is it possible to buy and own a simple flat bottom boat and a trolling motor to cruise the river?

are they for sale in chiang rai, and are there any laws against it?

seems (in theory) like it would be fun to ride up the river at your own pace....

there is a boat pier on the river near the dusit island hotel,you might get the info you want from there

There is another spot they congregate by the Dusit. On the left side of the hotel there is a footbridge to Dusit's Staff housing and if you make a Right on the other side and follow the trail to the end you will find all the flat-bottom boat guys sitting around by their boats when they are not working. Alternately if you know where the staff housing is you can park there as there is a lot of room. It's also a good place to pick up an inexpensive day on the river especially if you are willing to buy the beer..