Adventure & Comfort in Bhutan & Thailand
Two countries - one faith. From the Himalayas in the north down to the Andaman Sea, here’s your chance to experience two beautiful countries sharing similar, yet contrasting Buddhist traditions.
- Info
- Holidays
- Map
ChangChill is an ethical elephant sanctuary in the hills, roughly 90 minutes West of Chiang Mai. The sanctuary has a strictly hands-off policy, meaning guests can observe the elephants relax, eat, play and interact exactly as they would in the wild.
Many visitors to Thailand want to experience elephants on their trip but don’t know how to do so in an ethical way. Although there has been much progress in prioritising elephant welfare in Thailand over the past decade, there are still parks with questionable practices, such as riding the elephants or chaining them up when not in public. ChangChill’s philosophy is that elephants should be elephants so they are free to roam around their eight acres of land without being disturbed by humans.
ChangChill (meaning ‘elephant chill’) offers half-day or full-day packages, including plenty of chances to see the sanctuary’s elephants in their natural environment. After a quick introduction to the organisation and a safety briefing, guests are led into the forest searching for the elephants. This trekking can be challenging, so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The expert guides will teach you about elephant behaviour and conservation as you trek through the jungle before reaching a mud pit, where elephants like to roll around and cool down on hot days.
The day continues with more chances to see the elephants going about their business and getting to know the mahouts and the Karen tribe they originate from. In between observing the elephants, your guides will show you how to prepare some healthy snacks for them and give you a crash course in Thai herbs picked straight from their organic garden.
We thoroughly recommend ChangChill to anyone who wants an educational elephant experience with the confidence of knowing that both the elephants and their carers are well-treated.
You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively for you.
Classic ETG Thailand
Enjoy a calm, kind and gentle exploration of Thailand’s most beloved experiences. Gorgeous hospitality, relaxing accommodation - a unique unforgettable holiday.
Classic Family Thailand
A little bit of everything Thai - from Bangkok street food to countryside bicycle rides to off-the-beaten-track idyllic beaches.
Classic Thailand with a Culinary Twist
A taste of Thailand on this mouthwatering journey into local cuisine. Live-long-in-the-memory food experience as luxurious as your accommodation.
Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train
An overland exploration of North and Central Thailand. Take local trains to rural communities, stay in deep jungles, and relax on pristine beaches.
East Coast Beach Luxury
Experience the best of Thailand's buzzing cities and blissful beaches while staying at an array of lovely, luxurious hotels.
Elephant Encounters in Thailand
A glorious itinerary for genuinely ethical and immersive elephant encounters and off-the-beaten-track cultural and wildlife experiences.
Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures
Thailand’s byways and backwaters. Sleepy, authentic, rural Thailand, all heritage hotels and village life. A world beyond the shock of the new.
Indochina and Thailand Family Holiday
Everything for everyone with a perfect blend of adventure, culture and local life through Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. From Angkor, to Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai to your own desert island retreat.
Laos to Thailand via The Mekong
Journey the mighty Mekong River from spellbinding Luang Prabang all the way to the Thai border. Complete a perfect holiday at a perfectly gorgeous beach hotel near Khao Lak.
Nature & Community Family Adventure
A fun family adventure in Thailand with positive contributions to the destination throughout, glorious beaches and some active adventures.
Northern Loops of Thailand and Vietnam
Discover extraordinary scenery, generous, genuine locals, and some of the best food on the planet. The very best of Thailand and Vietnam in a single, unforgettable visit.
Saffron & Silk: Elegant Thailand
It’s all refined, luxurious discovery: gorgeous locations, elegant boutique hotels, wine, dining, beach reclining, and a touch of adventure!
Simply Myanmar And Thailand
Captivating cultural sights followed by a relaxing stay at one of our favourite hidden Thai Islands. Ideal for couples or families.
Slooooow Thailand
Luxuriate in a timeless, effortless, slow-motion Thai experience. Then head down south… and slow it down, even more, on your own… secret… paradise island.
The Colours of Southeast Asia
Discover the most glorious cultural and scenic highlights of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Voyage Through South East Asia
Chiang Mai to Bali including an overland adventure aboard the famous Eastern and Oriental Express.
Map centered on ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.
