Chiang Mai: Full-Day Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour & Trek

Chiang Mai’s Kerchor Elephant Eco Park offers a unique opportunity to take in the captivating world of elephants. This full-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, where visitors can engage in intimate interactions with these gentle giants, including feeding and observing their playful behaviors. Beyond the elephant encounter, the adventure includes a scenic trek to a picturesque waterfall, a tranquil bamboo rafting journey, and a hands-on herbal medicine-making session. With a focus on elephant welfare and environmental conservation, this tour provides a chance to learn about the region’s rich natural heritage. But the true allure lies in the chance to forge a deeper connection with these magnificent creatures and their captivating habitat.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to Kerchor Elephant Eco Park near Chiang Mai, priced at $49.51 per person for a 7-hour tour with free cancellation.
• Activities include feeding elephants, trekking to a waterfall, bamboo rafting, and participating in herbal medicine making.
• Roundtrip transportation from Chiang Mai to the eco park is included, with suggested items to bring such as swimwear and sturdy shoes.
• The tour emphasizes environmental conservation and elephant welfare, with positive reviews highlighting the elephant interactions and scenic views.
• Feedback suggests the need for more comfortable transportation, especially for taller or larger passengers, and potential improvements to the rafting experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour from Chiang Mai is a full-day excursion priced from $49.51 per person, with a duration of 7 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers don’t need to pay immediately – they can reserve their spot and pay later. The tour departs from the McDonald’s at Im Thapae, with a 1-hour car ride to the eco park.

Activities include feeding elephants, watching them socialize, trekking to a waterfall, bamboo rafting, and making herbal medicine for the elephants.

Lunch featuring Thai cuisine and filtered water is provided at the park.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, entry fees, a guide, and necessary equipment.

Itinerary and Activities

After covering the tour’s overview and pricing, the itinerary and activities come into focus.

Kicking off from the McDonald’s at Im Thapae, participants embark on a 1-hour car ride to the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park, where they’ll get to engage in a variety of immersive experiences.

The tour includes:

1. Feeding the elephants and observing their social behaviors up close.

2. A guided trek through the scenic countryside leading to a picturesque waterfall.

3. An exhilarating bamboo rafting adventure down the river.

Beyond these activities, the tour also involves making herbal medicine for the elephants and enjoying a Thai-style lunch with filtered water at the park before the return journey to Chiang Mai.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors can look forward to a delightful array of activities that showcase the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park’s commitment to environmental conservation and elephant welfare. The tour allows guests to play and interact with the elephants, observing their social behavior and feeding them treats. A guided trek through the scenic countryside leads to a refreshing waterfall, while the tranquil bamboo rafting experience offers a peaceful journey down the river. Guests can also learn about the park’s efforts to rehabilitate and protect these magnificent creatures by participating in making herbal medicine for the elephants.

Activity	Description
Elephant Interaction	Play with and feed the elephants
Nature Trek	Hike to a scenic waterfall
Bamboo Rafting	Peaceful ride down the river
Elephant Care	Assist in making herbal medicine

Inclusions and Exclusions

The full-day Kerchor Elephant Eco Park tour from Chiang Mai includes round-trip transportation, entry to the park, a guide, and all necessary equipment for the scheduled activities. However, it doesn’t cover personal expenses like meals outside the provided lunch or any additional purchases made at the park.

The tour includes the following:

1. Roundtrip transportation from Chiang Mai to the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park.

2. Guided activities such as feeding elephants, trekking to a waterfall, and bamboo rafting.

3. Thai lunch and filtered water served at the park.

Any other expenses, such as souvenirs or tips, are the responsibility of the participants.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience focused on the elephants and the park’s eco-friendly initiatives.

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Important Information for Guests

Guests should note the meeting point for the tour is at the McDonald’s Im Thapae, where the roundtrip transportation to the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park departs.

They’ll want to come prepared with swimwear, a change of clothes, towels, flip-flops, insect repellent, and proper footwear, as the activities involve water and trekking.

Pets, weapons, and sharp objects aren’t allowed on the tour.

The full-day excursion provides ample opportunities to get up close with the elephants, trek to a scenic waterfall, and enjoy a bamboo rafting experience.

Reviewers have praised the elephant interactions but noted the transportation could be more comfortable.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 76 reviews. Guests have generally praised the opportunity to interact with the elephants and enjoy the scenic views, but some have criticized the comfort of the transportation and the rafting experience.

The positive feedback highlights three key aspects of the tour:

1. The ability to play with the elephants and observe their behavior up close.

2. The picturesque trek to the waterfall through the countryside.

3. The overall educational experience about the Eco Park’s role in elephant protection.

While the tour received overwhelmingly positive reviews, some customers suggested that air-conditioned transportation options and a more enjoyable rafting experience could further improve the overall tour.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

While the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park tour departs from McDonald’s Im Thapae in Chiang Mai, guests are advised to bring a few essential items for the day-long excursion.

It’s recommended to pack swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and flip-flops to ensure comfort during water-based activities like bamboo rafting. Sturdy sports shoes are a must for the guided trek to the waterfall. Insect repellent is also a good idea to ward off any pesky mosquitoes.

Visitors should leave pets, weapons, and sharp objects at home, as these aren’t permitted on the tour. With the right gear, guests can fully enjoy the Eco Park’s serene natural surroundings and unforgettable elephant encounters.

Transportation Options and Comfort

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Chiang Mai to the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park, with a 1-hour car ride each way.

However, some customers have provided feedback regarding the comfort level of the transportation provided. While the majority of reviewers were satisfied, a few noted areas for improvement:

1. The vehicles used for transportation could benefit from more comfortable seating and better air conditioning, especially during the warmer months.

2. Longer journeys may feel cramped for taller or larger passengers.

3. Some customers would have appreciated having the option to upgrade to a more premium transportation experience for added comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour’s dress code requires comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Guests should also bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes as some activities involve getting wet. Insect repellent is recommended for the outdoor activities.

Are There Any Medical or Health Requirements to Participate?

Participants must be in good health to join the tour. There are no specific medical requirements, but visitors with injuries, disabilities, or health conditions should check with the tour operator before booking. Caution is advised for those with physical limitations.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a Thai lunch at the park, but bringing extra snacks or dietary items is allowed and can provide more flexibility during the day’s activities.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Transportation?

Yes, there may be an option to upgrade the transportation. Many tour operators offer air-conditioned vehicles or private car services for an additional fee. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider about any available transportation upgrades.

How Do I Identify the Tour Guide on the Day?

The tour guide will be wearing a tribal shirt provided by the eco park. They’ll meet you at the designated meeting point and introduce themselves before the tour begins. Look for someone with the park’s logo on their shirt.

Recap

The Chiang Mai: Full-Day Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour & Trek offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with elephants, explore the natural beauty of the region, and learn about traditional herbal medicine.

With a focus on elephant welfare and environmental conservation, this tour promises a unique and educational day in the heart of northern Thailand.

You can check if your dates are available here: