gorgeous green forests on each bank. If you’re sucked into a whirlpool, it won’t be long before other rafts bump yours back out. Prepare to get soaked during your ride, which lasts about 45 minutes, depending on the season.
Back on shore, enjoy a delicious Thai set lunch to give you stamina for your elephant trek through the jungle. The Asian elephant is considered a royal animal in Thailand, serving as a trusty mode of transportation since ancient times.
After a half-hour ride along a calm section of the boulder-strewn stream, disembark for a jungle walk. Follow your guide to a secluded waterfall, where you have time for a refreshing swim.
Your final stop is Wat Suwan Kuha (Wat Tham), located about 6 miles (10 km) from the town of Phang Nga. The temple stands outside a cave that houses an impressive reclining Buddha. For a look from different angles, climb the steps behind the statue to several small shrines where local Buddhists burn incense and offer prayers. Marvel at a number of other Buddha images and get a glimpse of the ethereal light filtering through the forest outside before departing for Krabi, arriving at your hotel by early evening.
