Mae Ngao Rafting is a popular activity at Mae Ngao National Park, located in Ban Mae Ngao, Mae Suat Subdistrict. The river route is ideal for genuine rafting adventures, with natural landscapes on both sides well-preserved. It is also suitable for tourists who enjoy fishing. The distance from the district town via road and water to Ban Sop Moei, Um Lo, is approximately 35 km.

Mae Ngao River is a large and exceptionally clear river. During the dry season, reflections on the water are visible, giving the river its name. The riverbanks are lined with pristine forest, which is rarely found elsewhere.

Mae Ngao National Park covers an area of approximately 257,650 rai (412.24 km²), spanning Mae Sariang District, Sop Moei District in Mae Hong Son, and Tha Song Yang District in Tak Province. The river serves as the official boundary between Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces.

Geography:
The terrain is mostly steep and rugged mountains, consisting of hill evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and dry dipterocarp forests. The park provides a habitat for diverse wildlife and serves as the watershed for several rivers, including the Mae Rid, Mae Ngao, Huai Muang, and Huai Makok rivers, which flow into the Yuam River, then to the Moei River, and finally the Salween River.

Climate:
The climate is divided into three seasons:

• Rainy season: June – October

• Winter: November – February

• Summer: March – May

The park remains cool throughout the year, with cold temperatures and heavy fog during winter.

Flora and Fauna:
Mae Ngao National Park consists of mixed deciduous forest, hill evergreen forest, and dry dipterocarp forest, with an average tree density of 70%.

Key Plant Species:

• Mixed Deciduous Forest: Teak, Redwood, Rukfa, Red and Black Seed Trees, Padauk

• Hill Evergreen Forest: Evergreen trees on high peaks; key species include various Fagaceae and epiphytes like ferns, moss, and ground orchids

• Dry Dipterocarp Forest: Found on hillsides, slopes, and foothills with rocky areas; trees include Tenga, Rung, Pluang, Hieng, San, Indian Gooseberry, Yopha, with grass species on the forest floor

Common Wildlife:
Wild boar, binturong, sun bear, barking deer, monkeys, gibbons, serows, flying squirrels, foxes, wild dogs, civets, rabbits, junglefowl, long-tailed shrikes, myna birds, owls, woodpeckers, partridges, starlings, crows, cobras, vipers, pythons, king cobras, geckos, various freshwater fish including Mekong catfish, mahseer, barbs, and gouramis.

• From Mae Hong Son town, take Highway 108 to Sop Moei District, then enter Mae Suat Subdistrict, Moo 8, Ban Mae Ngao. Access by private car or rented van to the park is available.

• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for trekking

• Bring water and snacks

• Be cautious of wildlife and poisonous plants

• Check the weather before your trip

• Visit early in the morning for the best views and rafting experience

Admission Fee:

• Free

Opening Hours:

• Daily 06:00 – 18:00