Chiang Mai 2-Day: Trek, Tubing, Waterfall & Elephant Feeding

If you’re searching for an adventure-packed escape that combines nature, wildlife, and authentic Thai experiences, this Chiang Mai 2-Day Tour offers just that. From exploring secret waterfalls to floating down rivers past elephant sanctuaries, it’s a well-rounded way to see northern Thailand’s raw beauty.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the combination of active exploration and ethical animal interaction, the eco-conscious approach, and the opportunity to stay overnight in the middle of the jungle. Plus, the chance to relax in a luxury pool villa is a nice touch if you want a bit of comfort after a day of adventure.

One thing to keep in mind: the itinerary involves some long, scenic drives and a fair amount of walking, so it’s less suited for guests with mobility issues. This tour is perfect for those who crave genuine interactions with nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and want to support local communities while doing so.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly and community-focused with waste reduction and local support
• Balanced activities: trekking, river tubing, waterfall slides, and elephant interactions
• Comfort options: Stay in a shared jungle dorm or upgrade to a private pool villa
• Authentic wildlife experience with ethical elephant feeding
• Stunning scenery: waterfalls, jungle trails, and river views
• Well-rated guides who are knowledgeable and friendly

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chiang Mai 2-Day Tour

What This Experience Offers

This tour takes you into the lush landscapes of Chiang Mai Province over two days, blending physical activity with moments of serenity and ethical animal care. The journey begins early with a pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel, which is included in the package, making logistics hassle-free. The blend of adventure and relaxation, combined with insightful guides, makes this a compelling option for travelers looking to connect with nature in an ethical way.

Day 1 Highlights: Trek, Tubing, Waterfalls, and Elephants

Your adventure kicks off around 8:00 AM with a scenic drive through Chiang Mai’s outskirts, setting the tone for the day’s natural wonders. The first activity, a guided hike through the Northern Thai jungle to reach the Tard Mok Waterfall, lasts about 2.5 hours. Here, you’ll find yourself in a quieter, less touristy part of the forest, with reviewers noting the trail’s beauty and Bang, one of the guides, as a standout for safety and local knowledge. Mala from the UK mentioned how the waterfall trek was “amazing,” emphasizing how the trail’s verdant surroundings and the waterfall’s secretive charm made it a real highlight.

Following the trek, you’ll enjoy a local Thai lunch at the base camp, which is a good chance to relax and gather energy. The meal is described as fresh and delicious, setting the tone for the afternoon activities.

The next stop is river tubing along the Mae Taeng River, lasting about 1.3 hours. Floating downstream, you’ll experience jungle scenery and even catch glimpses of Elephant Nature Park—an ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants are cared for without riding or bathing. Reviewers like Erin praised their guides Jack and Bang for their attentiveness, with Jack taking care of safety and fun, and Bang creating a friendly, relaxed vibe.

In the late afternoon, you’ll have the chance to slide down natural waterfalls at Saa Gee Waterfalls. These smooth, rock slides offer an exhilarating way to cool off amid the jungle pools. Several reviewers, including Hannah from the Netherlands, mentioned how much they enjoyed the waterfall slide, calling it a “great fun activity.”

An optional elephant feeding add-on is available, costing 500 THB. Many guests, like Patricia from Spain, found this to be a genuine and ethical experience—hand-feeding rescued elephants with plenty of watermelons and learning about their welfare. These interactions are guided, non-intrusive, and focused on animal well-being.

As the day winds down, you’ll shower, unwind with tea and snacks, and enjoy dinner under the stars. For overnight accommodations, you can choose between a shared jungle dorm, described as clean, comfortable, and private with individual pods, or upgrade to a luxurious private villa with more space and amenities like a private pool, Wi-Fi, and smart TV.

Day 2: Relaxed Morning and Return to Chiang Mai

The next morning starts with a breakfast at the base camp, served between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. After packing up, you’ll check out and depart around 10:00 AM, heading back to Chiang Mai. Guests typically arrive in the city between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, with the entire experience spanning roughly 24 hours.

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Why It’s a Fantastic Choice

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Reviewers often highlight how guides like Jack, Bang, and Nine made the experience both fun and informative. Their respect for the environment and animals shines through, making the activities feel authentic rather than touristy.

The scenery plays a big role here—hidden waterfalls, lush jungles, and river views—which creates an immersive feel. The activities are paced well, allowing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The waterproof phone bags and life jackets provided ensure safety and convenience, especially during tubing and waterfall slides.

Accommodation Options & Extras

Guests can opt to upgrade to a private villa for about 3,000 THB, gaining privacy, a more spacious environment, and pool access. Reviewers agree this extra fee is well worth it for those craving more comfort after days full of activity.

Another popular add-on is elephant feeding. Many reviewers, like Noah from the US, appreciated the ethical approach—no riding or bathing, just gentle interaction with rescued elephants. It’s a highlight for animal lovers and those eager to support conservation efforts.

Logistics & Practicalities

Transportation is seamless with included hotel pickup, and the guides coordinate pickups from various locations, making it a stress-free experience. The tour is designed to suit a range of travelers, but it’s best for those who enjoy moderate physical activity and outdoor adventures. The walking involves some muddy trails and water crossings, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Vegetarian meals are available if you request ahead, showing the tour’s willingness to accommodate dietary preferences.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a hat, change of clothes, and cash for souvenirs or tips. The tour emphasizes environmental responsibility, encouraging guests to bring refillable bottles and participate in waste reduction.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see beyond Chiang Mai’s city limits. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic hikes and waterfalls, while wildlife enthusiasts will find the ethical elephant interactions particularly meaningful. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy a mix of activities—trekking, tubing, swimming, and wildlife watching—all packed into two days.

However, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or families with very young children due to the physical nature of the activities and walking involved. If you seek a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the standard dorm stay might feel a bit basic, but the optional villa upgrade is a fantastic way to add comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Chiang Mai 2-Day Tour offers a genuine look into Thailand’s wild side—without sacrificing comfort or ethics. It balances adventure, wildlife conservation, and culture beautifully, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to bond with nature and support local communities.

The activities are thoughtfully planned, with attentive guides who know the land and animals well. The scenery is stunning, and the chance to slide down waterfalls or feed elephants makes it an unforgettable trip. Plus, the eco-conscious approach ensures you’re contributing to sustainable tourism.

For those craving a balanced, authentic outdoor adventure in Thailand, this tour hits the mark. It’s a fantastic way to escape the city, reconnect with nature, and leave with meaningful memories—and maybe even a few new animal friends.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from anywhere in Chiang Mai city is included, and the guides will coordinate the most efficient route.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes or hiking sandals, swimwear, a hat, change of clothes, cash, and a refillable water bottle are recommended. Waterproof phone bags and life jackets are provided.

Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Yes, you can opt for a private villa upgrade during booking for around 3,000 THB, which offers more privacy, a pool, and additional amenities.

Is the elephant interaction ethical?
Absolutely. The optional elephant feeding activity involves rescue elephants, with no riding or bathing—focused on gentle, guided interactions.

What is the difficulty level?
The tour involves some walking on muddy trails, water crossings, and outdoor activities, so a moderate level of fitness is advised.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged if requested during booking or check-in.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 24 to 27 hours, including transfers, with the main activities packed into two days.

This tour offers a fantastic blend of adventure, relaxation, and responsible travel. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife supporter, or simply looking for an authentic Thai experience, it’s a memorable way to see Chiang Mai’s best-kept secrets.

You can check availability for your dates here: