One of the highlights of Thailand was my day at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary outside of Chiang Mai. Interacting with these gentle giants should be on everyone’s wanderlist but I highly recommend you do your research before deciding on a camp. Northern Thailand is full of elephant options but we went with one that has NO RIDING- here is one of many articles on why: The Dodo . I am the first to say I have been guilty of being atop these magnificent creatures in both Zambia & India but had my eyes opened when researching for my latest trip.
FULL DAY ITINERARY
8AM– Pick up from your hotel or accommodation.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours outside of Chiang Mai through rural landscapes, agricultural areas, and forested hills.
10AM- Arrive at the Karen village. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the village to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
11AM- Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in their natural home as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
12PM- Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
1PM- Walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
2PM- Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
3PM- Leave the Sanctuary and return to Chiang Mai.
Price: 2,400 Baht or about $72.00 and worth every penny.
