Smiling Albino is a team of travel enthusiasts offering custom tours in Asia that are the result of continuous travel, innovation and refinement. Trips combine multiple activities, charming venues, the finest regional cuisine and passionate hosts. Discover hidden corners, insider sights and unique local characters. Our signature experiences rely on the network of intimate relationships we've built throughout the region. We don’t just connect the dots… we create them… delivering unforgettable travel experiences.

Stand up Paddling on the Mae Kok River

What we believe is the first instance of Stand up Paddling on the Mae Kok River, in Chiang Rai province. We gave this a try to test as a possible trip activity on our tours in September 2012. A very nice couple hours on the river, riding from Ban Ruammit Elephant Camp to Chiang Rai city.

Shortly after setting-off on the trip.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Quite a quiet place to paddle.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Despite it being high-water season the river was still pretty flat and calm, but moved along nicely.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Sun prooved to be a factor and one must really cover-up standing in the hot sun for so long.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Pretty nice house along the way.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Taking a short break.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Approaching the last bridge across the Mae Kok River, about 10km outside of Chiang Rai city.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
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smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Small limestone foothills.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
This inflatable touring board is suprisingly rigid, stable and sturdy - quite impressive.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
A hill with a Buddhist shrine on top that we sometimes take guests to.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats
Smiling Albino co-founder Scott Coates with the board at the end of the journey: 2 hours and 15 minutes and 19km later.
smiling albino SUP chiang rai sept2012 boats

Smiling Albino

Stand up Paddling on the Mae Kok River

Smiling Albino Ltd