Chiang Mai : Trekking + Elephant Care

Chiang Mai, the northern gem of Thailand, offers an immersive trekking and elephant care experience that’s not to be missed. This small-group tour provides an authentic glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures, allowing participants to observe them in their natural habitat without the intrusion of elephant riding. With round-trip transportation, experienced guides, and safety gear, the tour promises a safe and unforgettable adventure. However, before embarking on this journey, it’s important to understand the tour’s suitability and any applicable restrictions. Intrigued? Let’s delve deeper into the details of this captivating experience.

Key Points

1. The tour offers a 9-hour Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care experience, with a small group size limited to 15 participants.
2. The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and safety equipment, providing an authentic elephant encounter without any elephant riding.
3. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions or low fitness levels.
4. Participants are required to bring specific items, such as a change of clothes, sunscreen, and personal medication, for the tour.
5. The tour may be canceled during the monsoon season from September to October, and the company observes an annual holiday from April 13th to 16th.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 9-hour Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour provides a small group experience, limited to 15 participants. Pickup is included from any hotel in Chiang Mai’s city center, with an 8:00-8:30 AM start time.

The tour offers an authentic experience with elephants, without any elephant riding. The itinerary includes a 4 km or 2.5-hour mini jungle trek. Participants will enjoy a transfer by air-conditioned van, lunch with drinks, and an experienced guide and crew.

Standard safety equipment, injury insurance, and participant photos are also included. However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, those with certain medical conditions, or the visually/hearing impaired over 70 years old.

Included in the Tour

As part of the Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour, participants receive a range of inclusive services and amenities. The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned van, picking up guests from any hotel in Chiang Mai’s city center.

Lunch with drinking water, coffee, and tea is provided. An experienced guide and crew members accompany the small group of up to 15 participants. Standard safety equipment and injury insurance are included. The tour also provides participants with photos as a memento of their experience.

With these comprehensive inclusions, the tour offers a hassle-free and authentic exploration of Chiang Mai’s natural wonders and elephant sanctuaries.

Who the Tour Is Not Suitable for

While the Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour provides an immersive and memorable experience, it’s not suitable for everyone. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8 years, pregnant women, and those with back problems, heart conditions, or low fitness levels.

Visually or hearing-impaired individuals, as well as those over 70 years old or with pre-existing medical conditions, may also find the tour challenging. The trek through the mini jungle can be physically demanding, and the company wants to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Guests should carefully consider their abilities before booking this tour.

What to Bring

Proper preparation is crucial for a fulfilling experience on the Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour. Participants should pack a few essential items to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the day. The tour recommends bringing a change of clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect against the elements. A passport copy and any necessary personal medication are also advised. To stay hydrated, visitors should carry a reusable water bottle.

What to Bring	Reason
Change of clothes	For comfort during the trek
Sunscreen	To protect against UV rays
Insect repellent	To prevent bug bites
Passport copy	For identification purposes
Personal medication	In case of any health needs

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Restrictions

What’re the key restrictions for the Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour? The tour may be canceled during the monsoon season from September to October due to inclement weather. Plus, the company observes its annual holiday from April 13th to 16th, so the tour won’t be available during this time.

There are also restrictions on who can participate, as the tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, low fitness levels, visual/hearing impairments, those over 70, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Participants must bring a change of clothes, sun protection, insect repellent, a passport copy, and personal medication.

Pickup and Dropoff

The tour includes pick-up from any hotel in Chiang Mai’s city center, within a 3-kilometer radius of the city moat, between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. This convenient service ensures all participants can easily join the tour, regardless of their hotel location.

At the end of the day, the group will be dropped off back at their respective hotels, allowing for a seamless and hassle-free experience. The air-conditioned van transportation is included throughout the tour, providing a comfortable journey to and from the elephant care and trekking activities.

This pick-up and drop-off arrangement caters to the needs of the participants, making the overall experience more enjoyable and accessible.

Authentic Elephant Experience

After being conveniently transported to the tour site, you will engage in an authentic elephant experience. They’ll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close, learning about their behavior and natural habitat.

The tour emphasizes an ethical approach, ensuring no elephant riding takes place. Instead, you will witness the elephants being cared for and fed, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for these gentle giants.

The 2.5-hour mini jungle trek allows visitors to enjoy the elephants’ natural environment, providing a truly memorable and responsible wildlife encounter.

Lunch and Safety Gear

Participants’ lunch is included in the tour, featuring a delicious spread of local Thai cuisine. During the midday break, the group will enjoy a hearty meal with drinking water, coffee, and tea.

The tour also provides:

• Standard safety equipment, ensuring the well-being of all participants.
• Injury insurance, offering peace of mind during the adventure.
• Experienced guides and crew members, who are knowledgeable about the region and the elephants.
• Participant photos, capturing the memorable moments of the authentic elephant experience.

Safety is a top priority, as the tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals, such as children under 8, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions or low fitness levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Expected for the Guide and Staff?

Gratuity is not explicitly mentioned in the tour details, but it’s customary to tip local guides and staff for good service. The amount is typically 10-15% of the total tour cost.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the trek. However, lunch with drinking water, coffee, and tea is already included in the tour package, so bringing extra food is optional.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Jungle Trek?

Yes, there are age restrictions for the jungle trek. The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old and those over 70 years old due to the physical demands of the 4 km/2.5 hr trek.

Can I Purchase Additional Photos From the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional photos from the tour. The tour package includes participant photos, but if guests want more, they can purchase additional photos from the experienced guide and crew members.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The 9-hour itinerary is fixed, and the company doesn’t provide a possibility to customize the length of the experience.

Recap

This small-group Chiang Mai trekking and elephant care tour offers an authentic and responsible elephant encounter. Guests can observe the elephants in their natural habitat without riding them. The tour includes transportation, lunch, guides, and safety equipment, though it’s not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or low fitness levels. Restrictions and cancellations may apply, especially during the monsoon season.

You can check if your dates are available here: