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Elephant Observation & Bamboo Rafting
Activity Overview
Spend a full day immersed in nature with our Elephant Watching, Waterfall, and Bamboo Rafting experience in rural Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, change into traditional Karen attire and explore the rich local culture.
Take part in interactive activities, including feeding the elephants and learning about their fascinating history. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea as you watch the elephants in their natural environment, followed by a refreshing stop at the waterfall.
Try your hand at creating a traditional Thai souvenir, then embark on a peaceful bamboo rafting trip along the Wang River, drifting through forested scenery and listening to the calming sounds of the water. Conclude your day with unforgettable memories to cherish.
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Begin your observation with a convenient pick-up from your Chiang Mai accommodation, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive through stunning rural landscapes featuring flowing mountain rivers, vibrant rice paddies, golden cornfields, and lush banana plantations.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, receive a warm welcome and immerse yourself in the local culture by changing into traditional Karen attire. Expert guides will share fascinating insights into the sanctuary and its magnificent elephants.
Get hands-on experience by preparing nutritious food and snacks for the elephants and feeding them safely from a respectful distance. Learn about their history, behaviors, and daily routines, building a meaningful connection with these gentle giants.
Relax with freshly brewed herbal tea from the village while observing the elephants in their natural environment, watching them forage in the jungle or enjoy playful mud baths.
Take a refreshing stop at the serene waterfall, then create a traditional Thai handmade souvenir to take home as a memento.
After saying goodbye to the elephants, head to the bamboo rafting launch point and enjoy a peaceful float down the Wang River, surrounded by jungle scenery and the calming sounds of nature.
Conclude your day with memories of the joyful elephants at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary as you return to Chiang Mai.
Travel plan
Duration 8-9 hours
08.00 – 08.30
- Enjoy hotel or accommodation pick-up directly from your location in Chiang Mai.
- Travel for around 1.5 hours through scenic countryside, passing mountain streams, rice paddies, corn farms, and banana groves.
10.00
- Upon reaching the sanctuary, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the team.
- Change into traditional Karen attire and attend an informative introduction about the sanctuary and its elephants, led by experienced guides.
- Take part in interactive activities by helping prepare nutritious food and treats for the elephants.
- Enjoy the opportunity to feed the elephants responsibly from a safe distance while learning about their background and natural behaviors.
12.30
- Savor a traditional local meal during your visit.
13.00
- Observe the elephants’ daily activities, including foraging in the jungle, enjoying mud baths, or bonding with the herd—depending on their natural behavior on the day.
- Relax with freshly brewed herbal tea from the village while watching the elephants in their natural surroundings.
- Learn to make herbal medicine balls that support the elephants’ digestive health.
- Take a refreshing pause at the waterfall (note: no elephant bathing here).
- Create a traditional Thai handmade souvenir to take home as a memento of your experience.
14.00
- Leave Joy Elephant Sanctuary and head for a short 20-minute drive to the bamboo rafting starting point. Each raft is guided by an experienced river guide who will lead you safely along the Mae Wang River.
- Glide through the serene jungle landscape, taking in the peaceful surroundings as you enjoy your bamboo rafting experience.
15.30
- After the observation, change clothes and travel back to Chiang Mai on a roughly one-hour drive.
16.30
- Arrive back at your accommodation, bringing your half-day morning elephant observation experience to a close.
***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 – 08.30
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
Ticket
For Bamboo Rafting
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.
- Bamboo rafting is an activity suitable for participants of all ages, though young children and infants should be closely supervised by parents to ensure their safety.
