The Happy, Happy Elephant Home
From Chiang Mai airport to Chiang Mai city
Tour Operator: Trunk
Physical rating: Medium, Low
Special diets catered: Vegetarians, Vegans, Most diet types catered
Group size: 1 - 10
Age range: 16-99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Guided tour of the wonderful Chiang Mai city- Learn all about your favourite animals and assist with their care
- Help out with small community development projects
- Spend 5 days in the company of the Lords of the Jungle
- Al meals included
- Guided throughout by one of our English-speaking experts
Itinerary
Day 1
:
Welcome to Chiang Mai city
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.
Day 2
:
Exploring Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 3
:
We're Off to Meet the Elephants!
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 4
:
Projects Day
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 5
:
It's Not All Work, Work, Work!
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 6
:
This Place is so Beautiful!
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7
:
Make The Most of Today
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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!
Day 8
:
It's All Over... or is it?!
Location: Chiang Mai
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)?!
What's Included
-
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
-
Drinks with Meals
During your time at the camp
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Local Taxes
-
Meals – Full Board
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Accommodation
Cmor Hotel in Chiang Mai city
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Airport Transfers at Destination
-
Traditional mahout uniform at the camp
-
Entrance Fees
-
Fully Guided
What's Not Included
-
Spending money
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Drinks with Meals
For meals not at the camp
Got a question? Check out our Q&As
View Q&As Ask A QuestionReviews
Such an amazing experience
01-Apr-2020
Life-changing!
03-Apr-2020
Missing the ele's!
20-Mar-2020
Dates & Availability
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Saturday, Mar 20, 2021
7Nights
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Saturday, Nov 20, 2021
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Saturday, Dec 04, 2021
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