On the upper reaches of the Wanquan River, near Boao, local tour guides take more adventurous visitors on raft journeys.

It's fun, but not dangerous. More like drifting downstream than vigorous whitewater rafting, the expeditions are popular with eco-minded visitors who want to admire nature quietly.

However, if you like a few more thrills with your holiday, this is also the place. Here you can wade armpit-deep through clear tributaries, and then rope your way up waterfall-flooded ravines. It can be a day of thrills, spills and splashes as you see the tropical jungle up close. But don't worry - experienced guides say there are few snakes or other threatening species in the steep interior.