Half-Day (Morning) 2,000 THB (Food, Transportation, and Insurance included)
7:00am Pick up from Hotel – stop at local market on the way
9:00am Arrive at Elephant Freedom Village
9:15am Introduction Presentation
9:45am Elephant Interaction – feeding at feeding barrier
10:30am Hiking with elephants, take to the river + swimming
12:30pm Lunch @ camp
1:30pm Leave EFV
3:30pm Arrive in Chiang Mai
Half-Day (Afternoon) 2,000 THB (Food, Transportation, and Insurance included)
12:00pm Pick up from Hotel – stop at local market on the way
2:00pm Arrive at Elephant Freedom Village
2:15pm Introduction Presentation
2:45pm Elephant Interaction – feeding at feeding barrier
3:30pm Hiking with elephants, take to the river + swimming
5:00pm Dinner @ Camp.
6:00pm Leave EFV
7:30pm Arrive in Chiang Mai
JUNGLE DRIVE TO THE CAMP
Our adventure at EFV starts off with an hour and a half drive through the luscious jungle. As you watch, you’ll see westernized buildings started to fade away and transition to Karen-style bamboo and wooden houses.
On either side of the road you will see the that valleys are filled with rice and corn fields and surrounded by untouched jungle on the mountains. You’ll be surprised how fast the time goes as there is so much beauty to take in, from the fields to the water buffalo, the birds and the trees and the rivers and waterfalls.
Once we arrive at camp, you will be given a few minutes to take in the view (which is really quite astounding) and use the restroom. Don’t be afraid to ask for coffee and fresh fruit snacks, should you feel so inclined!
Then you will meet our elephant keepers and your tour guide for the day. You’ll be able to see the elephants foraging in the forest not far away while we talk with you!
ELEPHANT TIME!
We always start off elephant-time by discussing the intricate history of elephants and Karen people, as well as things have unfolded over time (for better or for worse). Education is a very important aspect of what we do here- there is a LOT of misinformation surrounding elephant tourism in Thailand, and will always do our best to set the record straight!
We will discuss any questions you may have both before and during the tour. Your tour guides have a seemingly infinite wealth of knowledge, so ask-away!
Then, the moment you’ve waited and paid for: ELEPHANT TIME!!!
Our elephants know that when visitors show up they will get yummy treats. Don’t be surprised when their trunks start searching you all over for the fruit and snacks they know you’re carrying!
Your tour guide will take pictures for you, so don’t worry about capturing the memories and just enjoy the experience!
Your tour guide will then show you where the elephants go to forage in the forest and, as soon as the initial fruit is finished the elephants will lead the way there.
BATHING WITH ELEPHANTS
Again, once the food is finished form the secondary location, the elephants will lead you down the hill towards their favourite bathing area in the river. Walking to the river does involve a small bit of hiking, but don’t worry; it’s not too far.
At the river we will have the elephants lay down in the water so we can scrub all parts of their skin. This is to help with parasite prevention, but your tour guide can tell you more about that when you get there!
Watch out! The first thing our elephants will do after going to the river is re-dust themselves. This dusting helps prevent biting flies, ticks, and mosquitoes from landing on their skin. Try not to stand behind them when they do this or you WILL get a face full of sand!
After the swimming portion, it’s time to slowly meander back to camp. There are out-door and indoor showers on site, but no hot water. During the summer this may feel quite good, but during the winter it’s not very fun! Make sure you bring some towels with you.
MEAL WITH THE VILLAGERS
Back at camp there will be an organic, local-style lunch and fresh fruit waiting for you: this is prepared by “Pin” who (you can see on the “Staff” section of the website) is definitely one of the best chefs around! Traditional-level of spice is available upon request, but is NOT THE DEFAULT for visitors.
Your tour guide will eat lunch with you; this is a great time to ask general questions about the history of the Karen people and about their lifestyle, as it is very different from Thai culture/lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to ask us anything! We love to talk about and share our culture.
Lunch time is also a good time to rehydrate. We always have tons of bottled water on hand, so don’t worry about asking for another bottle.
Once lunch is finished it will be time to pay for your tour and make your way back to Chiang Mai. The driver will stop at one local gas/petrol station (with toilets & 7-11) on the way back.
Any questions? Feel free to message us. We are happy to clarify your questions or concerns in advance of booking.
BOOK NOW!
You won’t be asked to pay online, we will send you a follow-up email soon.
Please note that : children 0 – 4yo visit for free, children 5 – 9yo visit for ½ price.
Program of the Half-Day Elephant Tour in Chiang Mai
Half-Day (Morning) 2,000 THB (Food, Transportation, and Insurance included)
7:00am Pick up from Hotel – stop at local market on the way
9:00am Arrive at Elephant Freedom Village
9:15am Introduction Presentation
9:45am Elephant Interaction – feeding at feeding barrier
10:30am Hiking with elephants, take to the river + swimming
12:30pm Lunch @ camp
1:30pm Leave EFV
3:30pm Arrive in Chiang Mai
Half-Day (Afternoon) 2,000 THB (Food, Transportation, and Insurance included)
12:00pm Pick up from Hotel – stop at local market on the way
2:00pm Arrive at Elephant Freedom Village
2:15pm Introduction Presentation
2:45pm Elephant Interaction – feeding at feeding barrier
3:30pm Hiking with elephants, take to the river + swimming
5:00pm Dinner @ Camp.
6:00pm Leave EFV
7:30pm Arrive in Chiang Mai
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