Elephant Observation & Doi Inthanon Hiking | Chiang Mai

— What You Can Expect —
Start your journey with our Elephant Observation programs, committed to ethical practices. Immerse yourself in Karen culture as you dress in traditional clothing, prepare elephant food, and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat from a safe distance. Relax with herbal tea and rejuvenate at the waterfall in our lush forest surroundings. Our sanctuary ensures year-round elephant well-being through sustainable practices and visitor-supported planting initiatives. Create lasting memories by crafting your own Thai cultural souvenir, a token of your immersive experience. Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. Visit the iconic Twin Pagodas and explore the lush jungle and waterfalls of Pha Dok Siew. Join us today at Over The Planet and discover the beauty of responsible tourism in Northern Thailand.


— Important Info —

• A free transfer service to/from all places of accommodation within 5 k.m. radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City. 
• Transport from locations outside this area will incur a surcharge. 
• Customers will travel in a 12-seater, air-conditioned van, switching to a roofed 4×4 truck for the last 10 minutes to reach the sanctuary.

— Itinerary —

• 6.30 - 7.00 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai
• 7.00 - 8.30 : Drive through a beautiful rural area where you can catch sight of flowing mountain rivers, rice fields, corn fields, and banana plantations
• 8.30 : Upon arrival at the sanctuary, you will be greeted and welcomed
  - Change into traditional Karen clothing and receive a briefing about the sanctuary by our tour guides
  - Participate in preparing food and snacks for the elephants
  - Enjoy feeding the elephants while maintaining a safe distance, as you learn about their history and understand their behavior
  - Drink freshly harvested herbal tea from the village while observing the elephants in their natural habitat
  - Watch the elephants' daily routine, which might involve observing them as they look for food in the jungle, bathe with the mahouts, or relax in the mud as they bond within the herd (subject to the natural behavior and preferences of the elephants on the day of the visit)
  - Take a refreshing break at the waterfall
  - Craft your own Thai cultural handmade souvenir to take back home
• 11.30 : Enjoy a delicious local meal and say goodbye to the Elephants
• 12.00 : Drive approximately 45 minutes to Doi Inthanon National. Then, explore the slopes and summit of Thailand’s highest mountain.
• 13.00 : Experience the refreshing breeze and mist atop Thailand's highest peak
• 14.00 : Visit The Twin Pagodas, representing the region's rich cultural heritage and the Botanical Garden which has a variety of colorful flowering plants
• 15.00 : Begin your hike at the Pha Dok Siew nature trail, where you'll encounter rare wildlife, traverse lush rice terraces, visit a waterfall, and explore an organic Karen Hill Tribe coffee farm
• 17.30 : Leave Doi Inthanon mountain and drive back to Chiang Mai
• 19.00 : Arrive at your accommodation