Chiangmai : Take care elephants+poopaper, sticky waterfalls

This full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers a mix of ethical animal encounters, arts and crafts, and natural beauty. It’s designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist spots—think close-up elephant interactions and the thrill of slippery limestone waterfalls.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the chance to interact responsibly with elephants in their natural habitat, the creative aspect of making recycled paper from elephant poop, and the awe-inspiring scenery of the sticky waterfalls. A possible downside? The schedule is quite packed, so you’ll need to be prepared for a full day of activity. This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of hands-on activities, wildlife, and scenic adventures, especially if you appreciate ethical wildlife encounters and outdoor exploration.

Key Points

• Ethical elephant interaction: Feeding, bathing, and walking with rescued elephants in a natural setting.
• Creative craft activity: Making recycled paper from elephant dung and decorating your own bookmark.
• Unique natural wonder: The sticky limestone waterfalls offer a fun, splashy experience unlike any other.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines meaningful animal care with scenic sightseeing and engaging activities.
• Small group size: Limited to 9 participants, fostering a more personal experience.
• Flexible booking options: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with the ability to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

This tour packs a lot into just 8 hours, taking you through three distinct highlights of Chiang Mai. Starting early, you’ll be at Rich Coffee House, where the adventure begins with a casual breakfast and a quick briefing. The day then unfolds with a mix of fun, education, and relaxation, making it perfect for those who want a well-rounded experience.

The tour emphasizes ethical treatment of elephants—a key concern for many visitors nowadays—and you’ll get to participate in activities that promote their well-being. Meanwhile, the visit to the sticky waterfalls brings a splash of adventure, and the crafting session adds a creative touch to the day.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Rich Coffee House

The day kicks off at Rich Coffee House, a cozy spot open from 7 am, where you can enjoy a homemade cake and coffee. This sets a relaxed tone before embarking on the day’s activities. The guide, Minty, is often praised for her attentiveness—”Minty takes care of all our needs and makes sure we do not miss any fun,” as one reviewer put it. This small-group format ensures personalized attention and a smooth start.

Making Recycled Paper from Elephant Poop (40 Minutes)

Your first hands-on activity involves learning how to make recycled paper from elephant dung—a surprisingly eco-friendly process that highlights sustainability. This workshop is not just fun but also educational, giving insight into waste reduction and creativity. Expect to craft your own bookmark, which doubles as a memorable souvenir. The review from a Singapore traveler notes that this part of the trip was “great fun” and a unique experience.

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Elephant Sanctuary Visit (100 Minutes)

Next, you’ll head to an ethical elephant sanctuary—an environment designed to rescue elephants from overwork and give them space to roam freely. Here, you’ll see elephants in their natural habitats, walk alongside them, and prepare food and medicine balls for them. The interaction is all about respect and care, with opportunities to feed and bathe the elephants in the river—up close and personal. One reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides who explained elephant behavior and conservation efforts, making the experience more meaningful.

Lunch Break in Chiang Mai (1 Hour)

Refueling with a local meal, you’ll have time to relax and share impressions. While the meal specifics aren’t detailed, expect honest Thai cuisine, offering good value after a morning of activity.

Visiting the New Elephant Home (1.5 Hours)

This part deepens your understanding of animal rescue efforts. The guided tour here emphasizes safe, ethical treatment, and you’ll get to see the elephants in a more natural setting. Walking through the sanctuary, the experience feels genuine because it’s focused on animal welfare rather than entertainment. The guide’s attentiveness makes all the difference—one reviewer praised the “very kind and friendly” guide who had everything well-organized.

Exploring the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls (1.5 Hours)

The grand finale is at the Sticky Waterfalls, a natural wonder created by limestone deposits that make the rocks surprisingly climbable. You can splash around, climb the slippery rocks, and enjoy the scenic views on the way there. The experience is described as super fun and relaxing, with many travelers impressed by the unique landscape. Expect to get wet, so wearing swimwear, water shoes, and a change of clothes is highly recommended.

Return to Rich Coffee House

After a full day of activity, you’ll head back to the starting point, reflecting on a trip that combines caring for animals, creating art, and marveling at nature’s wonders.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

This tour is quite packed, so comfortable clothes and sun protection are essential. The schedule’s flexibility is helpful, as you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty, and reserving now with pay later keeps things easy if your plans change.

Transportation is arranged as part of the tour, and small group sizes mean you’ll get more personalized interaction. The tour is conducted in English, with a guide known for her friendly, knowledgeable approach.

What to Bring

• Hat, Sunscreen, Insect repellent for outdoor comfort
• Swimwear, Towels, Water shoes for the waterfalls
• Camera and a change of clothes for after the water activity

Not Allowed

• Pets, Baby strollers, Luggage, Drones, Jewelry, Alcohol, and drugs
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies or over 70 years old.

The Value of This Tour

While the price isn’t explicitly stated here, the activities included—animal welfare, creative craftsmanship, and natural scenery—offer a compelling combination of educational, ethical, and fun experiences. The guided approach ensures you understand the context behind each activity, especially the importance of rescuing and caring for elephants.

The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and allowing the guide to address individual questions. The blend of hands-on activities with scenic exploration makes this tour stand out as a well-balanced day in Chiang Mai.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is perfect for animal lovers and eco-conscious travelers who want to see elephants in a respectful environment. It’s also great for families or groups who enjoy interactive and educational activities, combined with natural beauty. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet engaging day that touches on conservation, crafts, and adventure, this experience fits the bill.

It’s less ideal for those with mobility issues or who prefer quieter, less hands-on activities, given the physical nature of the waterfall climbing and outdoor setting.

Final Thoughts

This Chiang Mai tour offers a meaningful blend of wildlife conservation, creative expression, and scenic splendor. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for elephants and their care, plus a memorable handmade souvenir—your personalized recycled paper bookmark. The sticky waterfalls provide a playful, refreshing end to the day that’s sure to bring smiles and some muddy fun.

The guide’s care and the small-group format make it feel special, offering a genuine connection to the locations visited. While the itinerary is busy, it’s well-paced, with enough variety to keep everyone engaged.

This experience offers excellent value for travelers seeking authentic, responsible adventures with a mix of wildlife, artistry, and nature’s wow moments. It’s most suited for those eager to learn, explore, and get a little muddy in beautiful Chiang Mai.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is great for families, it’s best for kids who can handle outdoor activities, climbing, and water splashes. The experience is educational and fun but involves physical activity.

How long is the elephant sanctuary visit?
The guided elephant sanctuary tour lasts about 100 minutes, allowing plenty of time to feed, bathe, and observe the elephants.

What should I wear for the sticky waterfalls?
Bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes. Expect to get wet and possibly muddy—comfortable, quick-drying clothes are ideal.

Is there any opportunity to buy souvenirs?
The main souvenirs are the DIY bookmarks you create during the paper-making workshop. Additional shopping options aren’t mentioned, but you might find small local stalls at the waterfall or sanctuary.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

Is transportation included?
While not explicitly detailed, the tour typically arranges transportation between the stops, with the small group setting ensuring a comfortable journey.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in English and are known for being friendly and knowledgeable.

Is this experience ethical towards elephants?
Absolutely. The sanctuary focuses on rescuing elephants from hard labor and providing them a safe, humane environment.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full day lasts approximately 8 hours, including all activities, meals, and transfer times.

This tour in Chiang Mai offers a well-rounded, responsible adventure suitable for those eager to connect with nature, animals, and local crafts. It combines meaningful conservation efforts with fun, scenic moments, making it a truly memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: