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Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Sanctuary and Pha Dok Siew Trail

Chiang Mai, Thailandby Siam Scape Journeys

  • 11 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Instant confirmation
  • Up to 20 travelers
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guide: Thai, English

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Overview

Make the most of your Chiang Mai trip with a full-day journey combining ethical elephant observation and Doi Inthanon hiking, with convenient hotel pickup in Chiang Mai. Travel through peaceful countryside before meeting a rescued elephant sanctuary in a respectful, non-riding setting. Change into Karen clothing and experience preparing food, feeding them safely, sipping village herbal tea, and observing their natural routines without forced bathing. Enjoy a local lunch, then continue to Thailand’s highest mountain to visit the misty summit, Twin Royal Pagodas, and botanical garden. Hike the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail past forest paths, waterfalls, rice terraces, and a Karen coffee farm. Book now for a memorable day of elephants, culture, mountains, and local life.

What's included

  • Drinking water
  • Basic insurance
  • Inthanon National Park & Twin Pagodas ticket
  • English speaking guide
  • Food for the elephant
  • Photography
  • Round-trip transfer from 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old City area
  • Towel & traditional Karen clothing
  • Local lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Extra food and drinks not mentioned in the program

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Stop 1

    3.5 hours

    Receive a warm welcome, change into traditional Karen clothing, prepare food and snacks to feed the elephants from a safe distance, and sip freshly brewed herbal tea while observing. Cool down beside a refreshing waterfall. Pause for a comforting local meal in the sanctuary’s relaxed countryside atmosphere.

  2. 2

    Doi Inthanon National Park

    2 hours

    Travel into Doi Inthanon National Park as the scenery changes from rural farmland to winding mountain roads and cool highland forest. Begin exploring the slopes and summit area of Thailand’s highest mountain atmosphere create a refreshing contrast to the warmer lowlands below.

  3. 3

    Stop 3

    1 hour

    Admire the Twin Royal Pagodas rising above the mountains, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and take in sweeping highland views, and walk through the Botanical Garden's landscaped grounds filled with colorful seasonal flowers and plants in the cool mountain air.

  4. 4

    Stop 4

    2.5 hours

    Hike through shaded forest, cross streams, and reach a cascading waterfall along Pha Dok Siew Trail. Continue past seasonal rice terraces and Karen village scenery before tasting locally grown coffee at an organic farm.

Meeting and pickup

Guest can come to meeting point by private car, taxi, or other public transportation. Please arrive a little before the scheduled activity time. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the scheduled time, you may be considered a no-show.

Pickup is available for all hotels from 5 km radius within Chiang Mai Old City area. Pick up time is between 6.30-7.00 a.m. The tour operator will confirm the exact pick-up time via email. Please don't forget to recheck your email. Please plan to meet the driver in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled. You may be considered a no-show if you arrive more than 10 minutes late or after the car has moved on from your hotel.

End point

Guest can come to meeting point by private car, taxi, or other public transportation. Please arrive a little before the scheduled activity time. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the scheduled time, you may be considered a no-show.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children’s tickets are available for those aged 4 to 9 years and must be accompanied by their parents.
Show all 14
  • Children aged 0-3 years can join free of charge and must be accompanied by their parents.
  • Please bring changing clothes for the activity.
  • The Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail is a 1-hour moderate hike, suitable for participants with a basic level of fitness. Recommended for children aged 5 and above.
  • We cater to all dietary requirements, food allergies, and intolerances.
  • Customers will travel in a 12-seater, air-conditioned van, switching to a roofed 4×4 truck for the last 10 minutes to reach the sanctuary.
  • All interactions are conducted under the guidance of our experienced handlers to ensure safety for both the elephants and participants.
  • Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, heart disease, and high blood pressure or congenital diseases should be aware that the thin air and cold temperatures at Doi Inthanon may exacerbate their conditions, cause fainting, or lead to unconsciousness.
  • On the rare occasion that we should be required to cancel a tour, we will inform you in advance and offer a different tour date, an alternative tour or provide a full refund.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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