Elephants, Homestay & Waterfall Trek

Unplug and Reconnect

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Elephants and Waterfalls Overnight Trek

2 days, 1 night

Escape into the wilderness and refresh your spirit. On this jungle trek, your guides will teach you to return to indigenous roots and enjoy the simple pleasures of jungle life. Past guests have voted it as the most eye-opening, authentic experience. This is our most adventurous hiking trip. If you love camping and cultural immersion this is the trek for you.

In addition to playing with and learning to care for beautiful elephants, you will experience traditional jungle life away from the buzz of electricity and distracting devices! Miles away from the bustling city and tourist traps, you’ll trek to a remote Karen Hill Tribe village, swim at jungle waterfalls, enjoy traditional food cooked over the fire, bamboo raft down a river, and sleep in a authentic Karen jungle hidaway.

4900 THB per person

Day 1 Itinerary

Pick-up

Get picked-up from Chai Lai (9AM) or from your Chiang Mai hotel (between 8-9AM). Transportation is a traditional Thai songteaw (covered pick-up truck)

Visit an indigenous Village

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the traditional way of life in a Pga k’ nyau/ Karen Hill Tribe village. See traditional Karen houses, and learn how local villagers raise animals, plant crops, and enjoy living sustainably in nature. There are local shops in each village, so this can also be a place to grab a quick snack or sample a local delicacy.

The Jungle Trek

The length and difficulty of the jungle hike can be adjusted to fit your ability, just let us know! On average our guests prefer to hike 2-3 hours through lush jungle terrain. Along the way you will see a wide variety of animals and plants, and your guide will share their expert jungle knowledge!

Waterfall Swim and Lunch

This tour offers a waterfall picnic lunch. Your guide will pack a traditional vegetarian meal and fresh seasonal fruits, and you can enjoy your lunch next to a gorgeous jungle waterfall. Depending on the weather and season you can bbq over a fire. Please let us know beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions so we can accommodate them. Or go with the flow and try some new tastes!

Dinner over an open fire

Relax beside the fire in the evening as you enjoy the company. The guide will prepare a traditional seasonal meal, often including freshly foraged ingredients. Enjoy your meal and the stillness of life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mealtime brings everyone together around the fire, especially in the chilly winter months.

Sleep in a Karen Homestay

Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle paradise.

Karen homestays have outdoor showers and eco-friendly bamboo/ wood huts. All homestays belong to Karen families, so it’s a great way to support local people from underprivileged communities to have the opportunity to create a better future. These huts are not owned by Chai Lai Orchid and there is no elephant room service. This is part of our community based travel project. Travel and give back.

Itinerary- Day 2

Jungle Breakfast

Wake up under the jungle canopy and enjoy a traditional breakfast of and locally-sourced seasonal fruits.

Hike Through the Jungle

Hike through beautiful jungle that spills out onto sun-drenched rice paddies and Northern Thailand landscapes.

Visit Our Elephant Rescue

Make some elephant friends at our elephant camp! Feed them snacks, take selfies, and learn how to approach them and communicate using simple commands. Each elephant has their own mahout, who will show you how to speak to them, stay with you for the duration of your experience, and tell you about the personality of their beloved elephant. You will also get to take a walk with your elephant through the lush jungle.

Swim in the River with Elephants

After walking through the jungle, what’s better than cooling off in the river by giving your elephant a bath? Elephants love playing in the Mae Wang river, so be ready to get wet! They love splashing and swimming and you will share their happiness.

Riverside Lunch

This tour offers a delicious riverside lunch. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal and fresh seasonal fruits as you take in the beautiful jungle scenery. Please let us know beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions so we can accommodate.

Mae Wang Bamboo Rafting

Finish off your day by cooling off in the lazy Mae Wang River on a traditional bamboo raft ride! Your guide will steer you around the winding river and small rapids as you relax. Drinks are allowed on the raft but PLEASE do not litter. Depending on the seasonal height of the river, rides can be from 40 min to 1 hour in duration. While most areas of the river are very shallow, life jackets are available upon request.

Drop-Off

After changing into dry clothes, say one last goodbye to your elephant friends before heading back to Chiang Mai. Your transport will be waiting for you at Chai Lai Orchid elephant camp. This tour typically finishes around 5PM on day 2.

This jungle tour is well organized but relaxed. In order to give you the best experience and maximum time doing your preferred activities, there’s no set schedule. It’s Thai time!