Travelers seeking a meaningful encounter with Thailand’s iconic elephants won’t want to miss this immersive 2-day experience in Kanchanaburi. Guests will stay in cozy Thai-style accommodations, enjoy local cuisine, and have the opportunity to observe the elephants’ daily routines up close. From preparing food for the herd to witnessing the majestic creatures bathe and play in the River Kwai, this tour provides a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals. The experience also includes a serene jungle walk and an optional hike for panoramic views – making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- A 2-day package tour to ElephantsWorld in Kanchanaburi, departing from Bangkok, offering an immersive experience with elephants.
- Accommodation in Thai-style cottages and all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) included during the 2-day trip.
- Hands-on activities like preparing and feeding food to the elephants, bathing them in the river, and taking a jungle walk alongside them.
- An optional 1-2 hour guided hike to a nearby mountain summit for panoramic views.
- Round-trip transfers from Bangkok hotels and all taxes are covered, but gratuities and the hike fee are excluded.
Tour Details
The ElephantsWorld 2-day experience in Kanchanaburi includes an overnight stay in a Thai-style cottage, with meals and round-trip transfers from Bangkok hotels provided.
This 2-day program runs from morning to evening, giving guests plenty of time to interact with the elephants. Visitors will observe the elephants bathing, prepare their food, and even feed them by hand.
They’ll also plant new vegetation to provide nourishment for the herd. After making and delivering fruit baskets, guests will bathe and scrub the elephants in the river before walking through the jungle alongside these gentle giants.
An optional hike up a nearby mountain with a local mahout is also available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bangkok.
Accommodation and Meals
As part of the ElephantsWorld experience, guests can look forward to staying in cozy Thai-style cottages and enjoying delectable meals throughout their 2-day visit.
The overnight accommodation includes:
- Charming Thai-style cottages with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms
- All meals provided, including lunch on both days, dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second day
- Refreshing water, tea, and coffee available throughout the stay
The freshly-prepared meals feature local Thai cuisine, ensuring guests are well-nourished for the engaging activities ahead. With the convenience of on-site dining and accommodation, participants can fully enjoy the ElephantsWorld experience without the hassle of additional logistics.
Elephant Observation and Interaction
At the heart of the ElephantsWorld experience, guests have the opportunity to observe and directly interact with the resident elephants in a variety of engaging ways.
Visitors can prepare food and feed the elephants by hand, watch them bathe and scrub themselves in the river, and even walk alongside the gentle giants as they wander through the jungle.
One popular activity is making and offering fruit baskets to the elephants, allowing for a hands-on and rewarding interaction.
The program also includes the chance to plant new vegetation to provide fresh food for the elephants.
Throughout the experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their unique behaviors.
Preparing Food and Feeding Elephants
Visitors to ElephantsWorld eagerly assist in preparing nutritious meals for the resident elephants, meticulously chopping fruits and vegetables to create balanced, wholesome feedings.
Guests:
- Gather and chop various greens, fruits, and roots to include in the elephants’ daily diet.
- Carefully fill large baskets with the prepared foods, ensuring a varied and abundant meal.
- Approach the gentle giants and hand-feed them the nourishing treats, watching their delight as they eagerly consume the offerings.
This interactive activity not only provides the elephants with essential sustenance but also allows visitors to forge a deeper connection with the majestic creatures through the simple act of feeding them by hand.
More Great Tours NearbyBathing and Scrubbing Elephants
Participants enthusiastically wade into the River Kwai alongside the elephants, grabbing brushes and sponges to scrub the giants’ thick, wrinkled skin.
They delight in watching the elephants’ obvious pleasure as the cool water and gentle scrubbing provides relief from the tropical heat.
Scrubbing the elephants’ skin helps remove dirt, dust, and debris, keeping them healthy and happy.
The mahouts guide the elephants as the visitors work, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
After bathing, the elephants trumpet contentedly, their skin gleaming in the sunlight.
Visitors feel a deep connection with these majestic creatures as they work together to clean and care for them.
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Jungle Walk With Elephants
After bathing the elephants, guests embark on a serene jungle walk alongside the gentle giants, following the lead of experienced mahouts.
The winding jungle paths allow visitors to admire the elephants’ natural behaviors as they forage for food and navigate the lush greenery.
Guests can observe the elephants’ keen senses as they use their trunks to identify edible plants.
They’ll witness the elephants’ impressive strength as they move effortlessly through the terrain.
Travelers have the opportunity to walk in close proximity to the majestic creatures, fostering a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals.
The jungle walk provides a unique and immersive experience, offering a glimpse into the elephants’ world.
Optional Mountain Hike
For those seeking an additional challenge, guests can opt to hike up a nearby mountain alongside an experienced local mahout.
The mountain walk offers stunning panoramic views of the lush jungle surroundings and the winding River Kwai below.
The 100 Baht fee per person covers the cost of the guided hike, which takes around 1-2 hours to reach the summit.
Guests should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. The hike can be physically demanding at times, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.
Those who complete the trek will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment before rejoining the elephant activities.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The 2-day ElephantsWorld experience in Kanchanaburi includes a private round-trip transfer from Bangkok hotels, overnight accommodation in Thai-style cottages, admission fees, meals, and water/tea/coffee.
Specifically, the package covers:
- Lunch on the first and second days, as well as dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day
- All taxes
- Access to the ElephantsWorld sanctuary
However, the experience excludes gratuities and the optional 100 Baht fee for the mountain hike. Guests should also note that riding elephants is strictly prohibited, and they must wear closed-toe shoes throughout their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit Elephantsworld Independently Without Booking the 2-Day Experience?
No, one cannot visit ElephantsWorld independently. Exploring the sanctuary is only possible through a structured program. Independent visits are not allowed, and guests must book the 2-day experience to access the elephant sanctuary.
Is It Possible to Extend the Trip Beyond the 2-Day Duration?
It’s possible to extend the ElephantsWorld visit beyond the 2-day program, but guests must book additional nights separately. The standard package can’t be extended, as it’s a structured program with set activities and accommodations.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Activities?
The tour doesn’t have any age or physical fitness requirements. Guests of all ages and fitness levels can participate in the activities, which are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. However, closed-toe shoes are required.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink to the Elephant Sanctuary?
Generally, visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks to elephant sanctuaries. The sanctuary provides all meals, snacks, and beverages as part of the experience. Bringing outside food may not be allowed for the safety and well-being of the elephants.
Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos or Videos During the Experience?
Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the elephant experience. However, flash photography is prohibited as it can disturb the animals. Guests should also avoid getting too close to the elephants while taking pictures.
Recap
This 2-day experience in Kanchanaburi offers an immersive encounter with Thailand’s magnificent elephants.
Guests can observe the elephants’ daily routines, prepare food for the herd, and watch as they bathe in the River Kwai.
The tour also includes a serene jungle walk and an optional mountain hike, providing a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants.
Accommodation and meals are included, making it a convenient and memorable way to connect with elephants in their natural environment.
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