Chiang Mai, the lush northern city of Thailand, offers an exhilarating adventure that blends the thrill of an ATV tour with the heartwarming experience of caring for gentle giants. Visitors can embark on a unique nine-hour journey, seeing the region’s natural beauty while getting up close and personal with elephants at a responsible sanctuary. From feeding and bathing these majestic creatures to navigating the rugged terrain on a 30 km ATV ride and conquering the rapids of the Mae Tang River, this excursion promises an unforgettable blend of excitement and wildlife interaction. The stage is set for an adventure that will leave participants with memories to cherish long after they’ve…
Key Points
- This 9-hour adventure in Chiang Mai combines an ATV tour and elephant care activities, with a maximum of 12 participants and an English-speaking guide.
- Participants can engage in feeding, bathing, and brushing elephants at a responsible sanctuary, as well as enjoy a 30 km ATV ride and a 10 km white water rafting experience.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, safety equipment, and injury insurance, making it a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
- The activity is suitable for individuals with basic riding skills, but not recommended for pregnant women, those with health conditions, or children under 3’9".
- The tour operates year-round, except for April 13-16, and offers a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Activity Overview
This 9-hour activity in Chiang Mai combines an exhilarating ATV tour through the jungle with a hands-on elephant care experience.
The tour is limited to 12 participants and is led by an English-speaking guide. Pickup from any hotel in the Chiang Mai city center is included.
Highlights include feeding, bathing, and brushing the elephants with no chains or hooks, followed by a 30 km ATV ride on varied terrain and dirt paths.
The package also includes a 10 km white water rafting adventure on the Mae Tang river.
Lunch, safety equipment, and injury insurance are all part of the inclusive experience.
Experience Highlights
Participants begin their adventure by interacting closely with elephants at a responsible sanctuary. Here, they’ll have the chance to feed, bathe, and brush the gentle giants, all while observing their natural behaviors in a chained-free environment.
Next, they’ll embark on an exhilarating ATV ride through the lush jungle, navigating varied terrain and dirt paths for 30 km or around 2.5 hours.
The tour culminates in a thrilling white water rafting experience along the scenic Mae Tang River, where they’ll navigate 10 km of rapids amidst the surrounding rainforest.
Each activity is led by experienced guides, ensuring both safety and an immersive cultural exploration.
Inclusions
The tour package includes pickup by an air-conditioned van from any hotel within a 3 km radius of Chiang Mai’s city center. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with drinking water, tea, and coffee. All necessary safety equipment and injury insurance are provided, ensuring a worry-free experience. The knowledgeable guides and their experienced team will lead you through the activities. As an added bonus, you’ll receive ATV photos to commemorate your adventure.
| Inclusions |
|---|
| Pickup by air-conditioned van |
| Lunch with drinking water, tea, and coffee |
| Standard safety equipment and injury insurance |
| Experienced guides and team |
| ATV photos |
Important Information
Cancellation flexibility allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund to participants.
Those joining the tour should come prepared with a change of clothes, camera, sun protection, insect repellent, passport copies, closed-toe shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
The activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems or mobility issues, heart conditions, those under 3’9" (120 cm), recent surgery patients, unfit participants, underage drivers, seniors over 70, or the hearing-impaired.
Children aged 7-15 can join as ATV passengers, while older kids can book as riders or passengers. Basic riding skills are required, as the tour operates year-round, except for the annual holiday from April 13-16.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers enjoy a flexible cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time and receive a full refund.
This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility, ensuring travelers can reschedule or cancel their plans if unexpected circumstances arise.
Whether it’s a change in travel plans or a last-minute decision, the hassle-free cancellation process means travelers can book this Chiang Mai adventure with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized for canceling within a reasonable timeframe.
This added flexibility is a testament to the tour operator’s commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What to Bring
Participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, as the activity involves interacting with elephants and traversing through the jungle on an ATV.
Along With comfortable, closed-toe shoes, it’s recommended to pack a camera to capture memorable moments. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential to protect against the tropical climate.
Participants should also bring a passport, or a copy, and any personal medication they may need. A reusable water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated throughout the day.
These items will ensure participants are prepared to fully enjoy the exciting and unique experience of the ATV tour and elephant care in Chiang Mai.
Age and Ability Requirements
Children aged 7 to 15 can participate in the ATV tour as passengers at a discounted child price.
Those older can book the ATV tour as either riders or passengers. Riders need to have basic skills, like the ability to ride a motorbike or drive a car.
The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility issues, heart conditions, those under 3’9" (120 cm), recent surgery patients, low fitness levels, drivers under 16, people over 70, or the hearing-impaired.
This ensures everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the 30 km, 2.5-hour ATV ride through the jungle’s varied terrain and dirt paths.
Additional Guidelines
The activity operates year-round, except for an annual holiday from April 13-16.
Children aged 7-15 can participate as passengers on the ATV at a child price; those older can book as riders or passengers.
Basic skills required for ATV riding include the ability to ride a motorbike or drive a car.
The activity operates in all weather conditions, so participants should come prepared with:
- Change of clothes
- Camera
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Closed-toe shoes
- Reusable water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own ATV or Elephant Riding Equipment?
This activity does not allow participants to bring their own ATVs or elephant riding equipment. All necessary equipment is provided as part of the tour package, ensuring safety and consistency for all guests.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Weight Limit for the ATV or Elephant Activity?
There are weight limits for the ATV and elephant activities. The ATV has a maximum weight limit of 264 lbs (120 kg) per rider. The elephant activity can accommodate participants between 90-260 lbs (40-120 kg).
Can I Purchase Additional Photos or Videos of the Activities?
Yes, participants can purchase additional photos and videos of the ATV riding and elephant care activities. These optional add-ons can be purchased directly from the tour operator on the day of the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Included Lunch?
There are no specified dietary restrictions for the included lunch. However, vegetarian and other special dietary options can typically be accommodated if requested in advance. The lunch likely includes a variety of traditional Thai dishes.
Is It Possible to Extend or Shorten the Duration of the Tour?
The tour duration can be customized, though the standard package is 9 hours. Participants can discuss options to extend or shorten the experience with the tour operator prior to booking, depending on their needs and preferences.
Recap
This unforgettable Chiang Mai adventure combines the thrill of an ATV tour through lush jungles with the meaningful experience of caring for elephants at a responsible sanctuary. Participants will engage in feeding, bathing, and brushing the elephants in a safe, chain-free environment. The exhilarating journey culminates in a white water rafting experience on the Mae Tang River, offering a perfect blend of excitement and wildlife interaction.