Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

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.

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.

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.