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Elephant Observation & Golden Sunrise at Suthep Temple
Activity Overview
Begin the day by watching the sun rise over the famous Doi Suthep Temple, followed by a peaceful monk offering ritual that reflects more than two millennia of Buddhist tradition.
After enjoying a freshly prepared Thai breakfast, visit the lesser-known Wat Doi Supphanyu, admired for its detailed murals inspired by Thai mythology. Walk up to the Chedi to take in sweeping views of surrounding green plantations and countryside.
Continue to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, where you will change into traditional Karen attire and take part in meaningful activities such as hand-feeding the elephants. Relax with a cup of herbal tea while observing the elephants in their natural environment, then cool down at a quiet waterfall nearby. Create a handmade Thai cultural souvenir and enjoy a delicious local lunch before saying goodbye to the elephants and returning to the city
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Begin your morning by witnessing a stunning sunrise at the famous Doi Suthep Temple, located on one of the highest viewpoints in Chiang Mai. Discover the rich 2,000-year heritage of Buddhism and take part in a peaceful early-morning almsgiving ritual.
Savor a traditional Thai breakfast before heading to the quiet and lesser-visited Wat Doi Supphanyu. Explore the temple’s detailed murals inspired by Thai mythology and climb the Chedi to enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding green plantations.
Continue your journey to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, where you will be warmly welcomed and invited to change into authentic Karen attire. Friendly and knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the sanctuary, sharing insights about the elephants and their protected environment.
Take part in hands-on sanctuary activities by helping prepare food and treats for the elephants, followed by feeding interactions conducted at a safe and respectful distance. Learn about each elephant’s background, habits, and behavior while forming a meaningful connection with these gentle giants.
Relax with a cup of locally sourced herbal tea as you observe the elephants living naturally in their habitat. Watch their daily routines, including jungle foraging, playful mud baths, and affectionate interactions within the herd.
Enjoy a refreshing pause at a nearby waterfall surrounded by peaceful nature, then create your own handmade Thai cultural souvenir to bring home as a keepsake.
End the experience with a flavorful local meal, bid farewell to the elephants at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, and travel back to the city.
Travel plan
Duration 10-11 hours
04.30 – 05.00
- Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai
05.30
- Drive to Doi Suthep Temple
- Watch the sunrise from one of Chiang Mai’s highest viewpoints
- Learn about the 2,000-year history of Buddhism
- Discover the spiritual importance of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Take part in an early-morning alms-giving ceremony
- Explore the temple in a quiet, crowd-free atmosphere
07.30
- Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast
08.00
- Visit Wat Doi Supphanyu, a peaceful and non-touristic cultural temple
- Depart Wat Doi Supphanyu and continue to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
10.00
- Arrive at Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
- Receive a warm welcome from the sanctuary team
- Change into traditional Karen clothing
- Attend an informative briefing about the sanctuary and its elephants
- Help prepare food and snacks for the elephants
- Feed the elephants safely while learning about their history and behavior
12.30
- Enjoy a delicious local lunch
13.00
- Observe the elephants’ daily routines in their natural environment
- Watch activities such as jungle foraging, bathing with mahouts, mud play, and herd bonding (based on the elephants’ natural behavior)
- Sip freshly harvested herbal tea from the local village
- Take a refreshing break at a nearby waterfall (no elephant bathing)
- Create a handmade Thai cultural souvenir to take home
14.00
- Depart from Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
- Travel approximately 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai
15:30
- Arrive back at your accommodation after the Elephant Observation experience and Golden Sunrise at Doi Suthep Temple
***All times listed are approximate, except for the scheduled pick-up times.
Got a Question?
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Pick-Up Schedule
04.30 – 05.00
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 Doi Suthep Temple
Alms Offering Set
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.
- Modest dress is required when visiting temples in Thailand. Visitors must cover their shoulders, and garments should reach at least below the knees or to the calf.
