The Kok River is also known as the Mae Nam Kok which runs from the lush hills of Burma’s Shan state at Tha Ton and all the way through to Chiang Rai. Luxury hotel options are quite abundant in the city, with properties such as Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort gaining popularity amongst visitors.
Tourists who wish to journey along the river can do so, whether its used as a means of getting from Chiang Rai in Thailand to Tha Ton in Burma or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding picturesque landscapes. The Mae Kok boat service company which runs from Ban Thaton in Chiang mai travels between Thaton to Chiangrai every day at 12:30 pm. The trip usually takes about 3 hours, which tourists usually enjoy due to the beautiful landscapes along the way.
The river had once been the main route for trading between the Thaton Fang area and Chiang rai, and is now more popularly used to transport passengers between the two cities. One of the more fascinating things to see and keep an eye out for during your cruise is the little viallage known as Karen village. This rural riverside village of Ruammit, is an ‘elephant town’, which used elephants to get about their daily work in the jungle. You can easily spot this village when you’re cruising down the river and depending on the time of day and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to see these elephants bathing in the river. Expect them to be there by late afternoon. The Karen hill tribe is a great way to learn about the village’s way of life and gives a great insight in to their culture and heritage.
Other river activities along Mae Nam Kok include rafting trips, overnight hiking and camping trips, and long tail boat trips.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.