Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour

Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with rescued pachyderms in their natural habitat. Participants can expect an immersive 7-hour experience, where they’ll prepare nourishing treats, feed, and bathe the gentle giants. This ethically-minded tour also includes a scenic drive, a traditional Thai lunch, and a refreshing swim at the captivating Mae Wang Waterfall. With a near-perfect rating, this adventure promises a memorable and enriching glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures. But what surprises await those who embark on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

1. This 7-hour tour offers visitors the opportunity to prepare food, feed, and bathe rescued elephants in their natural habitat near Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2. The tour includes a scenic 1.5-hour drive, a traditional Thai lunch, and a refreshing swim at the Mae Wang Waterfall.

3. With a 4.9/5 rating from over 2,400 reviews, the tour provides an immersive and ethical elephant experience, focused on observing natural elephant behaviors.

4. The tour is customizable, allowing guests to extend their time at the sanctuary, hike to a viewpoint, or visit local villages for culture.

5. Appropriate attire, such as swimwear and hiking pants, is recommended, and the tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour is a comprehensive 7-hour experience that takes visitors on an ethical and immersive journey to interact with rescued elephants in their natural habitat.

Priced at $41.26 per person, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the sanctuary, and an array of engaging activities.

Guests will have the opportunity to prepare food, feed, and bathe the elephants, while also learning about their care and conservation.

The tour also features a refreshing swim at the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfall and a delicious traditional Thai lunch.

With an excellent 4.9/5 rating based on over 2,400 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Chiang Mai.

Experience Highlights

This ethical elephant care experience immerses visitors in a natural setting, allowing them to prepare food, learn to care for rescued elephants, and walk alongside the gentle giants as they forage through the jungle. Guests will have the chance to bathe the elephants in a refreshing river, observing their natural behaviors up-close. Following the sanctuary activities, visitors can enjoy a traditional Thai lunch featuring fresh, flavorful ingredients before taking a dip in the tranquil waters of Mae Wang Waterfall.

Experience	Details
Prepare Elephant Food	Learn how to make healthy snacks for the rescued elephants.
Walk with Elephants	Observe the elephants foraging and grazing in their natural habitat.
Bathe Elephants	Interact with the gentle giants as you help bathe them in the river.
Lunch & Waterfall	Savor a delicious Thai meal and cool off with a swim at Mae Wang Waterfall.

Itinerary Details

Convenient hotel pickup in Chiang Mai city center kicks off the experience, as visitors embark on the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Pon Elephant Thailand, passing local farms and rice fields along the way.

Upon arrival, guests receive a briefing on Asian elephants and the sanctuary’s background. They then get the chance to participate in making healthy snacks for the elephants.

After that, the fun begins as they get to feed and walk with the elephants in the jungle, followed by bathing them in a natural pool.

Guests also learn to make elephant medicine balls before enjoying a traditional Thai lunch.

The tour wraps up with a refreshing swim at the nearby Mae Wang Waterfall.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, drinking water, and a traditional Thai lunch, as well as food for feeding the elephants. Visitors also receive a towel and a change of clothes to use during the elephant bathing activity.

The tour provides everything needed for a memorable day with the elephants, including:

1. All necessary equipment and supplies for interacting with the elephants, such as buckets and tools for making medicinal balls.

2. Proper attire to stay comfortable and protected during the activities, like swimwear and hiking pants.

3. Convenient amenities like sunscreen and insect repellent to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the elephant sanctuary experience without the hassle of bringing additional gear.

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Important Information

There are certain key considerations for guests to keep in mind when booking this tour.

Children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems aren’t recommended to participate.

Visitors should come prepared with appropriate attire and supplies, such as swimwear, a change of clothes, towels, sandals, hiking pants, a camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

The tour operator emphasizes ethical practices, ensuring that elephants aren’t forced to perform or engage in elephant riding.

Plus, the itinerary can be customized based on the situation, allowing for a flexible and personalized experience.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers consistently praised the well-cared-for elephants, enjoyable activities, and delicious food offered on this tour, highlighting the extraordinary experience of feeding and bathing with the gentle giants. Guests described the encounter as ‘amazing’ and ‘fun,’ with one visitor from Switzerland calling it a ‘refreshing’ experience to swim at the nearby waterfall.

Standout moments included:

1. Preparing healthy snacks and learning to make medicine balls for the elephants.

2. Walking alongside the majestic creatures through the jungle and observing their natural foraging behaviors.

3. Bathing the elephants in the tranquil river, an intimate and calming activity.

Ethical Practices

An important aspect of this Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary tour is its commitment to ethical practices, which sets it apart from other experiences. Visitors won’t find elephant riding or forced performances – instead, the focus is on allowing the elephants to roam freely and engage in their natural behaviors, with caretakers providing them with nutritious food and essential care.

The sanctuary takes great pride in its humane approach, ensuring the well-being of the rescued elephants is the top priority. Travelers can participate in activities like preparing snacks, walking alongside the gentle giants, and even bathing them in the river – all while observing the elephants’ genuine behaviors in their natural habitat.

This ethical approach enhances the overall experience and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Customization Options

Plus, the tour can be customized based on the situation, allowing for a more personalized experience. The tour operator works closely with guests to understand their preferences and adapt the itinerary accordingly, ensuring a seamless and memorable day.

Whether travelers wish to spend more time with the elephants, explore the waterfall in depth, or incorporate other cultural elements, the tour’s flexibility caters to a range of interests and needs.

For example, guests may choose to:

1. Extend their time at the elephant sanctuary to participate in additional activities, such as making medicinal balls for the elephants or learning more about their rehabilitation.

2. Hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Mae Wang Waterfall for a panoramic perspective.

3. Visit a local village or market to enjoy the vibrant culture of Northern Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Elephants?

No, you can’t bring your own food for the elephants. The tour provides the appropriate, nutritious food to feed the rescued elephants. This ensures the animals’ safety and well-being, and aligns with the sanctuary’s ethical practices.

Is There an Age Limit for Participation?

This tour has an age limit – it’s not suitable for children under 2 years old. Pregnant women and individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or other health concerns should also avoid participating for safety reasons.

Are Photos/Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they’re advised to be respectful of the elephants’ well-being and avoid disrupting their natural behaviors. Some restrictions may apply to ensure the animals’ comfort and safety.

Can I Choose to Opt-Out of Any Activities?

Yes, participants can choose to opt-out of any activities they’re not comfortable with. The tour is flexible, and the guides will work with visitors to ensure they have an enjoyable experience tailored to their preferences.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size, though it’s not explicitly stated in the provided information. Most ethical elephant experiences limit group sizes to ensure personalized attention and minimize disturbance to the animals. The exact group size may vary based on demand.

Recap

The Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with rescued elephants in a serene natural setting.

Guests can prepare nutritious snacks, feed, and bathe the gentle giants, while also enjoying a scenic drive, traditional Thai lunch, and a refreshing swim at the Mae Wang Waterfall.

With its high ratings, ethical practices, and customization options, this tour provides a truly memorable and enriching adventure for elephant enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: