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There are only around 3,000 domesticated "chang" (elephants) in Thailand, and maybe an equal number left untamed in the shrinking wilderness of the Kingdom. Visiting a local community-run sanctuary dedicated to supporting and nurturing these smart and sensitive mammals is an unforgettable adventure for any visitor. Thai rural river life. There are about ten elephant camps in and around Chiang Mai. We have chosen the one that is the least commercialized and appears to offer their animals the best care in the most natural environment.
The setting is spectacular and will give you a chance to enjoy the unique beauty
of Thai rural life..
Nobody ever forgets the day they spend with the elephants! Leave Chiang Mai after breakfast and journey a mere fifty kilometers into the lush countryside north of the city. We first an elephant sanctuary, in a tiny rural village on the outskirts of one of Thailand's loveliest national parks. Here in time to see some of the 40+ mighty animals taking their morning baths. (At night, the elephants cover themselves in mud and dirt to deter pesky insects.) The mahouts (elephant trainers) will put on a small show just to show you how agile, powerful and intelligent elephants really are. You will also see displays of strength and teamwork that demonstrate how
elephants are still used for agriculture, construction and forestry remote
areas. Then, climb on board the back of an elephant for a ride along
forest paths across jungle streams. These animals are hungry all the
time and each drinks about 200 liters of water a day, so they grab
bunches of tender greens with their trunks to snack on as they go. You
can stop to feed them bananas and sugar cane if you like.
Following a Thai buffet lunch featuring locally-grown fruit, you board a
bamboo raft for a slow and easy one-hour trip downstream. You will see
plenty of elephants along the way and get an idea what country life is like
here. The land on both sides of the river is largely undeveloped so you will
also encounter plenty of exotic birds and plants. If you are lucky you may
have a chance to encounter the endangered Vanda cerulea, the blue orchid
that is the pride of Chiang Mai.
On the trip back to the city we make a quick stop at a local orchid nursery
and butterfly farm. You probably can not take plants or insects home with
you, but they are interesting to see and fun to photograph. You'll be back at your hotel by
cocktail hour.
| Prices
per person when booked either with or without one of our all inclusive
packages |
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$ |
EURO |
POUND |
BAHT |
| with package |
37 |
24 |
18 |
1,200 |
| separately |
42 |
27 |
21 |
1,360 |
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Includes round-trip transfer by air-conditioned van on a joiner basis, guided trek, lunch and soft drinks. Portions of program subject to change based on weather conditions.
   
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