Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

Chiang Mai’s diverse natural wonders beckons adventure-seekers. From elephant sanctuaries to cascading waterfalls and serene river rafting, this full-day excursion promises a captivating exploration of Thailand’s lush landscapes. Discover the conservation efforts at Pon Elephant Thailand, trek to the stunning Mae Wang Falls, and glide down the Mae Wang River on a tranquil bamboo raft. While the day’s activities may seem packed, the careful balance allows travelers to enjoy Chiang Mai’s renowned natural beauty. What makes this excursion truly remarkable, however, is the chance to support ethical eco-tourism initiatives.

This experience made our article of The 15 Top Tours & Experiences In Chiang Mai: Which Is Best?.

Key Points

1. This full-day adventure in Chiang Mai offers a combination of visiting an elephant sanctuary, trekking to Mae Wang Waterfalls, and enjoying a bamboo rafting experience.
2. The elephant sanctuary experience allows for responsible interaction with rescued elephants, including feeding, bathing, and observing their natural behaviors.
3. The scenic drive to the waterfalls showcases local farms, hill tribe villages, and rice fields, providing a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.
4. Exploring the cascading waters of Mae Wang Waterfalls offers a chance to connect with the area’s lush landscapes and natural wonders.
5. The bamboo rafting adventure along the Mae Wang River caps off the day with a thrilling and immersive experience in the tranquil river environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Adventure Overview

This full-day adventure combines several popular activities in the Chiang Mai region, offering visitors an immersive exploration of the area’s natural wonders.

Priced from $53.32 per person, the 9-hour tour includes visits to an elephant sanctuary, waterfall trekking, and bamboo rafting. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now with the pay later option.

The itinerary features hotel pickup, a scenic drive, and the chance to interact with rescued elephants through feeding, bathing, and observing their natural behaviors.

Lunch, drinking water, and towels are also provided.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic drive from Chiang Mai city center to the Mae Wang Waterfalls.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy views of local farms, hill tribe villages, and rice fields.

The next stop is the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, where guests can interact with rescued elephants.

At the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, guests can interact with rescued elephants and observe their natural behavior.

Activities include feeding, bathing, and observing the elephants’ natural behavior.

The day’s adventure concludes with a fun bamboo rafting trip down the Mae Wang River.

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable guide provides commentary and ensures the ethical treatment of the animals.

Elephant Sanctuary Experience

What can visitors expect at the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary?

At this ethical elephant retreat, guests will have the opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures in a responsible manner.

The experience includes:

1. Feeding the elephants nutritious fruits and vegetables.
2. Bathing the elephants in the nearby river, washing away the dust and dirt from their skin.
3. Observing the elephants’ natural behaviors, such as socializing, playing, and roaming freely within the sanctuary’s lush, forested grounds.

These activities are designed to educate visitors about elephant conservation while ensuring the well-being and comfort of the rescued pachyderms.

Exploring Mae Wang Waterfalls

After enjoying an intimate encounter with the rescued elephants at the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, the tour continues with a scenic drive to the captivating Mae Wang Waterfalls.

The group marvels at the lush landscapes, passing by local farms, hill tribe villages, and verdant rice fields.

Upon arrival, they’re greeted by the cascading waters of the Mae Wang Waterfalls, a serene natural wonder.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, taking in the breathtaking views and serene ambiance.

This stop offers a chance to connect with the region’s natural beauty before the next adventure.

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Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Following the scenic drive and waterfall exploration, guests then embark on a thrilling bamboo rafting adventure along the Mae Wang River.

This relaxing experience allows visitors to:

1. Float down the gentle rapids and admire the lush, verdant surroundings.
2. Observe local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, that thrive along the riverbanks.
3. Immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.

The bamboo rafting caps off a well-rounded day filled with cultural and outdoor activities, leaving guests with cherished memories of their Chiang Mai excursion.

Included Services

The included services provide guests with a comprehensive and hassle-free experience. From hotel pickup and drop-off to a knowledgeable guide, the tour ensures a seamless adventure. Meals, refreshments, and even tips for staff are all covered, allowing visitors to enjoy the activities without worrying about additional costs.

| Service | Included |

| — | — |

| Hotel Pickup & Drop-off | ✓ |

| Local Guide | ✓ |

| Lunch & Fruits | ✓ |

| Drinking Water & Towel | ✓ |

| Tips for Staff | ✓ |

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the elephant sanctuary, waterfall trekking, and bamboo rafting, creating lasting memories of their Chiang Mai experience.

Customer Feedback

Guests have consistently praised the Chiang Mai adventure tour, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 3,090 reviews.

Highlights include:

1. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who prioritize the ethical treatment of elephants.
2. Delicious meals and a refreshing bamboo rafting experience.
3. The opportunity to interact with rescued elephants through feeding, bathing, and observing their natural behaviors.

The tour’s focus on providing an immersive, sustainable experience has resonated with travelers, leaving them with lasting memories of their time in Chiang Mai.

Important Considerations

When booking this Chiang Mai adventure tour, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, participants must arrive at the Pon Elephant Thailand Office 10-15 minutes before the tour start time. Plus, the itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or unforeseen events. Lastly, all activities are designed with the ethical treatment of elephants in mind, ensuring they are not forced into any activities.

| Meeting Point | Itinerary Subject to Change | Ethical Treatment of Elephants |

|————–|—————————-|——————————|

| Pon Elephant Thailand Office | Weather or unforeseen events | Activities ensure no forced participation |

| Arrive 10-15 minutes early | Potential itinerary changes | |

Since You Asked

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it’s common for such day tours to accommodate small to medium-sized groups, typically ranging from 8 to 15 participants, to ensure a personalized experience.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan meal options. The provider accommodates dietary requirements and ensures all participants are provided with a satisfying and nutritious lunch during the full-day adventure.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Drone to the Elephant Sanctuary?

Guests can bring their own cameras to the elephant sanctuary, but drones are not permitted. The sanctuary has rules in place to ensure the elephants’ wellbeing and safety, so drone use is restricted.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Bamboo Rafting?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the bamboo rafting activity. However, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour operator may have restrictions based on the child’s size and ability to safely participate.

What Should I Bring/Wear for This Full-Day Adventure?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes and proper walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, hat, towel, and extra clothes for bathing with the elephants. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and a camera to capture the day’s adventures.

The Sum Up

This Chiang Mai adventure offers a well-rounded experience, combining meaningful interactions with rescued elephants, breathtaking waterfall trekking, and serene bamboo rafting. Visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty while supporting conservation efforts and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. This full-day tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore Chiang Mai’s diverse attractions in a responsible and enjoyable manner.

You can check availability for your dates here: