Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

Chiang Mai, the northern gem of Thailand, offers a captivating blend of nature, culture, and ethical wildlife experiences. This full-day tour showcases the region’s highlights – an elephant sanctuary, cascading waterfalls, and serene bamboo rafting. Visitors can enjoy the gentle presence of rescued elephants, witness the stunning beauty of Mae Wang Falls, and glide peacefully down the river, all while supporting conservation efforts. This immersive journey promises to leave a lasting impression on the mind and heart.

Key Points

• This full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers an immersive experience at an elephant sanctuary, including interacting with rescued elephants, and visiting the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfalls.
• The tour is priced at $54.06 per person and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the option to reserve and pay later.
• Highlights of the tour include feeding, walking, and observing the elephants’ natural behavior, as well as a relaxing bamboo rafting experience along the Mae Wang River.
• The tour is highly rated, with an overall score of 4.9 out of 5 from over 3,000 reviews, and is commended for its focus on ethical treatment of the elephants.
• The tour emphasizes responsible tourism, ensuring the elephants’ well-being, and providing an educational experience about elephant conservation efforts.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore Chiang Mai’s natural wonders, including an elephant sanctuary and the stunning Mae Wang Waterfalls.

Priced from $54.06 per person, the 9-hour experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Guests will be picked up from their Chiang Mai accommodations and embark on a scenic drive, leading to immersive interactions with rescued elephants and a relaxing bamboo rafting trip along the river.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on over 3,000 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable, ethically-driven adventure.

Itinerary and Experience

Visitors embark on a scenic drive to Mae Wang Waterfalls, passing local farms and villages along the way.

They arrive at the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary in the jungle, where they interact with rescued elephants. Guests can feed, walk, and observe the elephants’ natural behavior.

Visitors interact with rescued elephants at the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, feeding, walking, and observing their natural behavior.

They then bathe the elephants in the river and enjoy a bamboo rafting trip along the Mae Wang River. A traditional Thai lunch is included, providing a chance to recharge.

Throughout the day, guests experience the elephants’ natural habitat and observe their foraging and interactions in the wild.

Highlights and Activities

The highlight of the tour is spending quality time with elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the majestic creatures foraging and interacting in the wild, as well as have the chance to feed, walk, and bathe with them in the river.

The scenic bamboo rafting experience offers a peaceful float along the Mae Wang River, surrounded by lush greenery. Guests can also relax and take a dip at the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfalls.

Throughout the tour, the focus is on ethical treatment and ensuring the elephants’ well-being, creating an unforgettable and responsible encounter with these gentle giants.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to over 3,105 customer reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5. Guests highlight the guides’ knowledge and passion for elephant conservation, as well as the delicious meals and stunning scenery. Many emphasize the ethical treatment of elephants and safety during activities.

| Reviewer Rating | Percentage |

|—————–|————|

| 5 stars | 92% |

| 4 stars | 7% |

| 3 stars | 1% |

| 2 stars | 0% |

| 1 star | 0% |

The overwhelmingly positive feedback speaks to the tour’s commitment to responsible tourism and providing an unforgettable experience.

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Ethical Treatment of Elephants

As the article notes, all activities in this tour are based on ethical principles, ensuring the elephants aren’t forced into any activities.

The sanctuary carefully selects rescued elephants that can freely roam and engage in natural behaviors. Guests interact with the elephants under the guidance of experienced caretakers, following their lead to respect the animals’ needs and well-being.

Bathing and feeding the elephants are done in a way that prioritizes the animals’ comfort and safety. The tour promotes ethical elephant tourism, educating visitors on conservation efforts and responsible interactions with these magnificent creatures.

Transportation and Meeting Point

For this tour, participants are picked up from their accommodations in Chiang Mai’s city center.

The meeting point is the Pon Elephant Thailand Office, located just 10-15 minutes before the tour start time. This ensures a smooth and timely departure.

Guests should:

1. Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to check-in.

2. Look for the tour guide holding a sign with the company’s logo.

3. Be ready to depart as the tour has a tight schedule to follow.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other events, so flexibility is appreciated.

Flexibility and Itinerary Changes

Although the itinerary is carefully planned, the tour is subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions or other events.

The tour operator give you the best possible experience, so they may adjust the schedule if necessary. This could include altering the order of activities, substituting similar experiences, or modifying the duration of certain elements.

Guests will be informed of any changes in a timely manner. The safety and enjoyment of participants are the top priorities, so the tour remains flexible to accommodate any unexpected situations while ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

What to Bring and Wear

Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for the tropical climate and outdoor activities.

Here’s what to bring:

• Closed-toe, sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and wading in water

• A swimsuit and towel for the elephant bathing experience

• Sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Pack a small backpack or day bag to carry personal items. Bring any necessary medications and drinking water. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Remember to dress in layers, as the weather can vary throughout the day. Following these simple tips will ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience during the Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary and waterfall tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wheelchair Access Available for This Tour?

While the tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility, many of the activities may not be suitable for wheelchair users. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any special accommodations they can provide.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private group bookings, allowing you to customize the experience and enjoy the activities with just your party.

Do I Need to Have Any Special Skills for the Activities?

No special skills are required for the activities. The tour is designed for all experience levels, with guides providing instructions and assistance as needed. Participants can enjoy the activities at their own pace and comfort level.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age or height restrictions for this tour. Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors of all ages can participate in the activities as long as they follow the tour guide’s instructions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, a delicious Thai lunch is provided, so there may not be a need to bring additional food. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Recap

This full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers a unique opportunity to connect with rescued elephants, appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the area, and enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience. With an ethical approach and a range of activities, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and responsible adventure in Northern Thailand.

You can check if your dates are available here: