Experience the magic of our half-day trip to the mountains of Chiang Mai. Finish the program with an authentic Thai lunch at the sanctuary. This elephant tour features an elephant jungle hike, a Mahout education session, and a Mahout elephant feeding experience. Learn how to prepare the elephants’ vitamins and supplements.
About this activity
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Tour Pick Up at 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM
Duration 4 hours
You may check online for availability or contact us
Live tour guide
English, Thai
Pickup included
The driver will exit the vehicle and look for the guest at the reception.
Highlights
- Round-trip A/C transportation from Chiang Mai City available (small surcharge).
- Our guest reviews rave about our elephant sanctuary and English-speaking guides.
- Amazing Mahout Experience. 100% ethical and compliant with international standards.
- Mahout Jungle, Prepare the elephant feast.
- Witness the Mahout feeding these majestic creatures.
- Mahout Educational Session
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Mahout Feeding Experience
- Prepare the elephants feast
- Observe elephant swimming
- Hike to the Mae Wang Waterfall
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Shoes
- Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Screen
- Bug Repellant
- Umbrella
- Children under one years
- Wheelchair users
- Visually impaired people
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Pets
- Flash photography
- Riding the animals
NOT INCLUDED
Not suitable for
Important information
What to bring
Not allowed
Tour Overview
There are few things in life that are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our sanctuary will provide just an experience. Spending an awe-inspiring day with these gentle giants is certainly an experience you will never forget.
Premier Elephant Half Day Morning
- Mahout Chat
- Elephant Cooking Class
- Prepare The Elephants Feast
- Observe mahouts Feeding The Elephants
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Lunch In The Mountains
- Free Pics & Vids of The Tour
Premier Elephant Morning Itinerary
The day starts with an optional pickup in Chiang Mai between 8 AM & 8:30 AM. Before we start our day, let’s get comfortable. What exactly are Karen Clothes? Traditionally, most Karen people are farmers who cultivate “hill rice.” They live in villages that are small clearings in the forest. Houses are made entirely of bamboo and thatch. A nearby stream or river may provide a place for villagers to bathe, do washing, and collect drinking water.
The type of traditional clothing worn by men and women varies on marital status: Karen men wear a longyi and a sleeveless shirt (usually red) or a white say plo (men’s dress). Unmarried Karen women wear long white dresses. Married Karen women wear a sarong and sleeveless shirt (usually black)
Now it’s time to prepare the food you will feed the elephants. Elephants eat roots, grasses, fruit, and bark—a lot of them! An adult elephant consumes up to 300 pounds of food daily. Think about that for a moment.
The Mahout interaction during feeding is just amazing. This is a great time to see how the Mahout bonds with the elephants. These gentle giants welcome the interaction and love to be fed.
Think of it this way: These majestic creatures love to eat, especially the special treats the Mahouts will be offering. You will find a kindred spirit with these gentle giants. It really is something special.
It’s time to take a hike with our newfound friends. Just keep in mind we go at their pace, not ours. Feel what it must be like to roam with a small herd of elephants. This is an entirely natural event. The elephants are free to do what they wish.
Stop for a mud bath? No problem. Or maybe a casual walk into the jungle for a light snack. Whatever it is, you will be there to experience this wonderfully natural time in the elephant’s habitat.
Are you looking for a truly authentic Thai experience? You will find that as we offer you an authentic Thai lunch prepared by our local staff. You can’t get more local than this. Now sit back, relax, enjoy yourself, and spend time with your newfound friends while having lunch and watching the elephants.
