Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant: Nature Walk & Waterfall Trek

Chiang Mai’s "Untouched Elephant: Nature Walk & Waterfall Trek" offers an immersive experience that blends hands-on interactions with rescued elephants and exploration of local hill tribe culture. Visitors can spend a day as a Mahout, feeding and bathing the gentle giants, followed by a visit to a traditional village for a home-cooked Thai meal. The tour culminates in a scenic trek to the breathtaking Mae Wang Waterfall, providing a perfect balance of culture and natural beauty. With a focus on ethical elephant encounters, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Northern Thailand.

Key Points

• This full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers an immersive experience with rescued elephants at a sanctuary, including opportunities to interact with and care for them.
• The tour also includes a visit to a traditional hill tribe village, where visitors can learn about local customs and enjoy an authentic Thai meal.
• After the elephant sanctuary, the tour takes visitors to the scenic Mae Wang Waterfall, where they can enjoy a moderate hike and explore the natural surroundings.
• The tour includes complimentary hotel pickup within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City, though surcharges may apply for locations outside this area.
• The tour is priced at SEK 475 per person and has a duration of 5 hours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Pricing and Inclusions

The activity is priced from SEK 475 per person, with a 5-hour duration.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Hotel pickup is offered within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City, with surcharges for locations outside this area.

The experience includes a guided tour, lunch, and hands-on interaction with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary.

Visitors will also get to explore a traditional hill tribe village and visit the Mae Wang Waterfall.

Guests are advised to bring sun protection and insect repellent, as the activities take place in a natural setting.

Hands-On Elephant Experience

At the heart of this experience lies the opportunity to become a Mahout for a day. Guests will engage in the daily routines of elephant caretakers, including preparing food, feeding, walking, and bathing the gentle giants.

This hands-on interaction allows for a deeper understanding of the elephants’ needs and the importance of their care. The experience takes place at a sanctuary where rescued elephants roam freely, without chains or hooks.

Activities are tailored to the elephants’ preferences, ensuring a non-commercialized, immersive encounter that fosters appreciation for these majestic creatures and their well-being.

Village Immersion and Meals

Though the elephant sanctuary is the centerpiece of the experience, the tour also provides an immersive glimpse into the local hill tribe culture.

Visitors are invited to a traditional village, where they’ll learn about the customs and daily life of the community. A highlight is a home-cooked, locally-sourced meal, giving travelers a taste of authentic Thai cuisine.

This provides a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to not only interact with the rescued elephants but also engage with the people who call this region home.

The village visit offers a non-touristic, genuine cultural exchange.

Waterfall Trek and Exploration

After exploring the elephant sanctuary and immersing in the local village, the tour takes visitors to the nearby Mae Wang Waterfall.

This scenic natural wonder offers a chance to relax and marvel at the cascading waters. Guests can spend an hour freely exploring the waterfall and its surroundings.

The hike to the waterfall is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels. Visitors can cool off in the refreshing pools or simply take in the peaceful ambiance before returning to Chiang Mai.

This segment of the tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending culture with natural beauty.

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Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes complimentary pickup service from hotels in and around Chiang Mai’s Old Town. Pickup is available within a 5 km radius of the Old City, though surcharges apply for locations outside this area. The transfer from Chiang Mai to the elephant sanctuary typically takes 1.5 hours each way. Guests should be prepared for a longer than expected travel time, as the journey can be slightly uncomfortable. However, the time spent interacting with the rescued elephants more than makes up for the minor inconvenience of the transportation.

| Pickup | Duration | Area Coverage |

| — | — | — |

| Free | 1.5 hours each way | 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old Town |

| Surcharge applies | – | Outside 5 km radius |

| Complimentary from hotels | Longer than expected | – |

Packing Tips and Attire

Guests should bring appropriate attire and essentials for the Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant Trek. The experience involves hiking, interacting with elephants, and exploring a traditional village, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must.

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must for the Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant Trek’s hiking, elephant interactions, and traditional village exploration.

Plus, visitors should pack:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the tropical sun.

• Insect repellent to ward off any pesky bugs.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing that can get dirty or wet.

Remember to bring any necessary personal items and be prepared for the moderate level of physical activity required during the tour.

Ethical Elephant Interaction

While the Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant Trek offers a unique opportunity to interact with elephants, the tour prioritizes the animals’ wellbeing and natural behaviors. The sanctuary uses no chains or hooks, and activities are tailored to the elephants’ preferences. As a responsible ecotourism experience, the tour emphasizes ethical treatment and provides an authentic, non-commercialized encounter. This commitment to animal welfare is evident in the following practices:

| Practice | Description | Impact |

|———-|————-|——–|

| No forced interactions | Elephants engage voluntarily | Reduces stress and preserves natural behaviors |

| Rescued elephants | Sanctuary provides safe haven | Supports conservation and rehabilitation efforts |

| Natural habitats | Elephants roam freely in their environment | Promotes physical and psychological well-being |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the information provided, customers have generally responded positively to the Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant Trek. The experience earned an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 59 reviews.

Customers praised the authentic and beautiful experience, as well as the lovely staff and great food. However, some noted longer-than-expected transfer times and an uncomfortable journey, though the time with the elephants was amazing.

The activity’s value for money was rated highly at 4.6/5. The experience seems to offer an engaging, non-commercialized glimpse into elephant care and local life.

• Authentic, beautiful experience

• Lovely staff and great food

• Value for money rated highly

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

There are no age restrictions for this activity. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though a moderate fitness level is required as the itinerary involves hiking and interaction with elephants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Guests can bring their own food and snacks for the activity. However, a traditional home-cooked meal is provided as part of the experience. Bringing additional items is permitted but not required.

Is There a Limit on the Number of People in the Group?

There’s no specific limit on group size, but it’s typically a small group experience. The tour operator can accommodate groups of various sizes, though larger groups may require additional transportation. The exact group size may vary based on availability.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Though the itinerary is pre-set, travelers can discuss customization options with the tour operator. They may be able to adjust the schedule or activities to suit individual preferences, depending on availability and feasibility.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The activity doesn’t currently offer any student or senior discounts. However, group discounts may be available for bookings of 4 or more people. It’s best to check with the provider directly for the latest pricing and any applicable promotional offers.

The Sum Up

The "Chiang Mai Untouched Elephant: Nature Walk & Waterfall Trek" offers an immersive day of hands-on elephant interaction, culture, and scenic exploration. Guests can engage in mahout activities, enjoy a traditional Thai meal, and trek to a picturesque waterfall, all while supporting a sanctuary that prioritizes ethical elephant care. This tour provides a well-rounded experience that blends wildlife, culture, and nature in the beautiful Chiang Mai region.

You can check availability for your dates here: