Elephant Encounters in Thailand: Wild Adventures & Secret Sanctuaries

Elephant Encounters in Thailand shows just what is possible in Thailand for genuinely ethical and immersive elephant encounters and off-the-beaten-track cultural and wildlife experiences.

The 'Mountain Adventure' at the heart of this trip is an extraordinary experience in a Karen village and tracking rescue elephants in their natural habitat on foot. Your stay will directly contribute to the rescue of more elephants, too. Not just 'off-the-beaten-track,' the location is 100s of miles from the tourist trail and all the better for it—a unique and memorable experience.

Highlights Include:

Track and follow rescue elephants in their natural habitat
Stay as a guest of the Karen community in northern Thailand
Several of Thailand’s finest boutique hotels and a beautiful beach stay

Along with walking with rescue elephants in the wild and visiting several gorgeous hotels, there will be time to relax on the beach, explore Chiang Mai, and see the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To learn more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, start your journey by calling us today.

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£3,950 - £8,500pp
and include:

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500 - $14,500pp
and includes:

International flights (optional)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Chiang Rai via Bangkok.

Day 2-3 The Golden Triangle

Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the Golden Triangle region. Positioned at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, this mountainous region is the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. It is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the Northern Thai countryside. Stay here for two nights in a luxury resort with top-notch facilities in a lovely rural setting.

During your stay, you can connect with elephants and help to prepare medicinal food for older rescued ones while learning the traditions of their mahouts. Discover ‘Canopy’, a unique treetop dining experience 52 metres up, offering breathtaking jungle views and unforgettable culinary moments.

Day 4-6 Chiang Mai

Transfer with your guide to Chiang Mai, stopping en route to see the sights along the way and passing beautiful scenery, a journey that takes three to five hours.

On arrival, check in to your hotel, a beautiful, peaceful retreat outside the city on the banks of the Ping River, for a 3-night stay. You’ll have a chance to explore the city sights, take a local street food tour and learn a little about Thai culture and tradition.

Day 7 & 8 Train & Sukhothai

Depart Chiang Mai on the morning train, heading south through the countryside to Phitsanalok, a journey of around 6 hours. Continue to Sukhothai by road and check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

Spend a day exploring the sites of Thailand’s ancient capital, where serene temples and Buddha statues stand amidst tranquil landscapes. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Thai art, culture, and history.

Day 9-12 Mahouts Mountain Adventure

Veer west from Sukhothai on a 4-day immersive journey into the heart of a Karen community near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Live alongside your host family in simple accommodation and discover their rich culture through traditional weaving, basket-making, and community activities. The highlight is spending time with rescued elephants, learning from expert mahouts as you trek through untouched cloud forests to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat (note that zero interaction is allowed: you are encouraged to watch and learn from a space distance. Explore organic rice fields and coffee plantations and savour breathtaking views over Myanmar from a mountaintop village.

Day 13-15 Beach Time

Depart Mae Sot and fly south via Bangkok to Krabi. Then check in at Tubkaak, a lovely, relaxed resort with views of the picture-perfect Hong Islands. Spend your time here enjoying the beach and the pool and reflecting on your Thai adventure.