Visitors to the Sanctuary will have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Karen tribe while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and mountains—all while engaging personally with friendly, happy elephants in a safe and sustainable environment.
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive through lush agricultural landscapes, rolling hills, and dense forests before arriving at the Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, who will introduce you to the elephants and share insights into their history and behavior. You’ll then change into traditional Karen clothing in preparation for your experience.
With bananas and sugar cane in hand, you’ll set off on a guided walk through the Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter free-roaming elephants and hear their individual rescue stories. You’ll have the chance to touch, feed, photograph, and interact with them at your leisure while learning about their natural lifestyle.
Next, you’ll accompany the elephants to a nearby mud spa, where you can get muddy alongside them as you apply a nourishing mud treatment to their skin. Then, follow the elephants to a nearby river and join them for a refreshing bath. Swim, brush, and play with them as they splash in the cool water.
After the elephants are clean, enjoy some final moments with your new gentle giant friends before changing into dry clothes. Conclude your visit with a selection of snacks and fresh seasonal fruit before setting off on a scenic drive back to Chiang Mai, taking in the beauty of Thailand’s countryside one last time.