Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary Visit With Waterfall!

Exploring the Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary is an opportunity to take in the captivating world of these gentle giants. The 6-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience, from engaging with a herd that includes a pregnant elephant to discovering the refreshing beauty of a natural waterfall. With a focus on cultural experiences and wildlife encounters, this tour caters to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. But what lies beyond the initial excitement? The true allure of this sanctuary visit becomes apparent as one delves deeper into the interactions and discoveries that await.

Key Points

• Visitors can interact with a herd of 4 elephants, including a pregnant one, at the Elephant Village Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
• The tour includes a short jungle trek to a natural waterfall where guests can swim and relax.
• A local cultural experience with a hill tribe lunch is provided as part of the tour.
• The tour lasts 6 hours and includes transportation, guide, and all necessary equipment.
• The tour is suitable for most visitors, but wheelchair users and children under 18 are restricted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The activity on offer is a Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary Visit with Waterfall, priced from Kč 1,126 per person.

The 6-hour tour is available in Thai and English. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Bookings are made through a "reserve now, pay later" option. The tour starts at Revolution Hostel in Chiang Mai’s Old Town, with transport to the sanctuary taking 80 minutes.

Activities include a guided tour, wildlife viewing, swimming, and a local food experience before the 1.5-hour return trip.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at the Revolution Hostel in Chiang Mai’s Old Town, where visitors will board a van for the 80-minute drive to the Elephant Village Sanctuary.

At the sanctuary, guests will enjoy a guided tour and hiking for an hour, followed by wildlife viewing for another hour.

They’ll then have the opportunity to swim at the sanctuary for 30 minutes and experience a local food experience for 30 minutes.

The tour concludes with the 1.5-hour return transport back to the Revolution Hostel.

Highlights and Experiences

Visitors to the Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary can interact with a herd of 4 elephants, including a pregnant one, during their visit.

They’ll embark on a short jungle trek leading to a natural waterfall where they can take a refreshing swim.

The experience also includes a local lunch with hill tribe members, offering insights into their interactions with the elephants.

Guests can feed the elephants and learn about their care, ensuring an immersive cultural and wildlife encounter.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transport to and from the sanctuary, a local lunch, food for the elephants, a cultural experience, light trekking, access to the waterfall and swimming.

Visitors can bring comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent. Cash is needed for purchases of beverages and souvenirs.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users and children under 18.

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Preparation and Important Information

To visit the Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary, guests should meet at the Revolution Hostel, which is easily identifiable by its large spray-painted elephant.

Travelers should wear comfortable, hiking-ready shoes and bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, and cameras. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.

Guests should bring cash for any purchases and wear clothes that can get dirty. This excursion isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18.

Getting to the Sanctuary

The tour begins with transportation from the Revolution Hostel in Chiang Mai’s Old Town.

The 80-minute van ride takes visitors to the Elephant Village Sanctuary, located in a lush jungle setting.

Arriving at the sanctuary, guests can look forward to:

1. A guided tour and hiking through the natural habitat, spotting the resident elephants.

2. Observing the elephants in their daily routine and interacting with them under the supervision of their caretakers.

3. Enjoying a refreshing swim at the sanctuary’s natural waterfall.

4. Indulging in a local lunch prepared by the hill tribe members who live and work at the sanctuary.

Interaction With Elephants

Guests at the Elephant Village Sanctuary are offered the unique opportunity to directly interact with the resident elephants. During the tour, visitors can feed the elephants by hand, using the provided food.

They’ll learn about the proper way to approach and interact with these gentle giants to ensure the safety of both the elephants and themselves. The experienced guides provide insights into the elephants’ behavior and care, allowing visitors to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between the sanctuary and the elephants.

This hands-on experience is a highlight of the tour, fostering a deeper connection with these magnificent creatures.

The Waterfall and Swimming Experience

After exploring the Elephant Village Sanctuary, visitors embark on a short jungle trek that leads them to a serene natural waterfall.

The waterfall provides a refreshing opportunity to cool off and swim after the day’s activities. The experience offers several key highlights:

1. Access to the base of the waterfall, allowing visitors to swim in the natural pool below.

2. The chance to admire the waterfall’s picturesque setting amidst the lush jungle surroundings.

3. Time to relax and rejuvenate before the return journey.

4. An immersive cultural experience by swimming alongside local hill tribe members.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 18 years old. The itinerary involves light trekking and swimming, so the operator recommends it for participants aged 18 and above to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks for the tour. However, a local lunch is provided as part of the tour package. Beverages other than water are available for purchase on-site.

Is There an Option to Visit the Sanctuary on My Own?

There’s no option to visit the sanctuary independently. The tour package includes round-trip transportation and a guided experience. Self-guided visits are not available, as the sanctuary requires visitors to join an organized group tour.

Can I Take a Ride on the Elephants?

No, guests cannot ride the elephants during this tour. The experience focuses on observing and interacting with the elephants in a responsible, sanctuary-based setting without elephant rides or performances. The tour provides opportunities to feed and learn about the elephants’ care.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses During the Tour?

According to the details provided, there are no additional fees or expenses during the tour, aside from optional purchases like beverages and souvenirs. The tour package includes transportation, local lunch, elephant food, cultural experience, and access to the waterfall.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai Elephant Village Sanctuary Visit with Waterfall is an immersive nature experience that allows visitors to connect with elephants, including a pregnant one, and explore the local culture. The tour includes a scenic van ride, guided jungle trek, and refreshing swim in a natural waterfall, culminating in a local lunch with hill tribe members. It’s an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: