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Elephant Observation & Doi Inthanon Hiking
Activity Overview
Spend a full day on an Elephant Watching and Doi Inthanon Hiking observation, exploring the scenic countryside of Chiang Mai. Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up and a drive through beautiful rural landscapes.
At the sanctuary, change into traditional Karen attire and take part in hands-on activities, including preparing food for the elephants and feeding them safely while learning about their history and natural behaviors. Take a refreshing stop at the waterfall, enjoy a cup of herbal tea while observing the elephants, and create a traditional Thai souvenir to remember your visit.
Savor a local meal before continuing to Doi Inthanon National Park. Take in the cool summit air as you explore the Twin Pagodas and the Botanical Garden. Hike along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail, visit a scenic waterfall, and unwind at an organic Karen Hill Tribe coffee farm before returning to Chiang Mai.
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Embark on a full-day observation combining Elephant Watching and Doi Inthanon Hiking, starting with a pick-up from your Chiang Mai accommodation. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive through rural landscapes dotted with flowing mountain rivers, lush rice paddies, golden cornfields, and thriving banana plantations.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, receive a warm welcome and immerse yourself in local culture by changing into traditional Karen attire. Expert guides will share fascinating insights into the sanctuary and its magnificent elephants.
Participate in hands-on activities such as preparing nutritious food and snacks for the elephants, and safely feeding them while observing their natural behaviors. Learn about their history and daily routines, forming a meaningful connection with these gentle giants.
Take a moment to relax with freshly brewed herbal tea while watching the elephants go about their daily rituals and enjoy tender bonding moments within the herd.
After a refreshing stop at a serene waterfall, try your hand at crafting a traditional Thai souvenir to take home as a keepsake.
Enjoy a delicious local meal before continuing your journey to Doi Inthanon National Park. Experience the cool breeze and mist at Thailand’s highest peak, exploring the Twin Pagodas and the Botanical Garden, which showcase the area’s rich culture and diverse flora.
Set off on a scenic hike along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail, spotting rare wildlife, walking through lush rice terraces, visiting a waterfall, and unwinding at an organic Karen Hill Tribe coffee farm before returning to Chiang Mai.
Travel plan
Duration 11-12 hours
06.30 – 07.00
- 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.
08.30
- 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.
- Sip freshly collected herbal tea from the local village as you observe the elephants roaming freely in their natural surroundings.
- Observe the elephants’ everyday activities, which may include searching for food in the forest, spending time with their mahouts, or enjoying mud baths and social interactions within the herd (activities depend on the elephants’ natural behavior on the day of your visit).
- Refresh yourself with a peaceful stop at the waterfall (no elephant bathing).
- Create your own handmade Thai cultural souvenir to bring home as a keepsake of your experience.
11.30
- Savor a tasty local lunch before bidding farewell to the elephants.
12.00
- Take a 45-minute drive to Doi Inthanon National Park and explore both the slopes and the summit of Thailand’s tallest mountain.
13.00
- Enjoy the cool mountain breeze and mist at the peak, taking in the stunning panoramic views.
14.00
- Visit the Twin Pagodas, which highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage, and stroll through the Botanical Garden, home to a wide variety of colorful flowering plants.
15.00
- Embark on a hike along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail, where you can spot rare wildlife, walk through lush rice terraces, visit a scenic waterfall, and explore an organic Karen Hill Tribe coffee farm.
17.30
- Depart from Doi Inthanon and drive approximately 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai.
19.00
- Return to your accommodation, concluding your Elephant Watching and Doi Inthanon Hiking observation.
***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
06.30 – 07.00
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 Inthanon National Park & Twin Pagodas Ticket
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)
- Warm jacket or hoodie
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.
- The Pha Dok Siew trail is a moderate one-hour hike, suitable for those with a basic level of fitness, and recommended for children aged 5 and above.