Elephant Retreat Half Day Morning
What's Included
- Coffee and snacks when you arrive
- Use of Karen clothes (optional)
- Food needed to prepare the elephants feast
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Lunch with the elephants
- Onsite restrooms
- Onsite locker room to store personal items
- Free download of all photos and videos
Items Not Included
- Towels
- Shoes
- Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Screen
- Bug Repellant
- Umbrella
- Transportation (small surcharge)
Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
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GuaranteedThursdayApr 3, 2025ThursdayApr 3, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedFridayApr 4, 2025FridayApr 4, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedSaturdayApr 5, 2025SaturdayApr 5, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedSundayApr 6, 2025SundayApr 6, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedMondayApr 7, 2025MondayApr 7, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedTuesdayApr 8, 2025TuesdayApr 8, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedWednesdayApr 9, 2025WednesdayApr 9, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedThursdayApr 10, 2025ThursdayApr 10, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedFridayApr 11, 2025FridayApr 11, 2025฿2195Available
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GuaranteedSaturdayApr 12, 2025SaturdayApr 12, 2025฿2195Available
Frequently Asked Questions
The half-day morning tour is considered very easy. You will hike into the jungle with the elephants, and this tour is suitable for all ages.
We recommend footwear such as all-terrain flip-flops or sandals. Crocs are another good option. Sneakers are fine, but they will likely get dirty. You can manage in flip-flops; however, certain parts of the trail are better suited for an open sandal with straps.
The travel time to the sanctuary is about 1 hour.
We provide optional air-conditioned cars, SUVs, or vans from any location within Chiang Mai City. There is a small surcharge for transportation; please contact us at (66) 95 560-2569 by WhatsApp, cell, or SMS.
Our tour is suitable for families with young children. If you have children younger than 3, please call/text or WhatsApp us @ 66 95 785-5191 for more information. You may also check out the following webpage, which goes into greater detail: https://sqk.nfa.temporary.site/website_61a7bfef/is-the-tour-suitable-for-children
The Half-Day morning tour is appropriate for all ages.
We have between 4-6 elephants who will participate daily.
Yes, you may book your reservation from this page. To start the booking process, please click “Check Availability.” You will be kindly asked for a deposit to hold your reservation. You may pay the balance in Thai Baht when you arrive at our sanctuary. Please call/text or WhatsApp 66 95 560-2569 with any questions.
The group is typically between 10 and 18 guests per day. You can expect large groups during the busy season. Typically, we have small groups for the Mahout feeding experience. Our full-day or half-day afternoon tours are usually the most popular. Either way, we will maintain a good ratio of guests to elephants to ensure everyone can observe the elephants without distractions.
We need at least two people booked to operate each tour. If the tour you selected is available, then we have already met the required number.
Guests are welcome to bring a one-day pack or a standard check-in-sized backpack.
Our elephant tour will still go ahead if it is raining. Elephants love the rain, and ponchos will be provided. However, if weather conditions threaten to place our guests in danger, the tour may be canceled. If this were to happen, you would receive a 100% refund.
We will email you within 24 hours of your tour date, directing you to your tour photos and videos. You may download pictures and videos free of charge.
We always try to accommodate our guests. Our stated cancellation policy requests that you cancel your booking no less than 24 hours before your tour date. For more information, please visit www.elephantretreat.com to read our cancellation policy.
Yes. You may modify your booking dates at any time, free of charge if you notify us 24 hours or more before your tour date..
We provide a Thai-style lunch with drinks. Please contact us if you have special dietary needs. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we also provide water, coffee, and snacks. Lunch is included in all tours except for the feeding experience.
Yes, 15% of our bookings are with single guests. Everyone is welcome at our sanctuary, single, couples, and families alike.
If you are making the journey alone, please use this link for the proper GPS directions to our camp. This is the only link that will get you to our exact location. https://goo.gl/maps/8mu3ARxtZbyeqDHC6
You will be in the open during part of your journey. We recommend wearing a hat to protect from the sun. Bug repellent really depends on the person and the time of year you visit. Most of the journey is bug-free, but you may encounter some pesky friends during the jungle hike. A small amount of repellent for your feet, legs, and arms is recommended. Depending on the person, you may wish to apply some sunscreen as well.
