In the forests of Chiang Mai, get to know the former working elephants that now live freely.
Putting the elephants’ wellbeing above all else, ChangChill (meaning “the relaxed elephant” in Thai) offers a no-touch experience that gives you a deep insight into these beloved creatures. While maintaining a short distance, you’ll get to know the residents as they go about their lives undisturbed, making this one of the most ethical and rewarding elephant encounters in the country.
We’ll arrange for a driver to pick you up from your hotel for the 90-minute journey to the sanctuary. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who’ll give you a safety briefing and tell you a little bit about the former working elephants you’ll encounter. By the end of the day, you’ll come to know all of their individual stories.
You’ll first glimpse these gentle giants as you walk through the forest. You might see them snatching at leaves, spraying themselves with dust, or plodding through the undergrowth. You’ll also meet their loyal mahouts (caregivers) while your guide gives you the lowdown on elephant conservation, their importance in Thai culture, and how they behave.
After watching the elephants splash in the mud pool, you’ll learn more about their diet and help prepare a banquet of sugar cane, bananas, and grass for them. As you tuck into your own vegetarian lunch, the elephants will chow down on theirs right in front of you.
You’ll also create elephant supplements using herbs you’ve plucked from the garden, and visit the local Karen village to learn about traditional weaving techniques.
The entire experience, including transfers to and from your hotel, lasts around nine hours.
