Mae Wang ATV days feel wild and organized. This Chiang Mai adventure sends you through Mae Wang Valley jungle on a brand-new route, with stops at hidden valley stretches and a hill viewpoint over the scenery below. I love the mix of off-road riding plus countryside moments like rice or corn fields and stream crossings, and I also like that the day continues with elephant sanctuary feeding and (on the longer option) bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River.

I like that the tour keeps things practical: you get a safety helmet, a waterproof bag, and a guide in a small group setup (max 10). One consideration is that this is an active outing with a moderate physical fitness level, and it also depends on good weather, so muddy fun can turn into a reschedule if conditions are poor.

If you want a full day that feels more like real outdoors time than a bus circuit, this fits. You’ll start at 8:00 am, ride either 2 or 3 hours depending on the option you choose, then return to your accommodation in the afternoon.

Key highlights

• New Mae Wang jungle route with hidden valley riding and a hill view point
• Two package choices with clear timing differences for waterfall, elephant feeding, and rafting
• Elephant sanctuary entrance and feeding plus a traditional lunch break
• Bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River (listed as part of the longer option)
• Small groups (up to 10) with a guide and safety gear included
• Double ATV included, with a single ATV upgrade possible for an extra fee

How the ATV portion feels on the Mae Wang jungle route

This tour is built around 2 or 3 hours of ATV riding through the dense forests of the Mae Wang Valley. Instead of only doing loops, the route is described as moving through changing terrain: hidden valley sections, an up-the-hill viewpoint, and countryside breaks such as rice or corn fields. You’ll also pass streams, which is exactly the kind of stop that turns an ATV ride from just transportation into actual adventure.

What I like for you here is the variety. A lot of ATV tours feel repetitive after an hour. This one is set up to keep the trail interesting with natural checkpoints and scenery changes—jungle, then open farmland, then back toward river views.

The tour runs with an included guide and safety gear. You’ll receive a safety helmet and a waterproof bag, which matters if you plan to bring a phone or valuables. Also, the tour notes that it’s all set as double ATV by default. That means you’ll share the ATV with a partner unless you pay the single ATV upgrade (500 THB per person). If you’re riding solo and want full control without sharing, budget for that upgrade ahead of time.

Waterfall + tribes + elephant feeding: what changes by package time

The biggest decision is choosing the 2-hour versus 3-hour ATV option, because the afternoon timing and what’s included shift.

The 2-hour ATV option (earlier return)

With the shorter package, the tour notes a drop-off around 15:00–15:40 and describes it as including waterfall, tribes, and elephant feeding. This is the option if you want to get your ATV fix, see the key nature stop, and still be back in Chiang Mai earlier.

You still get lunch as part of the included features, but the phrasing about rafting being part of the longer package suggests you should plan on skipping bamboo rafting on this shorter option.

The 3-hour ATV option (fuller day, later return)

With the longer package, drop-off is listed around 16:45–17:20, and it’s described as including waterfall, tribes, elephant feeding, and rafting. If you’re the type who wants the whole sequence—ride hard, eat, then cool down on the water—this is the more complete choice.

Either way, you’re looking at a full day clock time of roughly 1 day 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.), even if the ATV riding itself is 2 or 3 hours. That’s normal here because you have pickup, travel time, and multiple activity stops.

Lunch and the elephant sanctuary feeding stop (and why it’s scheduled well)

You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch during the day, before you head to the elephant sanctuary visit. The timing is smart. After time in the jungle and around streams, you want a break that resets your body—food first, then the next big activity.

For the elephant part, the tour includes the entrance fee to the elephant sanctuary and includes feeding as part of the experience. That means you should plan your mindset around interaction and observation, not just photo stops. It’s also a reminder to keep your expectations grounded: feeding animals is part of the program, but it’s still an animal setting, so follow the guide’s rules.

One more practical point: you’ll have a guide with you for the day. Since the itinerary includes several moving pieces—ATV trail time, lunch, elephant feeding, waterfall, and possibly rafting—that guidance helps keep the rhythm smooth and reduces time wasted trying to figure out where to go next.

Bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River: the calmer chapter

If you choose the 3-hour ATV option, the day continues with bamboo rafting on the main Mae Wang River. The tour describes this as sightseeing rafting, which is exactly what you want after an ATV day: less engine heat, more moving scenery.

This is also where your waterproof bag likely earns its keep. You won’t want to carry valuables on the raft unless you’re sure they’re protected. Luckily, safety gear for the ATV segment includes a waterproof bag, which is typically what people rely on for phones and small items.

Bring a small plan for comfort: you’ll likely want quick-dry clothing for the day, and you’ll feel better if your footwear works on wet surfaces. Since the tour doesn’t spell out exact rafting gear, I’d treat this as an outdoor activity where you keep your valuables protected and stay flexible.

Getting picked up, grouped up, and moving safely

The tour includes pickup offered and transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a nice touch in Chiang Mai traffic: you don’t start the day stressed about logistics.

It also runs with a maximum of 10 travelers, which tends to matter. When you’re in a larger group, ATV riding can feel like a waiting game. Here, the smaller cap makes it more likely your guide can keep things flowing and regroup you without constant delays.

Safety items included are clear:

• Safety helmet
• Waterproof bag
• Guide
• Entrance fee for the elephant sanctuary
• Lunch
• Bamboo rafting (listed as included, and described as part of the longer option)

The tour also calls out moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be comfortable with some physical movement over uneven or slippery ground, plus the ATV riding itself. If you have knee or back issues, or if you’re worried about staying stable on a moving vehicle, think carefully and consider whether the ride length is worth the strain.

Price and value: is $84.92 a fair deal?

At $84.92 per person, the value comes from what’s included, not just the ATV time. Your package includes:

• Guide time
• Lunch
• ATV safety essentials (helmet and waterproof bag)
• Transport with pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle
• Elephant sanctuary entrance fee
• Bamboo rafting (with the longer option clearly described as including it)

What you’re paying for is a full day of activities stitched together with fewer add-ons. Many ATV days in the region require you to buy each activity separately—helmet, attraction fees, and the ride itself. Here, the pricing is set up so you can compare it against the cost of individual experiences and see what you’re getting for one payment.

Two small value notes to keep in mind:

• Double ATV is standard. If you want solo riding, you’ll pay 500 THB per person for the upgrade.
• The two options change the day. If rafting is a must for you, choose the 3-hour ATV itinerary so you get the river part.

If you like action plus nature plus one animal interaction stop, this package is priced like a “do it all” day rather than a basic ride.

Who should book this ATV Mae Wang adventure

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a real outdoor ATV day with changing scenery, not just a quick ride
• Like the idea of a small group and having a guide handle the flow
• Want a day that includes waterfall + elephant feeding + (on the longer option) bamboo rafting
• Are okay with getting some dirt on you and spending the day outdoors

It’s less ideal if you:

• Prefer a fully relaxed, low-movement day
• Have injuries or mobility limits that make ATV riding difficult
• Are sensitive to weather changes, since the tour requires good weather to run as planned

Should you book it: my practical take

If you want the best balance of riding and “you actually saw places” energy, I’d book the 3-hour ATV option. It gives you the fuller sequence: waterfall, elephant feeding, and then bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River, with a later return.

If you’re short on time or you’d rather be back earlier, the 2-hour ATV option is a smart pick. It still includes waterfall, tribes, and elephant feeding, with a return around mid-afternoon.

Before you pay, do two quick checks with yourself: pick whether you want rafting, and decide if you’re comfortable riding double ATV or want the single ATV upgrade. Also, keep an eye on the weather—this one can reschedule if conditions aren’t right.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the tour day?

The duration is listed as about 1 day 8 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are lunch, a safety helmet, a waterproof bag, air-conditioned vehicle pickup/transport, bamboo rafting, entrance fee for the elephant sanctuary, and a guide.

Is bamboo rafting included for both ATV options?

The notes describe rafting as part of the 3-hour ATV package (with drop-off about 16:45–17:20). The 2-hour option is described as waterfall plus tribes plus elephant feeding (with earlier drop-off about 15:00–15:40).

Can I ride a single ATV instead of a double?

Yes. The tour notes double ATV is standard, and you can upgrade to a single ATV for 500 THB per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.