This special trip is perfect for elephant lovers! You spend time learning basic elephant training, their way of life and elephant bathing. You get to know the elephant men (mahout) who train and care for the animals. You also learn how to cook northern Thai food, explore the local villages, shower in a waterfall and float down the river in tubes and on handmade bamboo rafts. Accommodation at the Spicy Villas is included.
Trip Summary:
Trip code: TJEE | Area: Mae Wang | Fitness level ***
DAY 1
Embark on an unforgettable two-day elephant adventure in Chiang Mai’s serene countryside. Immerse yourself in thrilling water activities, create cherished moments with majestic elephants, and embrace the vibrant culture of local villages.
We’ll pick you up at 9 AM from your chosen location in Chiang Mai city—your accommodation, the airport, or the train station. As we head towards the serene Mae Wang countryside, we’ll make a quick stop at a local market to gather supplies for your stay. You can grab cooking ingredients for the upcoming cooking class and some special treats for our majestic friends.
Next, get ready for some water adventures! We’ll drive to the river, where you’ll experience the joy of bamboo rafting.
After all the fun, we’ll take you to the peaceful Spicy Villa Eco-Loges, where you can drop off your luggage. Here, we’ll prepare herbal balls from scratch for the elephants, and you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious lunch.
Once we’ve fueled up, it’s time to spend quality time with our incredible friends. We’ll venture into the jungle, walking alongside the elephants along the riverbank. You’ll have the chance to bathe and feed them using the herbal balls we made earlier. We’ll also take a moment to relax and rejuvenate at a beautiful waterfall before returning to our cozy Spicy Villa for the evening.
At Spicy Villa, your guide teaches you to cook northern Thai dishes which you sample for a delicious dinner. After dinner, you spend the night in a wooden hillside bungalow.
DAY 2
Rise and shine! We’ll start the day early at 7 am by venturing into the jungle to fetch the elephants from their natural habitat. You’ll have the unique opportunity to walk with them as they make their way to the river for their morning bath and a satisfying breakfast.
After our time with the elephants, we’ll head back to Spicy Villa for a delightful homecooked breakfast to fuel you up for the day’s adventures. Our next stop is a leisurely walk through picturesque rice fields, where you may even encounter local farmers. You’ll learn about traditional Thai farming practices and can lend a helping hand if you’re interested.
We’ll then visit a charming Karen village, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly residents. Your knowledgeable guide, who is a local, will be happy to answer any questions and share insights into their way of life. Depending on the school’s operating hours, we may also visit the village school, where you can contribute by helping the children learn some English.
Next, it’s time to embark on a jungle trek that lasts approximately three hours. The length and route of the trek can be tailored to your preferences, so feel free to discuss it with your guide beforehand. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a beautiful local waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim. We’ll also have lunch here, allowing you to savor a delicious meal amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Then we head back to Chiang Mai.
2 Days*: 4 pers $170 pp | 3 pers $195 pp | 2 pers $220 pp | 1 per $310
Included: English speaking guide, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner and 2 lunches, elephant course, bamboo rafting, river tubing and 1 nights’ accommodation.
Excluded: drinks