Scorpion-Tailed Boat in Mae Ping River,CHIANGMAI : Activities

Scorpion-Tailed Boat in Mae Ping River
CHIANGMAI : Activities

Scorpion-tailed boats have been in use on the Mae Ping River since antiquity. Our ancestors built these boats from whole teak trunks, approximately 4-8 m in diametre. We give thanks to our ancient ancestors of the Northern Lanna Kingdom for their wisdom in realizing that teak, which used to be very abundant in the North, is light in weight, floats well in water, and stays true to its shape, resisting the deformities to which other woods are subject. Because of these magnificent characteristics, teak has long been popular among boat builders. Sadly, these days teak is rare, and therefore traditional scorpion-tailed boats are not often built.

To conserve these impressive boats for later generations, sightseeing cruises along the Mae Ping River have been organized. Visitors will enjoy picturesque scenery together with lectures about Lanna history and stories concerning how the banks of the Mae Ping River were in the old days. Visitors are advised to take a break at Ban Ruea Hang Maeng Pong, which offers pleasant forest scenery in the heart of Chiang Mai Town, with snacks and refreshment for the weary and footsore, served up with ubiquitous Thai hospitality. Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Each tour takes 1 1/2 hrs, and boats leave at 9 am, 11am, 1pm and 5pm. Tickets: 400B per person, and special group rates are available. Cruise trips begin in front of Wat Si Khong Temple, opposite Chiang Mai Municipal Hall, Charoenrat Road, Tambon Wat Ket, near Nakhon Phing Bridge. For further information, call 08 1960 9398 or 0 5326 0299. http://www.scorpiontailed.com