Chiang Mai: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary & Intanon Hiking

Chiang Mai’s Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and Intanon Hiking tour offers an all-encompassing adventure that immerses visitors in the natural wonders of northern Thailand. Guests can connect with gentle giants, feeding and bathing elephants in their lush habitat, before embarking on a journey to the captivating Doi Inthanon – Thailand’s highest peak. Here, they’ll discover the twin pagodas, verdant botanical gardens, and a picturesque nature trail that showcases cascading waterfalls and rice terraces. With convenient transportation and local cuisine included, this 12-hour experience provides travelers a seamless opportunity to truly appreciate Chiang Mai’s remarkable blend of culture and natural beauty. But the true highlight just might surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Chiang Mai.

Key Points

• The 12-hour tour offers a comprehensive Chiang Mai experience, including an elephant encounter, visit to Doi Inthanon, and exploration of the twin pagodas and botanical gardens.
• Convenient round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai accommodations are provided, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for guests.
• The tour allows visitors to interact with and bathe elephants in their natural habitat, fostering a deep appreciation for these majestic creatures.
• Hiking along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail in Doi Inthanon National Park showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls and mountain vistas.
• The tour includes various amenities, such as a local meal, drinking water, and park admission, providing a well-rounded and inclusive adventure for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The tour duration, spanning 12 hours, allows ample time for participants to fully enjoy the day’s activities.

With a pickup and drop-off service within Chiang Mai City, travelers can conveniently join the tour without worrying about transportation.

The tour also offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing participants the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without any penalties. This considerate policy ensures that guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.

Pickup and Drop-off Service

Complementing the tour’s flexible duration, the pickup and drop-off service within Chiang Mai City ensures a convenient and seamless experience for travelers.

Participants are provided with round-trip transfers to and from their accommodations in Chiang Mai, eliminating the need to arrange their own transportation. This service allows travelers to focus on the immersive tour activities without the hassle of navigating the city’s roads.

Whether staying in a hotel, hostel, or private residence, the tour operator’s reliable transportation service caters to the needs of all guests, contributing to the overall ease and enjoyment of the Chiang Mai adventure.

Elephant Encounter Experience

Feeding, interacting, and bathing the elephants in their natural habitat provide an unforgettable half-day encounter for tour participants. Visitors can hand-feed the gentle giants, watching as they use their trunks to pluck bananas and other treats from their hands.

They’ll then have the chance to interact with the elephants, observing their unique behaviors and personalities up close. The highlight of the experience is when travelers accompany the elephants to a nearby river or mud hole, where they can wade in the water and give the elephants a refreshing bath. This intimate encounter allows guests to appreciate the majesty of these magnificent creatures in their own environment.

Exploring Doi Inthanon

After the intimate elephant encounter, the tour continues with an exploration of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. Visitors will marvel at the twin pagodas, each standing tall and representing the king and queen of Thailand.

The Botanical Gardens showcase the region’s diverse flora, with vibrant colors and tranquil ponds. Hiking along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail, guests will be captivated by the lush rice terraces and cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape. This journey through Doi Inthanon offers a glimpse into the natural wonders that make Thailand a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Majestic twin pagodas
• Lush Botanical Gardens
• Scenic rice terraces
• Cascading waterfalls
• Invigorating nature trail

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Twin Pagodas and Botanical Gardens

The twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri, stand tall and proud atop Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. These golden spires, built in the Lanna style, offer visitors a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Next to the pagodas lies the Doi Inthanon Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis showcasing the region’s diverse flora. Travelers can stroll through the gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers, lush vegetation, and tranquil ponds. This stop on the Doi Inthanon tour provides a chance to take in the natural beauty of northern Thailand and learn about the local plant life.

Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail

Winding through the lush forests of Doi Inthanon, the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail offers visitors a captivating journey into the heart of northern Thailand’s natural wonders.

The trail’s gently sloping paths lead hikers past cascading waterfalls, serene rice terraces, and towering bamboo groves. Along the way, visitors can:

• Marvel at the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges
• Spot vibrant wildflowers and a diverse array of bird species
• Immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the lush, green landscape
• Learn about the local flora and fauna from the knowledgeable tour guide
• Capture breathtaking photographs to commemorate their unforgettable experience.

Included in the Tour

As part of the tour, visitors are treated to a range of inclusions to enhance their experience. The tour package includes round-trip transfers to and from accommodations within Chiang Mai, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights and information throughout the adventure. Complimentary local meals, drinking water, and snacks for the elephants are provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the experience.

Included
Round-trip transfer to/from accommodation
English-speaking tour guide
Complimentary local meal
Drinking water
Elephant food and snacks
National Park ticket
Insurance

The tour also covers entrance fees to the National Park, as well as insurance, providing peace of mind for participants.

Important Information and Pricing

Along With the comprehensive inclusions, there are a few important considerations for this tour. This experience may not be suitable for all travelers, as it isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those over 70 years old.

Guests are advised to bring the following items:

• Swimwear to enjoy the elephant bathing experience
• A change of clothes for comfort
• A towel to dry off
• Comfortable sandals
• Sunscreen and insect repellent for protection

The tour is priced at $58.86 per person, and guests can reserve their spot now and pay later. With these details in mind, visitors can make an informed decision about this immersive Chiang Mai adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group of People?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a group of people. The tour operator offers group rates and flexibility to accommodate different group sizes. Travelers can easily reserve the tour for their group and pay later.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Hiking Portion?

For the hiking portion, you don’t need any special equipment. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a lightweight jacket, and carry a small backpack with snacks, water, and sun protection.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, with some caveats. While the elephant encounter and hiking portions are generally child-friendly, the tour’s overall length and intensity may not be appropriate for very young or highly active children.

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Meal?

Yes, dietary accommodations can be requested for the included meal. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements or restrictions when booking, so the tour provider can ensure the meal meets their needs.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour?

You should book the tour at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability and take advantage of the free cancellation policy. This allows you to plan your trip with flexibility.

Recap

The Chiang Mai: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary & Intanon Hiking tour offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with Thailand’s natural wonders. From feeding and bathing elephants to exploring the stunning Doi Inthanon, this comprehensive 12-hour adventure provides a seamless and engaging way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. With convenient transportation, a local meal, and all necessary fees included, this tour ensures a hassle-free and memorable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: