Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

Nestled in the lush, mountainous terrain of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai beckons adventurers to uncover its natural wonders. One such gem is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak and a sanctuary for majestic elephants. This full-day excursion promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to interact with these gentle giants, explore cascading waterfalls, and enjoy the vibrant culture of a local Karen village. From mud spas to coffee plantations, this tour offers a diverse tapestry of experiences that will leave you captivated and eager to discover more.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Chiang Mai features a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park and an elephant sanctuary, with highlights including elephant interactions, a mud spa, and a coffee tasting.
• Participants can explore a traditional Thai village, enjoy a Thai lunch, and trek to the Pha Dok Siew waterfall within Doi Inthanon National Park.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and travel accident insurance, but is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.
• Entrance fees to the elephant sanctuary and Doi Inthanon National Park, as well as the Thai lunch and coffee tasting, are included in the $73.57 per person tour price.
• Restrictions include a 2-hour trek, a height requirement for child tickets, and a requirement to cover shoulders and knees for pagoda visits.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The tour package is priced at $73.57 per person and encompasses a full-day excursion. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes an English-speaking guide as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Highlights of the tour include interacting with adorable elephants, enjoying a mud spa and bathing with them, and exploring Doi Inthanon National Park. Travelers will also trek to Pha Dok Siew waterfall, explore rice fields and a coffee plantation, and visit a local Karen village to taste their coffee. The tour includes various fees, lunch, and drinking water, and isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Highlights of the Day

Meet and interact with adorable elephants at the elephant sanctuary. Enjoy a mud spa and bathing with these gentle giants, an unforgettable experience.

Explore the stunning Doi Inthanon National Park, trekking to the breathtaking Pha Dok Siew waterfall, through rice fields and a coffee plantation. Visit a local Karen village and sample their renowned coffee.

The day’s highlights include:

• Interacting with elephants at the sanctuary
• Mud spa and bathing with the elephants
• Trekking to Pha Dok Siew waterfall
• Visiting a Karen village and tasting their coffee

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with pickup from Mueang Chiang Mai District, where visitors will first explore a traditional Thai village.

After that, they’ll enjoy a Thai lunch set before heading to the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 meters.

Next, they’ll visit the Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri.

The tour then takes them on a 2-hour trek on the Pha Dok Sieu Nature Trail, followed by a stop at Mae Klang Luang for a coffee tasting.

Entrance Fees and Inclusions

During the tour, visitors gain access to both the Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Inthanon National Park through the included entrance fees.

The tour also includes:

• A Thai lunch set
• Coffee tasting
• Drinking water
• Travel accident insurance

These inclusions ensure visitors can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about additional expenses. The tour offers great value by providing access to top attractions and covering essential amenities, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the highlights of Chiang Mai’s natural wonders and cultural experiences.

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Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments, as it involves a 2-hour trek on the Pha Dok Sieu Nature Trail. However, the tour offers accommodations for guests of all ages. Children under 120 cm in height can purchase a child ticket, and children 1-3 years old can join for free, sitting with their parents. When visiting the pagodas, guests are required to wear appropriate attire that covers their shoulders and knees. Plus, large luggage and backpacks are not allowed on the transportation van.

Restriction	Details
Mobility Impairments	2-hour trek on Pha Dok Sieu Nature Trail
Height Requirement	Child ticket for under 120 cm
Age Requirement	Children 1-3 years old free (sit with parents)
Dress Code	Cover shoulders and knees for pagoda visits
Luggage	Large bags/backpacks not allowed in van

Elephant Sanctuary Experience

At the elephant sanctuary, guests have the opportunity to meet and interact with the adorable inhabitants. The experience includes a mud spa and bathing with the elephants, allowing visitors to form a deep connection with these gentle giants.

The tour also provides insights into the local Karen community, where guests can taste their distinctive coffee. The highlights of the sanctuary experience include:

• Meeting and interacting with the elephants
• Participating in a mud spa and bathing with the animals
• Exploring the cultural aspects of the Karen village
• Experiencing the unique flavors of Karen coffee

Doi Inthanon National Park Exploration

After exploring the elephant sanctuary, the tour continues to the magnificent Doi Inthanon National Park. Visitors will journey to the highest point in Thailand, the Doi Inthanon Summit, at an impressive 2,565 meters above sea level. They’ll marvel at the Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, a stunning Buddhist monument.

The group will then embark on a 2-hour trek along the Pha Dok Sieu Nature Trail, immersed in the lush, verdant landscapes. The tour concludes with a visit to Mae Klang Luang, where guests can savor the flavors of local Karen coffee. Throughout the day, the English-speaking guide provides insights and ensures a seamless, enriching experience in this natural wonderland.

Local Culture and Cuisine

The tour then ventures into the cultural heart of the region, introducing visitors to the local Karen people. Guests have the opportunity to visit a Karen village, where they can enjoy the unique traditions and way of life of this indigenous community.

The tour also includes a coffee tasting session, allowing travelers to sample the rich and flavorful Karen coffee, which is grown locally in the region’s verdant coffee plantations. Plus, the tour offers insights into the local cuisine, with a delectable Thai lunch set served during the day.

• Visit a traditional Karen village
• Taste Karen-grown coffee
• Explore local cuisine with a Thai lunch set
• Gain cultural insights into the region’s indigenous communities

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it provides hotel pickup and drop-off service, which suggests a small to medium-sized group. The tour’s activities also indicate a group size that allows for personal interaction and engagement.

Can I Visit the Elephant Sanctuary Separately From the National Park?

The tour includes a visit to the elephant sanctuary, which cannot be visited separately from the Doi Inthanon National Park portion of the tour. The full itinerary must be followed as a single package.

Are Photographs Allowed at the Elephant Sanctuary?

Photographs are generally allowed at the elephant sanctuary, but visitors should follow the sanctuary’s guidelines and directions from staff. Respectful behavior towards the elephants is expected to ensure their wellbeing and a positive experience for all.

Is This Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

This tour appears suitable for solo travelers. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it convenient for individual travelers.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch option for this tour. The tour provider offers customizable meal options to accommodate different dietary requirements upon request, ensuring a pleasant and inclusive experience for all participants.

Recap

This full-day excursion to Doi Inthanon National Park and an elephant sanctuary offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers. Visitors can interact with gentle giants, indulge in a mud spa experience, and explore the park’s stunning landscapes, including a waterfall and coffee plantation. The tour also provides an immersive glimpse into the vibrant culture of a local Karen village and a delectable Thai lunch, making it a comprehensive and enriching experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: