Bamboo Ride Down The Ping River

We arrived on foot at the bamboo raft launch alongside the Ping River.  This is the same river that we had previously sloshed through on the backs of Asian Elephants.  The river is a shallow, gently flowing river that winds through the jungle with occasional clearings and hillsides.

The rafts held 6 people and two guides. One guide at the front and one at the back. We sat on short wooden benches, two by two.

The river was quiet and the 90 minute raft ride was relaxing and appreciated since we've been constantly on the go from early morning until late evening each day.  The scenery was absolutely gorgeous.

We were all thrilled when we came around a bend in the river and saw two elephants grazing in the sunshine.

The shanty houses, dotted along the river, have thatched roofs and remind me of little Caribbean beach bars, but surrounded by jungle vegetation. I wonder... What is life like in these little dwellings? Do they have cars? Do they get to school? Do they have appliances?

It was great fun when the men gave us each a turn at steering our raft with the bamboo pole. it was much heavier than I expected! Notice NO life jackets. I've noticed this on all of the boats we've been on. 

When we were part way down the river some women waded out in the stream of current to sell us drinks in the hot sun. I was thrilled to pay 40 baht, which is about $2.50. The coconut milk was delicious and we all shared the coconut milk!

I think we have been in a boat of some sort each day we've been here. For this boater girl from USA, this has been WONDERFUL!