Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Jungle Trek W/ Waterfall

Chiang Mai, the vibrant city in northern Thailand, offers a truly immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. The ‘Elephant Sanctuary & Jungle Trek W/ Waterfall’ tour promises an unforgettable day exploring the region’s natural wonders. From the serene bamboo rafting journey to the intimate encounter with rescued elephants, each activity on the itinerary is carefully curated to provide a glimpse into the local culture and environment. But what truly sets this tour apart is the chance to uncover a hidden gem – a secluded waterfall nestled within the lush jungle. The journey to this enchanting destination is sure to leave you captivated, eager to discover more.

Key Points

• A one-day tour in Chiang Mai offering an immersive experience in the city’s natural wonders, including an elephant sanctuary and a jungle trek to a secluded waterfall.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, Thai lunch, and accident insurance, priced at $1,275 per person for small groups up to 12 participants.
• Participants will enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience on the Mae Wang River, followed by hands-on interactions with rescued elephants at a nearby sanctuary.
• A 30-minute jungle trek will lead to a secluded waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take a refreshing dip.
• The tour concludes with a traditional Thai lunch at a Shan Village, providing an opportunity to experience the unique culinary traditions of the region.

Tour Overview

This one-day tour offers visitors an immersive experience in Chiang Mai’s natural wonders, including an elephant sanctuary and a jungle trek to a secluded waterfall.

Priced at $1,275 per person, the tour is designed for small groups of up to 12 participants. With a flexible payment policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour caters to the needs of modern travelers.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Mae Wang River for bamboo rafting, an opportunity to feed and bathe rescued elephants, and a 30-minute trek through the jungle to a stunning waterfall.

Transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and accident insurance are all included, making this a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel between 8:30-9:00 AM, followed by a 50-minute journey to the Mae Wang River where you’ll enjoy bamboo rafting.

Next, you’ll visit an elephant sanctuary and have the chance to feed and bathe the rescued elephants.

After that, you’ll embark on a 30-minute jungle trek to a secluded waterfall.

For lunch, you’ll be taken to a Shan Village to savor traditional Thai cuisine.

Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Your Chiang Mai adventure begins with a relaxing bamboo rafting experience on the serene Mae Wang River.

Gliding peacefully down the stream, you’ll take in the lush, verdant scenery of the surrounding jungle as your guide navigates the gentle rapids.

This 50-minute journey on the traditional Thai bamboo raft offers a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the river.

The gentle rocking motion and the sound of the water lapping against the raft create a soothing, meditative atmosphere.

This bamboo rafting excursion is the perfect way to start your day and set the tone for the exciting adventures that await you on this Chiang Mai tour.

Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Next, participants venture to a nearby elephant sanctuary, where they’ve the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.

At the sanctuary, they’ll learn about the organization’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate elephants, and they’ll get hands-on experience feeding and bathing the elephants under the guidance of the trained staff.

This intimate encounter allows visitors to observe the elephants’ natural behaviors and form a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.

The sanctuary is committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for the elephants, and the tour showcases their important work in elephant conservation.

Visitors leave the sanctuary with a newfound respect for the elephants and the efforts to protect them.

Jungle Trekking to Waterfall

Following their encounter with the rescued elephants, participants embark on a 30-minute jungle trek that leads them to a secluded waterfall.

Navigating the lush, verdant terrain, they’ll enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the untouched forest. The guided hike promises an opportunity to truly appreciate the serene beauty of this hidden gem, as they make their way to the cascading waters of the waterfall.

The trail winds through dense foliage, offering glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the jungle. Upon reaching the waterfall, participants can take a refreshing dip, or simply bask in the peaceful ambiance, a perfect ending to their immersive nature experience.

Shan Village Lunch

After their jungle trek, participants enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at a Shan Village. The meal, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, offers an authentic taste of the region’s cuisine and cultural heritage.

Participants savor a spread of flavorful dishes, from fragrant curries to freshly steamed vegetables, all while learning about the unique culinary traditions of the Shan people. The lunch provides a chance to enjoy the local way of life, as they dine alongside the villagers and gain insights into their customs and lifestyle.

This wholesome and nourishing meal is a highlight of the tour, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of Thailand’s regional cuisines.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour provides round-trip transportation from participants’ Chiang Mai hotels, ensuring a seamless and convenient start and end to the day’s adventure.

An English-speaking guide accompanies the small group throughout the entire excursion, offering insights and assistance along the way.

Along With the transportation, the tour’s inclusive package covers entrance fees to all the activities, a nourishing Thai lunch, and accident insurance, allowing participants to fully enjoy the experience without additional out-of-pocket costs.

The tour’s inclusive nature and attentive support from the guide enable participants to focus on the remarkable experiences that await them, from bamboo rafting to interacting with rescued elephants and exploring a hidden waterfall.

Exclusions and Considerations

While the tour package includes a comprehensive set of amenities, there are a few notable exclusions and considerations for potential participants. Children under 9 years old are not permitted on this tour, as the activities may pose certain safety and accessibility challenges for younger travelers. Plus, individuals with pre-existing conditions such as back, mobility, or heart problems, as well as those with epilepsy or low fitness levels, are advised against joining the tour, as the strenuous jungle trek and interaction with large animals could pose health risks.

Exclusion	Consideration
Children under 9 years old	Safety and accessibility concerns
Those with back/mobility/heart problems	Health risks from strenuous activities
Individuals with epilepsy	Potential seizure triggers
People with low fitness levels	Challenges during jungle trek
Pregnant women	Risks to mother and unborn child

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Stops Are There During the Tour?

The tour includes 4 stops: a pickup from the hotel, a visit to the Mae Wang River for bamboo rafting, an elephant sanctuary, and a hike to a waterfall before returning to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You cannot bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour package includes a traditional Thai lunch, and all other beverages and refreshments are provided. Participants are expected to enjoy the included meals and refreshments during the tour.

Is There an Option to Do the Tour Privately?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Customers can request a private tour with their own group for an additional fee. This allows for more personalized experiences and flexible scheduling compared to the standard small group tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants. The tour is a small-group experience, allowing for a more intimate and personalized adventure compared to larger group tours.

Can I Request a Specific Pick-Up Time?

The tour allows for hotel pickup between 8:30-9:00 AM. While guests can’t request a specific time, the pickup window provides flexibility to accommodate individual needs. The tour guide ensures a smooth start to the day’s activities.

Recap

Chiang Mai’s one-day tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s natural wonders.

Participants can enjoy a peaceful bamboo rafting journey, interact with rescued elephants, trek through the lush jungle to a secluded waterfall, and savor traditional Thai cuisine.

The comprehensive package includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and accident insurance, making it a convenient and memorable adventure for small groups up to 12 people.

Certain health and safety considerations apply for individuals with specific conditions or limited mobility.