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Get to know gentle giants in Northern Thailand

See a different side of Chiang Mai on this short but sweet three-day adventure. From your base in northern Thailand’s most vibrant city, visit the ChiangChill elephant reserve to spend the day hanging out with gentle giants and learning how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free-roaming elephants in the region. Observe the daily patterns of these elephants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with each other. You’ll also visit a Tai Lue to experience their traditional way of life while supporting an important based-tourism project.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Finish
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Destination
Thailand
Style
Original
Theme
Short Breaks, Wildlife
Code
TTAE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Meet elephants in a responsible environment when you hang out with the gentle giants of the ChangChill reserve, watching them eat, relax and socialise.

  • Enjoy a live lecture from local guides to learn more about the elephants, the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area.

  • Get a first hand look at a traditional Tai Lue village when you visit this community-based tourism project, meeting the locals, learning about traditional weaving and visiting a museum.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. You will have the evenings to yourself and your guide can help suggest places to eat and shop.

  • This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

Chang Chill elephant experience in Chiang Mai Thailand
Chang Chill elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai Thailand
Women in northern Thailand weaving together in traditional dress
Passengers at a restaurant on the river at sunset in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Passenger pointing at local street food at a market in Chiang Mai, Thailand
A local leader with two passengers ordering street food in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chang Chill elephant experience in Chiang Mai Thailand
Woman in traditional dress outside a restaurant in Northern Thailand

Itinerary
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Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7pm with your local guide. An airport arrival transfer is included please advise your flight details at time of booking. If you arrive early, head out to explore charming Chiang Mai. The friendliness of the people, the interesting old town bound by moats, and the many fascinating temples enthral travellers from around the world. After the welcome meeting you will have free time tonight. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food in the vibrant night markets – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The complimentary arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel to organise this transfer.

Today is set to be one to remember as you visit the ChangChill elephant reserve – a truly special experience. Drive out to the reserve and learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will give you a live lecture on the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephant’s mud pit, then be treated to lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel and drive out to the Baan Luang Nua village, home to a Tai Lue community, an ethnic group from Xixuangbanna that has held onto its traditional customs and practices. Here you’ll get a first hand look at life in a Tai Lue village, first meeting with a community guide for a northern Thai style welcome ceremony. You’ll then be shown around a traditional Tai Lue house where you’ll learn about cotton weaving and see how a Tai Lue style bag is made. Take some time to explore the village and check out the village’s rice storage facility, which has been transformed into a museum. Try your hand at rice smashing and Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Chiang Mai, arriving mid-afternoon. There is no accommodation included tonight. Perhaps stay in Chiang Mai and explore the city further.
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai-Baan Luang Nue Half Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Mini Bus, Songthaew

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant
  • Chiang Mai-Baan Luang Nue Half Day Trip

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts on day 1 at 7pm with a welcome meeting, the trip finishes on day 3 at approximately 12pm
2. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Thailand and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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