Elephants & Mahouts Experience

Venture into the hills and forests of Mae Sot, near the Thailand-Myanmar border, to stay with a rural Karen Hilltribe community and observe elephants living in their natural habitat.

The experience is facilitated by The Mahouts Elephant Foundation, an organisation dedicated to conserving and protecting elephants in Thailand and the local communities that coexist with them. Tourist visits contribute to the foundation’s growth and ability to continue their work and research. They also provide an incredible opportunity for guests to walk with free elephants and be immersed in traditional life in a rural Karen village.

Guests are welcomed to the community to experience their unique culture and get involved with local traditional crafts like weaving and basket-making. After getting acquainted with the village, join one of the resident Mahouts and set off into the 90 square km of protected, untouched forest where the elephants live. Your Mahout will help you track and observe the adopted elephants, offering the truly unique experience of seeing elephants as they should be – roaming, feeding, and socialising in the wild.

The experience is as much about the local community as it is about the elephants they look after. Visitors will also spend time in the village, getting to know the residents and experiencing life in the mountains.

This really is the best way to see elephants in Thailand, and the conservation work done by Mahouts Elephant Foundation is helping secure the future of these majestic creatures and change and improve the current practices of elephant tourism.

Chiang Mai

After Dark Vespa Tour in Chiang Mai

Get ready to explore Chiang Mai nightlife like a true local. This evening tour is designed to give you an immersive experience of the city’s rich culture and hidden gems for food and drinks. 

Hop on the back of a Vespa for a journey through the winding backstreets and residential neighbourhoods of Chiang Mai. Your guide will lead you to a local restaurant that is tucked away from the tourist trail, where you can dig into some delicious treats and mingle with the locals.

Next, you’ll stop at a small shop where you’ll learn how to make a beloved northern Thai dish. Roll your sleeves up for a hands-on food experience that will tantalise your taste buds.

As the night progresses, you’ll make your way to the banks of the Ping River, where you’ll be greeted with a lively atmosphere of bars and restaurants

The tour wraps up with a nightcap at a live music bar. You’ll experience Chiang Mai’s best local talent in action as you join the crowd. All in all, this will be a memorable evening with flowing music, food, and drinks.

Bangkok

Overnight Sleeper Train in Thailand

Travelling by train in Thailand is a unique and memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s cinematic landscapes and rich culture. The Thai railway system is extensive, covering most of the country, and has a range of train types to suit different budgets and preferences.

From the bustling city of Bangkok, you can board a train and journey through the lush countryside, passing by rice paddies, rolling hills, and charming villages. The slower pace of train travel allows you to take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and to connect with local people and cultures along the way. 

One of Thailand’s most popular train routes is the Northern Line, which runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This journey takes 11-12 hours, but sleeper trains make it an overnight option, with private cabins and beds.

Another popular train route is the Southern Line, which runs from Bangkok to the South with jumping-off points at Chumphon, Surat Thani (for Ko Samui or Khao Sok National Park), Trang and Hat Yai.

Here at ETG, we really recommend travelling by train at least once in your Thailand trip. Not only is a practical way to get around but it’s also often an adventure in itself: a great chance to see everyday life unfold and different landscapes in a unique way.

(It’s worth noting that it can often be tricky to obtain first-class tickets, as they are few and far between and sell out instantly. Second-class tickets are easier to obtain, and the carriage is still comfortable with air conditioning and seats that convert into sleeper beds).

Bangkok

Cycle in Bangkok's 'Green Lung'

Take a short boat trip across the Chao Phraya River to Bangkrachao (or Bang Kra Jao), a jungly area nicknamed the ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung’. Sleepy Bang Kra Jao feels worlds away from the city’s energetic streets and is the perfect place for a peaceful two-hour bike ride.

Tropical plants and lush trees surround the roads in Bang Kra Jao, creating an urban sanctuary in the city centre. Cross over canals and admire the mangrove forests that line the waterways and pass traditional Thai houses and golden temples rarely visited by tourists. Stop to chit chat with people as you go, visit markets selling an array of fresh produce and refuel with snacks at one of the many street stalls en route.