Please note that this is a HANDS-OFF program:
There is no touching, feeding, or bathing included in this tour- only following and observing them in their natural habitat.
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Introduced as of April 2026
Schedule of the Following Elephants / No Touching program
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 Follow elephants into the jungle, trekking
3:30pm Follow elephants to the river, observe them 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 waterfall.
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!
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 for: ELEPHANT TIME!!!
Our elephants will be waiting for you up at one of their usual feeding stations. While you have selected a hands-off tour, our elephants are used to people, so they may approach you to check and see if you’ve hidden any snacks from them, but don’t worry- they are always very gentle.
Once the food at the feeding station is done, your tour guide and the elephant keepers will lead the elephants into the forest for foraging.
From here you will be able to observe and follow the elephants as they graze and play in their natural habitat.
OBSERVING THE ELEPHANTS BATHE
After a while of grazing, the elephant keepers will lead the elephants down to the river to drink and dust themselves. Walking in-between meals is incredibly important for elephants due to their inefficient digestive system, which only absorbs roughly 35% of the nutrients from their food. A lack of exercise and hydration results in the bulking of plant matter in their intestines and can lead to life-threatening constipation.
Walking to the river does involve a small bit of hiking, but don’t worry; it’s not too far.
We will not force the elephants to get into the water, but guests are welcome to swim as they wish.
If they do get in the water, then watch out! The first thing our elephants will do after drinking water is usually to 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 river 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.
LUNCH BACK AT CAMP
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 – 3yo visit for free, children 4 – 9yo visit for ½ price.
Program of the Following Elephants / No Touching program
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 Follow elephants into the jungle, trekking
3:30pm Follow elephants to the river, observe them swimming
5:00pm Dinner @ Camp.
6:00pm Leave EFV
7:30pm Arrive in Chiang Mai