To our surprise, this was far more than just a river cruise. We also learned a great deal about the history and traditions of Chiang Mai, as well as a little about nature. We would like to thank Scorpion Tailed River Cruise for hosting us and all opinions within are our own.
Scorpion Tailed River Cruise Chiang Mai
Being in Northern Thailand is great for those of us that love adventure and nature. Even though Chiang Mai is a fairly big city, it doesn’t feel like it. Most buildings are quite low and each neighborhood is so quaint and inviting. Slightly to the west of the city we have a gorgeous view of Doi Suthep.
A mountain covered with lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and a beautiful Wat sits atop. Along the east side of the city, we have the Ping River. Of course the Wagoners are water people, so we just had to find a cool activity along the river.
After a little research, we discovered the Scorpion Tailed River Cruise. It looked perfect for a morning out for the family. They promised to offer a 90 minute river cruise, with history and culture mixed in. Perfect! We will get a little homeschool mixed in the day as well!
Our Journey to the River Cruise
We booked the 11 am river cruise, but we weren’t sure how long it would take us to get there. It was just across town on the north-east corner, so we would take a songthaew there. We had the map from the Scorpion Tailed River Cruise website, and it was also written in Thai, so we knew we would be able to get there.
It was 10 am and the sky was blue, so we knew we would have a good day. Just outside our place, we flagged down a songthaew and showed the handy-dandy map on our smart phone. The driver gave a thumbs up and we all hopped in the back. Ah, finally we don’t have to try to explain where we want to go!
There was one other person in the Songthaew, so we figured he would be dropped off first. That is one thing about the songthaew, you never know where you will venture when picking up and dropping off other people. It is rare that you go directly to your destination. We knew we had an hour and were looking forward to the adventure.
About 10 minutes later the songthaew stopped and let the other passenger off. The driver then hopped in the back with us holding a laminated paper showing tours around town. He questioned our choice of the Scorpion Tailed River Cruise and insisted it was no good. He was wanted to take us to a different river cruise in town. We kept saying that we have already booked this river cruise and wanted to continue to our destination.
Finally he let up with the sales pitch and went back to drive us to our destination. We were a bit worried and everything was spinning through my head, “Did we pick a terrible river cruise? What if he doesn’t take us where we want to go? Oh what kind of day is this going to be?”
Just 5 minutes later, we arrived safe and sound at the Scorpion Tailed River Cruise. We were there about 30 minutes early, but that was fine because we were also planning to meet up with some new friends (One Modern Couple).
Waiting for the cruise to begin
We had fun waiting for the cruise to begin and walked along the river and watch people fishing. Across the river was the municipal market, so it was fun to watch the buzz around that area, as people took care of their daily errands. In the lobby of the tour office, we noticed photos of a cool hand-carved sign and decided to seek it out. We looked for it while out on our walk, but never did find it.
We passed one building that was a hotel and our guide informed us of the big flood a couple of years ago. The river water level raised so high that the first floor of the hotel was under water. In the photo below, you can see the white umbrellas. That is where the water was! Crazy.
After going down the river a bit, it was time to turn around and head back up. This is only because there was a waterfall about 200 yards ahead and not meant for any of the boats. So we went back up the river and beyond our debarkation point as well. We then pulled up to a dock, where a nice lady appeared to be awaiting our arrival.
It was then time to have the juice I read about. We all walked over to a perfectly set table, displaying six little plates that were works of art. We all had a glass of Lychee juice as well as a plate of mango sticky rice.


Back to our songthaew journey getting there
I felt the need to mention our songthaew driver experience to the guide and how the driver tried to get us to go to another location. He was aware that the songthaew drivers were doing this. You see the songthaew drivers get a 30-50% cut of the sales from the other river cruise for the people they bring there. The Scorpion Tailed River Cruise wants no part of this and feels he will get good customers based on the cruise and not by being tricked to come.
Sidenote from Alan: I really liked this tour. All I knew about it was it was a river tour, but it turned out to be much more fun than I anticipated. Our tour guide/host treated us like family and it was very educational (the fun kind). A couple of things that I thought were interesting:
- The engine on the boat is pretty cool. The Gearhead in me marveled at the simplicity of the propulsion system. It’s a propeller mounted to a long shaft connected directly to the engine. Simple.
- Instead of using gas/diesel, the owner uses liquid petroleum gas (propane or butane) to be as environmentally friendly as possible. I think it’s very smart to do it this way.
We thought our readers should be aware of this too. We did pass a few of the other cruises along the way, and they didn’t seem to have a guide on their tour. It appeared to be just a boat ride up and down the river. You will need to do your own research and decide. You can also read reviews on Trip Advisor.
How to book with Scorpion Tailed River Cruise
- Website: Scorpion Tailed River Cruise Chiang Mai
- Landing at: Sri Khong Port,opposite Wat Sri Khong , 200 meters north of Nakorn Ping Bridge
- Contact: Booking Hotline +66 (08) 1960 9398
- E-mail: info@scorpiontailed.com
Enjoy the Video!
Remember to check out
Adventures with Anya
A video about the secret garden on the tour!
What to do in Chiang Mai!
We also have a very all inclusive list of Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids or without. This also includes our expenses living in Chiang Mai, where to eat and places to stay in Chiang Mai.
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Pretty cool fact about why the water is brown. I wonder if anyone has good pictures of it not brown.
It is interesting Ann. I wonder the same thing. The guide insists that the water is so clear you can see the fish, and they can see you! So the fishermen prefer the rainy season.
How cool is this? I love learning from locals!
We love the extra info obtained from locals. It is so nice.
Love your posts on Chiang Mai! We arrive in CM on the 23rd for two weeks on our Round the World trip. We’re currently in Siem Reap right now. My daughter and I loved Adventures with Anya’s vlog on the Fish massage/pedicure. The whole family had their feet done the other day in Siem Reap. We thought of you and your daughter! 🙂
Michelle
Oh that is so cool Michelle. We plan to be in Cambodia sometime in January. So glad you have enjoyed our posts and Anya is thrilled you had your feet done! We will be in Chiang Mai until mid November, so please let us know if you would like to meet up.
That would be great to meet up! Thanks for looking at our little blog too. Yes, that discovery platter was something!
Michelle
We enjoyed your blog. No blog is too little. Just let us know when you arrive in CM.
Hi Heidi,
We never did the cruise but ate at the restaurant where the boat docks many times. What a selection! They make a great burger too. Each Chiang Mai post and photo you show warms my heart, because I’ve walked by most of these spots many times, in some cases, hundreds of times. Kelli and I walk all around town, every day, when we’re there, so when you factor in 7 months in CM, times 30, you get 210 days, and many times we walked to and from the same areas, from the Ping River all the way over to the center of town.
We stay at Chiang Mai Riverside so we’ve made many trips up along the road because the river to hit up Rimping for a fab grocery experience, or I’d pop over to the small Tesco Lotus way down the road from the cruise, by the hospital and Holiday Inn. Some spots feel like home, and CM is one of them for us. As for the drivers, since we walk, we rarely see their pitches but do get them from time to time. Hey, it’s Thailand, part of the game for many…..although I love how the cruise operator does it. Much more creative, pleasant approach to marketing versus the competitive stuff other operators use. Good on him!
Thanks Heidi, tweeting soon and signing off from Savusavu.
Ryan
Oh thanks Ryan. We are thrilled it is bringing back good memories for you. There is just something about a place, once it touches your heart. We are really enjoying Chiang Mai to the fullest.