Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids

Sai Yai River and Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids ( class 4&5), Prachinburi province. the river is located in the south part of Khao Yai national park:

White water rafting is at best in rainy season, from June to October, during dry seasons, most rapid water level is too low. Sai Yai River flows into the Prachin Buri River and converges with the Nakhon Nayok River downstream to form the Banpakong River. This is the most popular white water rafting in Thailand due to the proximity of Bangkok.

The rafting course is made of a multi level river featuring six rapids – Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Kaeng Wang Nam Lom, Kaeng Wang Bon, Kaeng Luuk Seua, Kaeng Wang Sai and Kaeng Ngu Hao.

After a 2.5 km walk into the jungle, the river rafting start a short distance above the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids and continues with a 100-meter stretch of the river with swirling waves forging their way through rocky crevices.

Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids: ranges from Class 3 to 5, from intermediate to expert level of white-water navigating skills and experience and requires extreme caution.

Kaeng Wang Nam Lom: At the end of the stretch, water is forced through rocky islets and form a 40-50 meter long Class 2 cataract.

Kaeng Luuk Seua,: Class 3 , a 60-meter stretch of the river characterized by torrential currents, the impact of which is intensified by rocky outcrops in the mid-stream.

At Kaeng Wang Bon, a minor rapid, powerful V-shaped waves frequently steer rubber rafts right into a mesh of bushes and protruding branches that line the banks of the river.

Kaeng Wang Sai, rocky mounds of various sizes scattered throughout this 80-meter section of the river generate undulating waves.

Sai Yai river

First timers are required to attend a briefing conducted by certified and highly experienced instructors before embarking on the rafting trip. The journey from Kaeng Hin Phoeng to Kaeng Wang Sai, takes approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Note: Kaeng Hin Peng is quite popular and gets crowded specially on week end. It might be a good idea to contact the tour operators and schedule for non-holiday weekdays.

Safety Measures
There are lifeguard stations at all six rapids — Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Kaeng Wang Nam Lom, Kaeng Wang Bon, Kaeng Luuk Seua, Kaeng Wang Sai and Kaeng Ngu Hao. Each is staffed by certified, highly skilled and experienced personnel and stocked with supplies of life jackets, ropes and other essential items for rapid response rescue operations.

Sai Yai river

Rafting Fees
The trip is made in an inflatable rubber raft. 450 baht per person or 3,500 baht per rubber raft for 8 persons ( TAT)

Contact information
Contact TAT local office for a reliable tour operator in the area. TAT Central Region Office – Region 8, http://tat8.com in Thai. Areas of responsibility: Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. Tel: 037 312282, 312284

How to Get There
From Bangkok, you will take Highway 305 leading to Nakhon Nayok by way if Amphoe Ongkharak. Once past Nakhon Nayok, take Highway 33 to Amphoe Kabinburi. When you reach Ban Sadu, turn left toward Sadu-Saphan Hin and continue driving until you come to the 9th Khao Yai National Park Ranger Unit. The total distance of this trip is 68 kilometers.
Local Rafting operators, tours package includes accommodations:

TAT list of accommodations and local operators: TAT/Prachinburi listing
Including the following:
Sai Yai Resort. Tel: 0-3728- 2576
Kaeng Hin Phoeng Camping. Tel: 0-3740-5608 or 0-3740-5611
Kaeng Hin Phoeng Riverside Resort. Tel: 08 1909 6896, 08 9993 4177

Pictures@TAT