Exploring Chiang Mai’s natural and cultural gems, this full-day tour offers an immersive experience. Trekking to the serene Wat Pha Lat, visitors will admire the monastery’s tranquil beauty. Then, they’ll ascend to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, marveling at its striking golden spires. But the highlight? Interacting with elephants at Pon Elephant Thailand, an ethical sanctuary promoting conservation. With all logistics covered, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Chiang Mai. What secrets await those who embark on this journey?

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Key Points

One-day Chiang Mai tour priced at $50.36 per person, including hotel transfers, English-speaking guide, and all entry tickets.
Itinerary highlights include hiking to Wat Pha Lat, visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and a half-day elephant care experience at Pon Elephant Thailand.
Wat Pha Lat offers a peaceful 40-minute nature trail hike to a temple with a serene atmosphere.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep features a stunning golden pagoda and breathtaking views of Chiang Mai.
Pon Elephant Thailand provides an ethical elephant care experience with direct interaction, including feeding, walking, and bathing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Chiang Mai tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural highlights. Priced from $50.36 per person, the one-day tour includes hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and all entry tickets.

Travelers can look forward to hiking the serene Wat Pha Lat nature trail, visiting the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, and spending half a day interacting with elephants at the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary.

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 321 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Chiang Mai.

Looking for more options in Chiang Mai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights several must-see destinations in Chiang Mai.

Visitors will hike a nature trail to the serene Wat Pha Lat, surrounded by its peaceful ambiance of wooden tunnels, ordained trees, and a tranquil stream.

They’ll then visit the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring its stunning golden pagoda, intricate temple halls, and beautiful statues.

The highlight is the half-day elephant care experience at Pon Elephant Thailand, where guests can interact with the elephants by feeding, walking, and bathing them in a river, while learning about their history and behavior.

Wat Pha Lat

The nature trail leading to Wat Pha Lat winds through lush foliage, offering visitors a peaceful 40-minute hike to the serene forest temple.

Wooden tunnels and ordained trees create a tranquil ambiance, while a calming stream flows alongside the path.

The temple itself features a peaceful atmosphere, with simple yet beautiful architecture that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

A peaceful atmosphere pervades Wat Pha Lat, its simple yet beautiful architecture seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings.

Visitors can take in the serene setting, explore the temple’s grounds, and soak in the calming energy that permeates the space.

Wat Pha Lat provides a serene respite from the bustle of Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Perched atop Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep stands as an iconic temple in Chiang Mai.

Visitors can admire the stunning golden pagoda, intricate temple halls, and beautiful statues. This important pilgrimage site offers breathtaking views of the city below.

Visitors must dress modestly, with covered knees and shoulders, to respect the sacred nature of the temple.

After exploring the temple grounds, guests can descend the 309 steps to the base of the mountain, taking in the serene atmosphere along the way.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pon Elephant Thailand

Pon Elephant Thailand offers a half-day elephant care experience in Mae Wang District, just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai.

This 3.5-hour visit allows visitors to:

Interact directly with the elephants by feeding, walking, and bathing them in a river.
Learn about the history and behavior of Thai elephants from trained professionals.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshments.
Access clean shower rooms and toilets for convenience.

The experience emphasizes the ethical treatment of elephants, with no elephant riding or forced performances.

There's plenty more to explore in Chiang Mai

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a comprehensive package of amenities and services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Hotel transfers to and from Chiang Mai’s city center are provided, along with 1st class travel accident insurance. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, ensuring clear communication.

Drinking water and a delicious lunch are included, as is food for feeding the elephants. Shower rooms and toilets are available for convenience.

All entry tickets are covered, and participants receive a towel and change of clothes. This all-inclusive package allows travelers to fully enjoy the tour’s activities.

Recommendations and Restrictions

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel are recommended to fully enjoy the tour’s activities.

Visitors should also pack sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and a passport copy.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

Children under 2 years
Pregnant women
Individuals with mobility or heart problems
Those afraid of heights

A modest dress code is required for temple visits, with knees and shoulders covered.

The tour prioritizes animal welfare, ensuring no elephant riding and no forced performances.

Customer Reviews

Glowing reviews from past travelers underscore the tour’s exceptional offerings.

A guest from Ireland raves about the "fantastic tour" and "surreal experience" with the elephants, while also praising the "delicious lunch" and "brilliant guide".

An Irish guest raves about the fantastic tour, surreal elephant experience, delicious lunch, and brilliant guide.

A Thailand resident echoes these sentiments, simply stating, "Everything was great! Fun guide."

Another Thailand visitor highlights the "amazing experience with elephants" and "insightful temple visits", along with a "comfortable van ride".

Overwhelmingly positive feedback testifies to the tour’s ability to deliver an unforgettable adventure replete with culture and ethical wildlife interactions.

Since You Asked

How Long Is the Drive to the Elephant Sanctuary?

The drive to the elephant sanctuary takes around 1 hour from Chiang Mai city center. The tour includes hotel transfers, so participants won’t need to worry about the transportation logistics.

Can I Interact With the Elephants at the Sanctuary?

Yes, you can interact with the elephants at the sanctuary. The tour includes a 3.5-hour elephant care experience where you’ll be able to feed, walk, and bathe the elephants in a river.

What Amenities Are Available at the Temple Sites?

The temple sites offer shower rooms, toilets, and drinking water for visitors. Modest attire is required, with shoulders and knees covered. Guests can explore the serene temple grounds and admire the intricate architecture.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The included lunch is provided, but bringing additional provisions is permitted if desired. Snacks and personal items can help make the day more comfortable.

Is There an Age Limit for the Elephant Sanctuary Experience?

The tour has an age restriction – children under 2 years old are not allowed at the elephant sanctuary. Pregnant women and those with mobility or heart issues also cannot participate in the elephant activities.

The Sum Up

This Chiang Mai tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ethical elephant encounters. The itinerary hits key highlights, including a serene hike, iconic temple visits, and an ethical elephant sanctuary, all seamlessly organized for a hassle-free adventure. At just $50.36 per person, it’s an attractive option for those seeking to discover the enchantment of Chiang Mai.

You can check availability for your dates here: