If you're heading to Thailand, whether it's your first visit or you're a seasoned traveler, you absolutely must visit the best elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Chai Lai Orchid promises to create countless new and unforgettable memories for you. Whether you're exploring solo or on a romantic Thai getaway, this destination is perfect for anyone seeking a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Getting to Chiang Mai and the Chai Lai Orchid

Located about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, reaching Chiang Mai requires a little bit of planning. Here are a few travel options to consider:

Travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

We choose to travel by night bus which was the most affordable way of traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Many bus companies operate daily trips from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Station to the Arcade main bus station in Chiang Mai. To make it easy, you can book your tickets through 12Go, Asia's largest online travel agency.

Travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The train ride from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Chiang Mai station offers stunning views and takes approximately 12 to 15 hours. Opt for a comfortable seat in a sleeper train, ideally in a first-class cabin with air conditioning and a stewardess. If you prefer privacy, you can book a two-person compartment for yourself. While second-class sleeper trains usually have fans instead of AC, they offer a more budget-friendly option.

Travel by air from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the quickest way to reach your destination. Low-cost carriers like Nok Air and AirAsia operate flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, while larger airlines like Bangkok Airways fly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). Budget airlines may have limitations on checked luggage and onboard amenities, so keep that in mind when choosing your flight.

Travel from Chiang Mai to the Chai Lai Orchid

Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary is located approximately an hour's drive away from Chiang Mai Old Town. You can arrange for a driver to pick you up from any location in the city or from the airport. Expect a ride in a songtaew, a traditional covered truck with bench seating. It may not be luxurious, but it offers an authentic experience and a chance to enjoy the scenic views. The transportation cost is around 800 baht (approximately $25) each way, whether you're coming from Chiang Mai Airport or Old Town.

Staying at the Chai Lai Orchid Hotel

Guests at Chai Lai Orchid can choose to stay overnight in a charming bungalow or enjoy a day-trip excursion. We recommend booking a minimum of two nights and three days to truly immerse yourself in the experience. The affordable bungalows start at just $40 per night, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers who want to live alongside elephants.

Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Excursions

Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary offers various excursions, ranging from one day to multi-day experiences. These include activities like hiking, waterfall treks, Thai cooking classes, and photography sessions with the elephants. The experiences can be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of every traveler.

One highly recommended excursion is the Elephant Care Intro, which allows you to spend a day walking, feeding, and bathing with the elephants. During our private tour, we had the opportunity to hike through the jungle sanctuary with two older elephants, including one that was nearly 50 years old. We then stopped near the river to feed the elephants with fruit before enjoying playful and refreshing moments bathing with the younger elephants in the water. It's fascinating to learn that these majestic creatures consume up to 150 kg of food per day and need to walk around 15 km every day to stay healthy and fit.

The Elephant Care Intro tour costs 2000 TBH per person (excluding tip), but it's worth every penny. On the following morning, we treated ourselves to a unique "Morning Call" experience. The hotel staff brought our breakfast tray to the terrace, along with snacks for the elephants. To our delight, they also brought the elephants to our room, allowing us to have breakfast in their company. It was such a fun and unforgettable moment!

Don't miss out on the elephant happy hour, where the elephants come to the base camp to eat. Here's a tip: instead of indulging in a drink during happy hour, grab a pile of bananas and feed the elephants from the terrace. It's an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

Chai Lai Orchid Mahouts and Daughters Rising Project

The mahouts, who are the caretakers of the elephants, play a crucial role in their well-being. Working closely with these intelligent and sensitive animals requires expertise, experience, and physical strength. The bond between a mahout and an elephant can last a lifetime, built on love and trust.

Chai Lai Orchid is not just an elephant sanctuary; it also contributes to a greater cause. By staying, visiting, donating, or volunteering at Chai Lai Orchid, you are helping support girls at risk and combating trafficking and exploitation in local communities. The organization works tirelessly to create opportunities for women and girls, providing education, employment, and outreach programs.

Daughters Rising, an initiative supported by Chai Lai Orchid, offers scholarships, vocational training, workshops, microloans, and artisan initiatives to empower women and mothers in rural areas. Together, we can make a difference in ending human trafficking and providing a better, safer, and more dignified future for vulnerable individuals.

Preserving the Elephants and Their Habitat

Elephants have been an integral part of Asia's religion, culture, and ecosystem for centuries. However, their population has drastically declined due to shrinking habitats. Asian elephants are now classified as endangered, with fewer than 2,000 wild elephants remaining in Thailand.

During my visit to Chai Lai Orchid, I had the opportunity to support responsible elephant tourism. Many tourist attractions exploit these magnificent creatures, but Chai Lai Orchid stands out as an ethical and sustainable sanctuary. They prioritize the well-being and conservation of elephants, ensuring they are treated with respect and care.

My Experience at the Chai Lai Orchids and with the Elephants

Before our trip to Chiang Mai, I had concerns about the ethical treatment of elephants in the tourism industry. I wanted an experience that was free from abuse and exploitation. After conducting thorough research and receiving recommendations, I discovered Chai Lai Orchid in the beautiful mountains of Chiang Mai.

Have you been to any Elephant Sanctuary? Let me know in the comments below!