Day 1 – Arrival in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a lot in common with Bangkok; concrete buildings, traffic and a bustling night life, but there’s also more to Chiang Mai. You’ll notice a more laid-back, reverential atmosphere, strongly influenced by the multitude of sacred temples and shrines. If you have time, it’s worth taking a walk in the balmy evening to the night market where you’ll find plenty of souvenirs. This market is of course largely geared towards tourists, so if you’d like a more authentic experience, we would recommend heading over to Warorot market where you’ll find an assortment of fruits, vegetables, dried fish and even pig heads! In the evening you can relax in your comfortable, central hotel opposite Chiang Mai gate.
Days 2-3 – Visit to elephant nature park & departure
You’ll spend today looking after Thailand’s most famous icon; the elephant. You’ll be collected from your hotel and head to Elephant Nature Park to hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. During this trip you will learn all about the Asian Elephant and the threats they are currently facing. See the proud herd they have become and observe their natural behaviour as they roam freely in the lush green surroundings.
You will get the chance to watch these majestic animals from a viewing platform before walking around the sanctuary to learn about the elephant families. After a delicious buffet lunch, you will head down to the river at the border of the park to watch as these gentle giant bathe and observe them splashing in the river. Early evening you will say your goodbyes to your new friends and head back to Chiang Mai for another night. The following morning your adventure comes to an end and you’ll begin the journey to your next destination.
Meaningful travel
We offer this park as it aids the rehabilitation of the elephants whilst providing education to locals and tourists alike, as well as much needed income to keep these gentle giants in fruit. This park operates a no riding policy and the elephants are encouraged to live in a herd as they would in the wild. We have chosen to support Elephant Nature Park as our Thailand local project through Save Elephant Foundation. For more information about this great cause and how you can help please see our local project page.
Alternative excursions
There’s plenty to do in and around Chiang Mai, whether you’re keen to get hands-on, active or simply soak up local life.
If you love food, you can join a cooking workshop or hop on the back of a vespa for a foodie tour through the back streets, stopping to sample the city’s famous cuisine. Active travellers have the option of river rafting, exploring the surroundings of Chiang Mai on a cycling tour or, for the more adventurous, ziplining through the jungle canopy. If you’re curious about visiting the local hill tribes, we can arrange a one-day trek to a Lahu village.
Speak to your Travel Specialist for advice or take your pick from the options below and add them to your trip.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Elephant Encounters in Chiang Mai - In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In-Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-size trip select our In Style option below.
Vespa Foodie Tour
If you fancy trying some of the local delicacies then this street food tour will give you the perfect opportunity. And to make it more memorable you’ll zip through the backstreets of Chiang Mai on the back of a vespa. You’ll stop at a bustling market and hop between small eateries along the Ping River, finishing the evening at a laid-back local bar with live music. Drinks are included throughout.
Explore Chiang Mai by bike
Discover a different side of Chiang Mai on an easy half-day bike ride. Cycling in a small group, you’ll follow peaceful roads beside the Ping River, passing green countryside, fruit orchards and local villages that show you everyday life in rural Thailand. You’ll pause at a former leper colony, now a rehabilitation centre, and explore the evocative ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, before pedalling back to Chiang Mai.
Lahu hill tribe trek
This full-day trip takes you beyond the city and into northern Thailand’s countryside. With your local guide, you’ll start at Mae Malai Market to pick up fresh ingredients before heading into Huay Nam Dang National Park for an easy walk through jungle-covered hills and mountain views. Lunch is shared in a remote Lahu village, where you’ll get a glimpse of daily life and local traditions. The day ends gently, floating down the Mae Taeng River on a handmade bamboo raft, guided by local Lahu rafters. It’s a relaxed, meaningful way to combine nature, culture and community.