Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience
See a different side of Chiang Mai on this short but sweet three-day adventure. From your base in northern Thailand’s most vibrant city, visit the ChiangChill elephant reserve to spend the day hanging out with gentle giants and learning how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free-roaming elephants in the region. Observe the daily patterns of these elephants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with each other. You’ll also be treated to a cooking class, where you'll collect some local produce at the morning market and then learn how to use it, from a local cook who will let you in on all the best kept secrets of Thai cuisine.
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3 days, from
$370
per person
GROUP SIZE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Details
Countries Visited:
Thailand
Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights)
Transportation: Mini bus , Songthaew
Included Meals:
- 2 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
Group size: Minimum 1, Max 12
Meet elephants in a responsible environment when you hang out with the gentle giants of the ChangChill reserve, watching them eat, relax and socialise.
Enjoy a live lecture from local guides to learn more about the elephants, the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area.
Get a first hand look at a traditional Tai Lue village when you visit this community-based tourism project, meeting the locals, learning about traditional weaving and visiting a museum.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7pm with your local guide. An airport arrival transfer is included please advise your flight details at time of booking. If you arrive early, head out to explore charming Chiang Mai. The friendliness of the people, the interesting old town bound by moats, and the many fascinating temples enthral travellers from around the world. After the welcome meeting you will have free time tonight. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food in the vibrant night markets – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.
Day 2: ChangChill - Chiang Mai
Today is set to be one to remember as you visit the ChangChill elephant reserve – a truly special experience. Drive out to the reserve and learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will give you a live lecture on the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephant’s mud pit, then be treated to lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai for an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Chiang Mai
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel and drive out to the Baan Luang Nua village, home to a Tai Lue community, an ethnic group from Xixuangbanna that has held onto its traditional customs and practices. Here you’ll get a first hand look at life in a Tai Lue village, first meeting with a community guide for a northern Thai style welcome ceremony. You’ll then be shown around a traditional Tai Lue house where you’ll learn about cotton weaving and see how a Tai Lue style bag is made. Take some time to explore the village and check out the village’s rice storage facility, which has been transformed into a museum. Try your hand at rice smashing and Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Chiang Mai, arriving mid-afternoon. There is no accommodation included tonight. Perhaps stay in Chiang Mai and explore the city further.