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Elephant Observation & Authentic Thai Cooking Class
Activity Overview
Take part in an enriching full-day observation with our Elephant Observation and Authentic Thai Cooking Class experience. After convenient hotel pickup, begin the day with a visit to a local market where you will select fresh ingredients used in traditional Thai cuisine.
Guided by a skilled cooking instructor, learn how to prepare a variety of classic Thai dishes, including spring rolls, curries, soups, salads, and stir-fried specialties. Enjoy your freshly cooked meal along with Thai tea and the popular dessert, mango sticky rice.
Later, travel to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and change into traditional Karen clothing before engaging in ethical elephant observation and feeding activities. Relax with herbal tea as you watch the elephants in their natural habitat, take a refreshing break at a nearby waterfall, and create a handmade Thai cultural souvenir before enjoying a local meal and returning to Chiang Mai.
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Enjoy a complete day of cultural discovery with our Elephant Observation and Authentic Thai Cooking Class experience.
The observation starts with a comfortable hotel pickup, followed by a stop at a nearby local market where you will personally select fresh ingredients for the cooking session.
Join an experienced Thai cooking instructor with over a decade of expertise, who will guide you through the preparation of classic Thai recipes. Learn to create seven traditional dishes, including spring rolls, rich curries, flavorful soups, local salads, and stir-fried favorites. Sit down to enjoy your creations, accompanied by Thai tea and the popular dessert mango sticky rice.
After cooking, continue to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, where a warm welcome awaits. Change into traditional Karen attire and take part in meaningful activities such as preparing food and treats for the elephants. Feed the elephants responsibly from a safe distance while gaining insight into their background and natural behavior.
Relax with freshly brewed herbal tea as you watch the elephants move freely in their natural surroundings, observing their daily routines and gentle interactions within the herd.
Take a refreshing pause at a scenic waterfall, then create your own handmade Thai cultural souvenir as a memorable keepsake.
End the day with a tasty local meal before saying goodbye to the elephants at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and returning to Chiang Mai with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Thai culture and elephant conservation.
Travel plan
Duration 10-11 hours
08.00 – 08.30
- Hotel or accommodation pickup within Chiang Mai
09.00
- Visit a nearby local market to choose fresh ingredients for the cooking experience
09.30
- Meet your enthusiastic Thai cooking instructor with over 10 years of experience
- Learn to prepare authentic Thai cuisine during a hands-on cooking session
- Create up to 7 traditional dishes, including:
- Crispy spring rolls served with Butterfly Pea Lime Tea
- A choice of curry pastes and curries
- Thai soups, classic local salads, and popular stir-fried dishes
- Finish the meal with sweet Mango Sticky Rice dessert
12.30
- Depart from the cooking school and travel to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
14:00
- Arrive at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and receive a warm welcome
- Change into traditional Karen attire
- Join an informative introduction about the sanctuary and its elephants led by experienced guides
- Help prepare food and snacks for the elephants
- Feed the elephants safely while learning about their background and natural behavior
- Enjoy freshly harvested village herbal tea while observing elephants in their natural surroundings
- Watch daily elephant activities such as jungle foraging, bathing with mahouts, mud relaxation, and herd bonding (based on the elephants’ natural behavior on the day)
- Take a refreshing break at a nearby waterfall (no elephant bathing)
- Create your own handmade Thai cultural souvenir to take home
17:00
- Enjoy a flavorful local dinner and say farewell to the elephants
17:30
- Depart from Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and begin the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai
19:00
- Arrive back at your accommodation after completing your Elephant Observation and Authentic Thai Cooking experience
***All times listed are approximate, except for the scheduled pick-up times.
Got a Question?
Have questions or need more clarity? Reach out to our expert support team anytime.
Pick-Up Schedule
08.00 – 8.30
What’s included
Transfer
Return Transfer to and from Your Chiang Mai Accommodation
Tour Guide
English – Thai
Meal
Taste of Local Cuisine
Drinking Water
Complimentary Refillable Water
Elephant’s Food
Insurance
Accident Protection
Towel
Ingredients
All essential cooking ingredients are provided
Vegan
Vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu options available
Recipes
Digital recipe e-book included for home cooking
No-Cost Service
Photography
Enjoy an included photography service at no extra charge
Things to Know
What to Pack
- A change of clothing
- Swimwear
- Comfortable sandals or flip-flops
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Personal allergy medication (if required)
Please Note
- Complimentary pick-up and drop-off are available for accommodations located within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old City.
- Pick-ups from locations beyond this zone are subject to an additional transfer fee.
- Guests will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned 12-seat van, with a transfer to a covered 4×4 vehicle for the final 10-minute journey to the sanctuary.
- No prior cooking experience is needed to join the classes at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, making them suitable for beginners, while children aged 5 and above are especially encouraged to participate and enjoy the hands-on experience.
