Description
Starts: Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ends: Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
We’ve dedicated our lives to aid NGOs and private, elephant-based projects across Thailand and will continue to do so as long as it needs to be done. Whilst there is no single set approach that all projects must follow, we have undertaken hours upon hours of due-diligence to ensure that the projects we support offer the right mixture of healthcare, support, exercise and love for these majestic beasts. This tour has been designed to show you three of the most common elephant project-types in Thailand. At each location, you will be educated as to why this project exists, its primary goals and objectives and how your money supports the work that happens. At the end of your time with each of the projects, we’ll hold a group Q&A to discuss your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. The reason that this tour has been created is that there is so much media coverage of elephants in Thailand, we feel to give you a completely non-biased overview of the three most common types of project will allow you to make up your own mind on this very emotive subject. You will leave the tour very well informed and can then make up your own mind, rather than be led by what you might read or see across social media.
TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
Every day on this project is unbelievable and unforgettable – guaranteed! We’ve packed so much in to this that you’ll be exhausted! Here’s a few snippets to get you even more excited!
- If you arrive into Chiang Mai international airport on the tour start date, we’ll arrange for you to be met and transferred to the guesthouse to start your adventure
- Daily support from our award-winning team of coordinators
- Three nights bed & breakfast in stunning central Chiang Mai
- Guided tour of amazing Chiang Mai including an official welcome meal
- In-depth orientation on the morning of day two
- Overnight stay inside the Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary – wake up to elephants outside your window!
- VIP coach transfer from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
- Overnight accommodation within the Chiang Rai
- Flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok
- Two nights stay in Bangkok including guided city tour and Bangkok meal
- Train or coach transfer from Bangkok to Surin
- Overnight in Surin central hotel
- Two nights in the elephant village with an elephant in your garden!
- Coach/minibus transfer to Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Three nights in Siem Reap hotel
- Unforgettable tour of Angkor Wat starting with sunrise
- Guided bike tour of Siem Reap
- Donations to all of the elephant projects to support the sustainability and care of the animals
- A whole heap more very special stuff!
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
CHIANG MAI CITY: Very comfortable guesthouse in the city centre that’s even got a swimming pool! Breakfast is included here. Free WiFi, hot water in western bathrooms and walking distance to all good amenities. We’ll also treat you to a traditional Thai welcome meal!
CHIANG MAI ELEPHANTS: Basic, genuine hill tribe-style accommodation in huts that overlook the elephants foraging land. Shared bathroom. Fans and bedding supplied. All meals are included during your stay here.
CHIANG RAI CITY: Another comfortable guesthouse including breakfast, Free WiFi, hot water in western bathrooms and excellent location, close to all amenities.
CHIANG RAI ELEPHANTS: Living in a purpose built accommodation house within the sanctuary. Wake up and have your coffee as you watch the elephants foraging in the jungle. Basic but comfortable with fans and bedding supplied. Hot water in western bathrooms. All meals included during your stay here.
BANGKOK: Two nights here in an excellent guesthouse accommodation in the heart of one of Bangkok’s most popular areas. Breakfast included. Free WiFi, western bathroom, hot water, A/C, TV, fridge. Twin or triple share. There’s also another slap-up Thai welcome meal included!
SURIN CITY: Very comfortable houses rented from the local community. Each house has several bedrooms sleeping up to 4 per room in single beds. Several western bathrooms in each house. Fully equipped kitchens and in close walking proximity to restaurants, shops, markets, bars and more.
ELEPHANT VILLAGE: Live in a traditional Thai homestay from Monday to Friday. All meals included. Bedrooms are basic but comfortable. WiFi is available during set times. There are also small shops in the village.
SIEM REAP: Very comfortable guesthouse with air-con, breakfast, Free WiFi, swimming pool and just a short walk to the centre of the town.
INCLUDES
- All accommodation
- All in-country transport
- 24/7 support from our guides
- All tour activities
- Heaps of meals!
- Project donation and supplies
ITINERARY
DAY ONE:
So here it begins…. Arrival Day… you’re first step on the road to the very best elephant experience you’ll have, ever!
Let our award-winning team of guides collect you on arrival at Chiang Mai international airport and transfer you to the starting point, our very comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Chiang Mai city. You’ll have the chance to rest up, get showered and if you arrive early enough, have chance to get out and explore. This evening there’s an informal get-together of those who’ve already arrived; the perfect way to get to know your fellow intrepid elephant-heads!
ACCOMMODATION: centrally located guesthouse
MEALS INCLUDED: none
DAY TWO:
After a filling breakfast our team will sit you down and go through the trip schedule with you. We’ll explain the rules of the road and how to make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles.
With your head still spinning from all of the amazing information you’re digesting, we’ll lead you off on a tour of this historic and ancient city. Chiang Mai is a stunning location from which to start this tour and it wouldn’t be fair to you if we didn’t show the sites!
This evening we’ll head in to the city and to the famous night market for a traditional northern Thai welcome meal and a few drinks.
ACCOMMODATION: centrally located guesthouse
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, dinner
DAY THREE and DAY FOUR
It’s about to get real! Today we’ll be transferring to elephant point 1; an incredible sanctuary located approximately 45 minutes from Chiang Mai city. On arrival you’ll be shown to your accommodation and have a chance to get yourself sorted before we introduce you to the team who will be accompanying us. You’ll have an in depth talk about the park and be educated on how and why this place operates. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to interact with the elephants although there is no riding at any of our projects.
During your time here all of your meals are included. Your accommodation is basic but comfortable and in the winter months (December to February) the nights can get cold, so please consider this when packing.
All bedding and mosquito nets are included for your comfort.
In the afternoon of Day four we’ll leave the sanctuary and head back to Chiang Mai. This evening will be your free time to do as you please. Our team will give you ideas and advice on places to visit depending on what you want to get up too – just be good!
ACCOMMODATION: basic homestay accommodation within the sanctuary
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY FOUR
ACCOMMODATION: centrally located guesthouse
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
DAY FIVE and DAY SIX
After brekkie, we’ll be saying goodbye to Chiang Mai and heading north east to the laid-back city of Chiang Rai. This journey is beautiful as we weave a path through the mountains in a very comfortable VIP bus. The journey takes approximately 3-4hours and on arrival we’ll transfer directly to the next elephant sanctuary.
This sanctuary is very different to Chiang Mai as there is almost zero interaction with the elephants. The sanctuary is purpose-built on land specially prepared for the elephants. Here the elephants are allowed to roam and forage for themselves, under the professional eye of the mahout.
On arrival you’ll receive lunch followed by an introductory talk from the team at the sanctuary who will explain to you the reasons they operate this centre the way that they do. You’ll hear from them as to how they hope to achieve their ultimate goals of returning the elephants to the wild through an intense rehabilitation program. You’ll also be given details of your schedule during your time and have it to explained to you as to how and why you, as a visitor and volunteer, means this park remains sustainable.
As with the previous location, the accommodation here is basic but comfortable with everything that you need to sleep well. Every dreamt of waking up and sipping your coffee as you watch the elephants foraging in the jungle, well dream no more as this is exactly what you’ll experience here!
After an early lunch on Day Six we’ll be saying goodbye to the team here as we depart to Chiang Rai airport for our afternoon flight to Bangkok.
On arrival in Bangkok we’ll whisk you straight from the airport to our guesthouse located at the world famous Khao San Road. You’ll have plenty of time to check-in and freshen up before we head out to explore why this place is as famous as it is! Don’t overdo it tonight however.
NIGHT FIVE
ACCOMMODATION: basic guesthouse accommodation within the sanctuary MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner
NIGHT SIX
ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable guesthouse in an amazing area of the city MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch
DAY SEVEN
We have an amazing guided tour of Bangkok city for you! After breakfast we’ll have a quick team catch-up to discuss the major talking points from what you have experienced so far. We’ll go through a quick Q&A and it’s vital that our team hear from you your thoughts on where we’ve been.
On completion of that it’s time to start the tour. We’ll take you to ancient temples, floating markets, the River of Kings and throw in a few surprises along the way. Wherever we go and whatever we include, you are guaranteed a day to remember!
This evening is yet another welcome meal – well, we can’t bring you all to Bangkok without celebrating that fact!
ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable guesthouse in an amazing area of the city
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, dinner
DAY EIGHT
Enjoy your lovely breakfast before we then whisk you off to the east of Thailand and to the province commonly referred to as ‘The Elephant Province’. Surin is located almost 700kms from Bangkok but we’ll take you there in style and comfort. The journey will give you ample time to reflect on what you’ve seen so far and to catch up on some much needed rest!
On arrival in Surin we’ll be staying at a lovely city centre hotel. Once checked-in there’ll be time to take a quick stroll to the night market to experience how the locals do it, sample some delicacies and try out the world famous Surin-hospitality first-hand.
ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable hotel in the heart of Surin city
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
DAY NINE
After breakfast our team will run through with you about the work we do here in Surin. You’ll receive an explanation of how different the project you’re about to visit is from those you’ve already witnessed. Surin is steeped in history of working with elephants and this needs to be passed on to you so that you better understand what’s happening and why we are involved the way we are.
We’ll arrive in the elephant village around lunchtime, so just in time to eat! We’ll then be introducing you to the host families and of course, the elephants! We’ll take you on a guided tour of the village and explain in more details how villages and communities like this operate and how Bamboo helps.
The afternoon wouldn’t be complete without the experience of a lifetime – we’ll take the elephants for a walk, and even for a swim!
ACCOMMODATION: Basic but comfortable traditional homestay housing MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY TEN
Today, as a thank you to the elephants for their warm welcome, we’ll be heading in to the fields to cut sugar cane for them to chew on. A full-grown elephant can eat up to 300kgs of sugar cane per day, so you can imagine how much we need to generate for them!
But what better way to cool off in the afternoon than with yet another elephant-sized swimming session with them in the afternoon! We can even take some kayaks down to the river to really have a good play around. It’s not all work, work, work!
ACCOMMODATION: Basic but comfortable traditional homestay housing
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY ELEVEN
We depart the village today to head over to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the home of the majestic Angkor Wat temple region.
We will depart the elephant village early, but not until you’ve had your breakfast! On arrival at the border we’ll help you with all of the paperwork and entry requirements. Then once completed we’ll transfer directly to Siem Reap.
On arrival in the town we’ll have you checked in to your accommodation before we take you on a short stroll to our very own non-profit café, right in the heart of Siem Reap. Here we’ll let you know more about why we have this café, and talk to you in more detail about your experiences with the three very different experiences. We’ll also go through the itinerary for the next couple of days.
Once we’ve finished chatting, we’ll take a very short walk to the infamous Pub Street area for a few beers, ice-cold cocktails and a bit of a boogie!
ACCOMMODATION: Very nice guesthouse accommodation in central Siem Reap
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
DAY TWELVE
We’re going to give you a lie-in this morning to sleep off the effects of Pub Street, or to give you time to get out and about and explore the town for yourself. We’ll meet back at the hotel after lunch so that we can take you out on a quick bike tour of the places that you haven’t seen. Siem Reap is as flat as a pancake so you don’t need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy this tour. It’s an early night tonight, however, as we have a very early start tomorrow.
ACCOMMODATION: Very nice guesthouse accommodation in central Siem Reap
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
DAY THIRTEEN
We’ll be starting at around 03:30am! Seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise is one of those ‘must-do bucket list’ items on any clued-up travelers list! Believe me when I tell you that it’s most definitely worth the early start. Your day will then be spent exploring 1,000 year old temples on this guided tour. Whatever you do, do not forget your camera. This place is absolutely magical and will without doubt be one of the non-elephant-based highlights of your entire time in Asia!
ACCOMMODATION: Very nice guesthouse accommodation in central Siem Reap
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
DAY FOURTEEN
That’s it! We leave you here. The tour comes to an official end…. You can of course stick around and perhaps even sign up to some of our Cambodian volunteering projects, or head off to explore the country on our Cambodia Explorer, or just chill in this wonderful town. Whatever your plans, let our team help you with whatever you need.
MEALS INCLUDED: breakfast
