Hill Tribes & Elephants

Day 1

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up (08:00-09:00) from your Chiang Mai hotel in a traditional Thai songteaw (covered pick-up truck). Arrive at a Pga k’nyau/ Karen Hill Tribe village for an introduction to the community’s low-impact way of life. Discover traditional homes, learn about their farming practices and take the opportunity to buy some locally made snacks at the village shop.

Next you’ll embark on a trek through the jungle, with the length and difficulty tailored to your preference (typically 2-3 hours). Along the trail, your guide will share their extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and jungle survival skills! Break for a picnic lunch by a serene jungle waterfall, featuring a vegetarian Thai meal with fresh seasonal fruits. Depending on the season, there may be an opportunity to barbecue over a fire. 

As evening approaches, settle into a Karen homestay, where a delicious traditional dinner will be prepared, often with ingredients foraged from the surrounding jungle. Gather around the fire to share stories and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote setting. The basic eco-friendly bamboo and wooden huts offer open-air showers and a peaceful night under the jungle canopy, serenaded by the sounds of nature.

You also have the option to stay Cha’s homestay the “Lazy Mango” in Mae Sapok village if you’d like a little more comfort on this trip.

Day 2

Today begins with a breakfast of locally sourced fruits before setting off on a short hike through jungle paths and scenic rice paddies. Your journey leads to a rescue park where you’ll meet the gentle giants of the jungle - rescued elephants.

Spend time getting to know the elephants by feeding them and learning about their personalities from their mahouts, who will guide you throughout the experience. You’ll take a walk alongside these magnificent creatures through the jungle and finish with a refreshing bath in the Mae Wang River, where the elephants love to splash and play. 

Enjoy a riverside vegetarian lunch with fresh seasonal fruits while soaking in the peaceful forest surroundings. Conclude your journey with a bamboo raft ride down the Mae Wang River. Your guide will steer the traditional raft through shallow waters and gentle rapids, giving you time to relax and take in the scenery. Raft rides typically last 40 minutes to an hour, depending on river conditions. After the ride, change into dry clothes and return to Chiang Mai around 17:00.