Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

3 Days Starting and ending in Chiang Mai

Visiting: Chiang Mai , ChangChill - Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTAE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $273

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

See a different side of Chiang Mai on this short but sweet three-day adventure. From your base in northern Thailand’s most vibrant city, visit the ChiangChill elephant reserve to spend the day hanging out with gentle giants and learning how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free-roaming elephants in the region. Observe the daily patterns of these elephants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with each other. You’ll also be treated to a cooking class, where you'll collect some local produce at the morning market and then learn how to use it, from a local cook who will let you in on all the best kept secrets of Thai cuisine.

Highlights

  • Meet elephants in a responsible environment when you hang out with the gentle giants of the ChangChill reserve, watching them eat, relax and socialise.

  • Enjoy a live lecture from local guides to learn more about the elephants, the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area.

  • See a different side of Chiang Mai, with authentic experiences and nitty gritty details all worked out for you. 

  • Head to a cooking class with a local cook, who will teach you how to collect the best produce from the local market, then show you how to cook some of the most delicious Thai cuisine, which you'll enjoy together for dinner.

  • Soak up this vibrant city with loads of free time and the flexibility to choose your own adventures, like wandering the street food markets in search of the yummiest local dishes.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7 pm with your local guide. If you arrive early, head out to explore charming Chiang Mai. The friendliness of the people, the interesting old town bound by moats, and the many fascinating temples enthrall travellers from around the world. After the welcome meeting, you 'l have free time tonight. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food in the vibrant night markets – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Day 2: Changchill - Chiang Mai

Location: ChangChill - Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today is set to be one to remember as you visit the ChangChill elephant reserve – a truly special experience. Drive out to the reserve and learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will give you a live lecture on the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephant’s mud pit, then be treated to lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai for an evening at leisure.

Included Activities:
-Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
-Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant

Day 3: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning you'll be treated to a Thai cooking class. If you're a foodie, then you’ll love this one! First, explore the local market with a local guide who will teach you how to select the best produce and where to find the key ingredients for your dishes. Then, head to your class and learn how to use them (and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home), picking up some well kept secrets on making delicious Thai cuisine. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book home with you after the class, you'll of course feast on the fruits of your labour for dinner. after, your trip comes to an end. There is no accommodation included tonight. If you'd like to stay in Chiang Mai and explore the city further, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Chiang Mai- Cooking Class

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip

  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant

  • Chiang Mai- Cooking Class

  • Meals

    2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Mini bus , Songthaew

Accommodation

  • Hotel (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary day trip
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary Lunch
  • Chiang Mai - Kad Ton Payom Market visit
  • Chiang Mai - Monk chat & meditation
  • Chiang Mai - Wat U-mong & Wat Suan Dok

Important Information

  • 1. This trip starts on day 1 at 7pm with a welcome meeting, the trip finishes on day 3 at approximately 12pm
  • 2. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Thailand and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.

Mode of Transport

  • Mini bus , Songthaew

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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13-Aug-2024

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Friday - Sunday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
$273

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024
$273

Friday - Sunday

Nov 22, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$273

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 24, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024
$273

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 26, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024
$273

Friday - Sunday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$273

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Friday - Sunday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$273

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$273

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Friday - Sunday

Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$273

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Friday - Sunday

Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$273

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$273

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
$273
Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

Friday - Sunday

Dec 27, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
$273

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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