Start: Chiang Mai airport Finish: Chiang Mai city
Duration: 7 Nights
Physical rating: Medium, Low
Special diets catered: Vegetarians, Vegans, Most diet types catered
Tour code: HHEH7
Tour operator: Trunk
Group size: 1 - 10
Age range: 16-99
Tour operated in: English
From: $969 $950
Extra tourhub saving: $19
Our flagship ethical elephant experience is open and ready to welcome visitors looking for an unforgettable, hands-on, active time with some of Thailand's rescued elephants. This experience includes both working with the elephants, the mahouts and the surrounding communities to offer support where and for who it's needed the most.
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
We completely understand that arriving in to a new international airport can be confusing and frustrating so our team will be there to meet you and to transfer you to our hotel in the city. Once checked-in to our lovely hotel we'll meet up again for a drink and an informal chat, the perfect way to get to know each other.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to stay. The perfect combination of where city life meets the laid back Thai attitude. Today we'll head out and explore the backstreets to give you more of a behind-the-scenes discovery. We'll visit temples, markets, artisan stores and join-in with the coffee-shop culture of this wonderful place. This evening we'll take a stroll to the world-famous night bazaar where we can check out the locally hand-made arts and crafts before we sit down for a traditional welcome to Thailand dinner together.
Accommodation: Camp
Today is the day you've been looking forward to for so long, and we promise you won't be disappointed! After a 60-minute transfer in to the jungles we'll arrive at the camp and meet the team. We'll then be introduced to the elephants and receive a run-through of our next 5 days. This afternoon we'll kick-off this surreal day properly by taking the elephants for a swim and wash!
Today, following breakfast, we'll be helping out the staff at the camp with any one of the many tasks that need performing. Farming, repairs, construction; when you're dealing with up to 3-tonne animals there's always something that needs to be done! This afternoon we'll be visiting a local village and getting stuck in to help with any work that needs help with. This is a truly all-encompassing experience and you'll get to experience so many different aspects of life here in a rural part of the country.
Following breakfast we’ll be helping the mahouts with their tasks of cleaning the land where the elephants are kept safe and secure. We’ll also remodel the mud pits as they’re so easily destroyed by these huge, but cuddly, behemoths and anywhere else that needs work. This afternoon, to help us recover from this morning’s activities we’ll be taking an excellent rafting trip down the river – the best way to relax after an active morning.
The land around here is so beautiful and so diverse that this morning we want to show it off in its true glory. We’re going to take a gentle trek through the jungles, pointing out interesting sights, to a special waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing dip. There’s also a chance to grab an inflatable tube and float gently down the river surrounding yourself with the incredible peace and tranquillity. This afternoon we’ll be back on elephant-duty, helping to build enrichment toys and overnight shelters for the animals and their mahouts, before another wonderful dinner.
This morning we’ll head back to a local village to assist with anything they need. Our guides will explain all of the work that’s planned and everything we need will be ready and waiting for us to get stuck in. You’ll really be leaving behind a legacy of your time here, safe in the knowledge that your visit will have had a positive impact on the community. This afternoon, as it’s our last, will be spent with the elephants once again and the best way to do this is by washing and swimming with them in the river. Sadly, in the early evening, we’ll be packing up our things, bidding a sad farewell to our four and two-legged hosts and transferring back to our hotel in Chiang Mai. Once we’re back and checked-in we’ll head out for dinner in a tasty local restaurant for a final night group dinner – the perfect ending to the perfect adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
For those who are only able to commit one week to this visit, we will be saying goodbye after our final breakfast together. Your guide will be with you to assist with any onward travel plans you have and to make sure you’re all set. If you’d like to make this an even more unforgettable adventure, however, why not join us for two weeks (see our listing for the 15 Day Happy Happy Elephant Home)?!
During your time at the camp
Cmor Hotel in Chiang Mai city
For meals not at the camp
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Trunk requires a deposit of 100% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 14 days before departure..
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Yes, there are no hidden costs whilst you're with us.
The hotel that we use in Chiang Mai on arrival is a high 3-star with large and comfortable bedrooms, western bathrooms, air-conditioning, free WiFi and more.
Visa - if required - is not included in the cost of your stay with us. Please contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate for the most current information on entry visa requirements.
We welcome guests from every country on earth so it's likely that you will be with other nationalities.
At least one of our expert guides will be with you from the moment you arrive to the very end of your time with us.
All of our dates are 100% guaranteed so you do not have to worry about the trip being cancelled.
Thailand uses only the Thai Baht. This can be purchased either in your country before travel to Thailand, or at the airport on arrival.
There is a supplement if you wish to have private accommodation. Please note that due to the camp accommodation there is very limited private accommodation and this will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis.
WiFi is free and available at the hotel and the elephant camp. However, due to the rural location of the elephant camp the quality here is a little hit and miss. For low-usage, such as emails and messaging, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card for your phone or tablet. This can be arranged with your guide on arrival if required.
Collection and transfer on arrival in to Chiang Mai are included. This can be from either the airport, the train or bus station.
Flights are not included.
There is no limit to the luggage that you can bring with you.
Tips and gratuities, however apprecaited, are entirely at your discretion and you certianly aren't expected to tip.
Absolutely! However, the minimum age we can accept is 6 years old. We love to introduce children to this part of the world and we guarantee they will be taken extra special care of.
You will reiceve a detailed pre-departure information booklet approximatley 4 weeks prior to your arrival in Thailand. This will include names and address of everything important here in Thailand.
This varies depending on your nationality and the length of time you plan to stay in Thailand in total. Please contact the Royal Thai Embassy in your country for up to date information.
Please contact your doctor, GP or local healthcare professional for up to date information on any required vaccinations.
If you are planning to arrive in to Chiang Mai before the official start date, or you'd like to extend your stay at the end of your stay, please let us know and we will be happy to help with bookings and recommendations.
As we're working outside in relatively hot temperatiures, a medium level of fitness is helpful.
Thailand dresses conservatively and respectfully. When not at the beach, we kindly request that you don't dress like you are. When on the projects please dress in clothing that is lightweight and that you don't mind getting wet and dirty. This topic is covered in more detail in our pre-arrival information document that you will receive once you sign up to join us.
As we're working outside in relatively hot temperatures, a medium level of fitness is helpful. However, you certianly do not have to be fit to join this project and you're welcome to take any breaks that you want at any time of the day.
Currently, due to being able to effectively manage social-distancing, we are limiting the number of participants to 10 until further notice.
03-Apr-2020
01-Apr-2020
20-Mar-2020
Saturday
Places Available
Multiple Room Types Multiple room types available. Choose your preferred room type when you book.
Extra TourHub Saving: $19