Rafting was great. The heavy rain from the night before meant that we had to wait for the water level to drop, it didnt but the captain set of cautiously anyway. The plan was to go from Pai to Mae Hong Son by inflatable raft, some 80km in all with about 60 Class 4 rapids. The first day was going really well until the other boat in our group (each holding 5 and 1 captain) entered a violent rapid. Our captain shouted to the other in Thai, it was obvious that he was saying not to go ahead as it was to dangerous but it was too late. We rapidly paddled to the edge some 20 m before the rapid and fixed our self to a tree. Looking up we were overcome with horror as the other boat flipped in what is called a washing machine. These are very big dips in the water created by large rocks and powerful eddies. There was nothing we could do but watch the boat float away with no sign of the team. Our captain hopped off and scrambled across rocks and jungle to see if they were ok. After a 1 hour wait at the side he returned saying that everyone was accounted for. We walked the stretch they had flipped in and returned to the water.

That evening after 35km of rafting the other group told us they thought they had met their end, but managed to escape with minor cuts and bruises from the rocks. The captains, both of whom were very professional said that the boat flipped because they did not keep their weight on the edge of the boat as instructed, if they had they would have been fine.

Deep in the jungle at the edge of the river, we cooked, talked and slept.

By the next day the water had dropped by 1m meaning that the rest of the trip would be very easy compared to the previous day. Very enjoyable day with canyons, mountains and great views. After some thrill seeking cliff jumping we finally arrived at Mae Hong Son, deflated the boats and dried out our life jackets and helmets, most people stayed but i decided to return to Pai in their truck.For me it was the highlight of my time in Thailand as far as activities go, but understandably some of the others were visibly shaken and upset.

Still in Pai and just relaxing today with some friends (Lisu Tribe) and will go back to Chiang Mai tomorrow to slowly make my way into Laos.