Chiang Mai offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural riches. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant local market, scale the unique Sticky Waterfalls, and marvel at the stunning Wat Banden Temple. But the true highlight? Interacting with the majestic elephants that call this region home. This full-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining adventure, discovery, and a deep connection with Chiang Mai’s enchanting charm.

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Key Points

Explore a vibrant local market in Chiang Mai, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of residents and opportunities to sample exotic tropical fruits.
Experience the unique Sticky Waterfalls, a natural wonder with calcified rocks that can be climbed, surrounded by scenic pools and lush greenery.
Interact with elephants through activities like feeding, walking, and bathing, fostering a connection between humans and these majestic creatures.
Visit the Wat Banden Temple, a significant religious site, to learn about the cultural and spiritual traditions of Chiang Mai.
Enjoy a comprehensive full-day tour with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, lunch, and transportation, all included in the $53.32 per person price.

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Full-Day Tour in Chiang Mai

Although Chiang Mai is renowned for its abundance of tourist attractions, the full-day tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Priced at $53.32 per person, the tour lasts 7.5-8 hours and is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

The highlights include a visit to a local market, the iconic Sticky Waterfalls, the serene Wat Banden Temple, and an ethical elephant interaction.

Explore Chiang Mai’s hidden gems, including a local market, Sticky Waterfalls, Wat Banden Temple, and an ethical elephant interaction.

With an English-speaking guide, included lunch, and transportation, it’s an immersive way to experience Chiang Mai’s culture, nature, and wildlife.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

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Tour Pricing and Inclusions

The full-day tour in Chiang Mai is priced at $53.32 per person, offering a comprehensive experience that lasts 7.5-8 hours. The small group size is limited to 9 participants, with hotel pickup included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

| Included Services | Additional Details |

| — | — |

| English-speaking licensed guide | Lunch with local cuisine |

| Admission fees for all activities | Mahout uniforms for elephant interactions |

| Snacks, water, and elephant vitamin balls | Round-trip transportation to/from hotels |

The tour provides an authentic Chiang Mai adventure, focused on ethical animal interactions and culture.

Exploring the Local Market

Where does the tour begin?

The tour starts with a visit to the local market. Guests can explore the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of the market. Stalls brim with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and regional specialties.

Visitors can sample exotic tropical fruits, watch skilled vendors, and enjoy the local culture. The market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Chiang Mai residents.

This experience sets the tone for the day, introducing guests to the authentic side of the city beyond typical tourist attractions. Wandering the lively market whets the appetite for the upcoming culinary delights.

Scaling the Sticky Waterfalls

After exploring the lively local market, the tour heads to the unique Sticky Waterfalls. This natural wonder is known for its calcified rocks that create a sticky, climbing surface. The experience evokes a sense of adventure and wonder:

Carefully ascend the cascading steps, feeling the texture beneath your feet.
Gaze in awe at the serene pool and lush greenery surrounding the falls.
Enjoy the refreshing mist as you make your way up and down the rocks.

The Sticky Waterfalls offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with Chiang Mai’s stunning natural beauty.

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Visiting the Wat Banden Temple

Leaving the Sticky Waterfalls behind, the tour arrives at the serene Wat Banden Temple. This non-touristy site showcases stunning Lanna architecture, with intricate carvings and a tranquil atmosphere.

The guide leads the group through the temple grounds, explaining the cultural significance and history. Visitors admire the scenic countryside views surrounding the temple.

They’ve the opportunity to explore the temple’s interiors, observing the monks at prayer and learning about Buddhist practices.

This off-the-beaten-path experience provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and offers a peaceful respite from the day’s adventures.

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Interacting With Elephants

The tour then arrives at the elephant interaction site, where participants have the chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

The experience starts with feeding the elephants their favorite vitamin-enriched snacks. Next, visitors join the elephants for a supervised walk through the lush forest, feeling the ground shake with each stride.

The highlight is the chance to bathe the elephants at the river, scrubbing their wrinkly skin and playing in the cooling waters. This immersive encounter leaves a lasting impression of the incredible bond between humans and these majestic creatures.

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Although the tour offers an immersive cultural experience, there are certain participant requirements and restrictions to be aware of.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals over 75, and babies under 1 year. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Cash is recommended for incidentals. These guidelines ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, allowing them to fully enjoy the tour’s activities, such as interacting with elephants and navigating the unique Sticky Waterfalls.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this Chiang Mai tour, with an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 35 reviews.

This Chiang Mai tour boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 35 glowing customer reviews.

Guests highlight the tour guide’s exceptional knowledge, friendliness, and organizational skills.

Key tour highlights include:

Authentic elephant interactions in their natural habitat, where participants can feed, walk, and bathe the gentle giants.
Visits to a non-touristy temple showcasing stunning Lanna architecture and scenic countryside views.
Exploration of a local market, providing insights into fresh produce, street food, and rural lifestyles.

Reviewers recommend this tour for an immersive Chiang Mai adventure, emphasizing ethical animal encounters and culture.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is limited to 9 participants. The small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate experience during the full-day excursion.

Is Transportation To/From the Tour Meeting Point Included?

The tour includes round-trip transportation to and from the hotels, so participants don’t need to worry about getting to the meeting point. This is a convenient service provided as part of the tour package.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and halal lunch options. Participants can request their dietary preferences when booking the tour, and the tour provider will accommodate their needs.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Elephant Interaction?

The tour has no minimum age requirement for the elephant interaction. However, it is not suitable for children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and babies under 1 year due to safety and health concerns.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s not suitable for children under 2 years old or individuals over 75 years old due to safety concerns.

The Sum Up

The full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers an immersive experience, blending cultural, natural, and animal-centric elements. From exploring the vibrant local market to scaling the unique Sticky Waterfalls, the tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s charms. Capped off by an encounter with elephants, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors seeking to discover the essence of Chiang Mai.