Our Top Picks for Chiang Mai
See ethical elephant reserves, hidden trails, hipster villages and temples in the sky.
All Our Top Picks for Chiang Mai
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Love letters from our guests
4.9
|
214 reviews
We waren aangenaam verrast door de organisatie! Logistiek was alles in orde! Vooral de gids (Nicha) maakte deze ervaring extra top. Interessante informatie in duidelijk engels, zorgde voor een aangename interactie. Voor ons klopte deze hele beleving, de etisch filosofie achter de organisatie en de manier waarop de medewerkers omgaan met de dieren. De goede luch maakte alles af!
Tibo
Booked: See Happy Elephants in Paradise
Summary: BEST DAY EVER!!
Communication & Pick up- seamless
Morning coffee at the shop- top quality
Gear- new clean light comfortable helmets. Excellent condition Treck mountain bikes with beautiful suspension and gearing perfect for the terrain and easy to operate.
Route- fun, varied, challenging but achievable… and if not, there is always the truck that can pick you up and take you the rest of the way
Sight seeing- the mountains views and caves were very special and the sticky waterfall an absolute MUST whether you take this tour to get there or not.
Food- perfect amount of healthy snacks water electrolytes along the way and your choice from a restaurant for late lunch as a reward at the end of it all.
Guide- the king of the mountain; Kom is calm, funny, patient, supportive, and takes lots of photos and videos.
I’m 44, female, and ride about 20km/week on flat roads, and have never done mountain biking before… I am now very happy very proud and very tired… if I can do it so can you! And if you are fit and strong and a regular mountain biker, I’m sure you will also enjoy the opportunity immensely.
Evelyn
I have learnt that there are a similar number of wild and captive elephants in Thailand, about 4000 of each. The 4 female elephants at Chang Chill are all rescued from a life of hard work in the logging and tourist rides industries. These Elephants, like all those you will see in ethical sanctuaries, are not able to be returned to the wild, they have been raised for so many years as trained animals. So at a no-touch sanctuary like Chang Chill the Elephants are looked after and allowed to just do what elephants do: eat, sleep, play in the mud…
This type of sanctuary look after only around 7% of Thailand's domestic elephants. A further 40% or so are in ‘ethical’ sanctuaries where tourists can still hand feed and bath the elephants but not ride them, and the rest are still being used in for full tourist interaction. Although the use of elephants in the logging industry has been banned for 40 years, this tourism use is still allowed.
I gave this tour only 4 stars not 5, because it is a long drive and a long slow day just to see 4 elephants. I have seen elephants before and so perhaps if you have not ever seen an elephant in the flesh this would be a 5 star experience for you. The guide speaks good English and is passionate about the elephants. The pick up service is seamless, and I think it is important to choose a no-touch elephant experience. (Don’t worry, you will see them quite close up and take many cute videos)
Evelyn
Booked: See Happy Elephants in Paradise
We had THE most wonderful afternoon and evening with Vivi riding through the city. Her knowledge of the back streets and the local hidden gems as well as the big ticket tourist spots were extensive. We felt safe following her through the busy streets at times and were surprised to find ourselves in very quiet back streets at other times. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of the area freely and clearly, and she clearly loves her city. The bikes are good quality and well maintained. The helmets are new and comfortable, and the included drinks and snacks make for a nice touch. I highly recommend this tour!!
Evelyn
Kui was absolutely amazing! He provided us with a unique hiking experience, commentating as we went. We tasted farm-fresh coffee beans, walked through the Hmong village and had lunch made for us, enjoyed the best coffee of our lives at a roaster’s cafe, hiked through beautiful landscapes and learned more about Thailand’s rich history. We finished the trek at Doi Suthep where Kui helped us with entry and guided us through the temple also. Absolutely loved it!!
Just be wary it is an intermediate track - not easy. So expect ~30,000 steps at least. But so worth it if you’re up to it!!
Maddie
So brilliant. Cannot recommend highly enough. Our group included another couple who had previously done another experience with them 2 weeks ago and they came back again because of the fantastic experience and service.
Everything was thought of. We got a free coffee and tea when we arrive at the office, lots of snacks, drinks and lunch on the way back was amazing!
I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know who is going to Chiang Mai and come again when we are back!
Paula Kenneally
Incredible experience at Burm and Emily’s sanctuary. We were looking for an elephant related organisation to support during our Thailand trip and wanted a strictly hands-off adventure. This was exactly it! The elephants here have been bought off privates who were using them for work (i.e. riding, carrying, logging), and have been given a chance to retire in a peaceful and magical place. They have the freedom to roam around the forest every day, bathe in the river, and eat whatever they want to eat. Burm and Emily are doing fantastic work, not just for the elephants, but also for the countless rescued cats & dogs on their property, as well as for the people of the community. By joining their program you also sponsor and contribute to their work.
A massive shoutout has to go to the staff, and especially Thee for being wonderfully professional and knowledgeable.
Thank you for the fantastic experience! 🐘💚
Marta
Here is a truly ethical experience - you don't get to wash, touch or play with the elephants, you simply observe and learn about them. I had a good time taking the time to watch them eat, walk, etc. It's slower paced with some light trekking over the multiple acres of land where 4 elephants get to free roam. The road up is bit windy hence bring some travel sickness meds if you're prone. I loved the elephants, they are super cute and makes me happy to see them happy :) Host provided good explanations about the elephants and were friendly.
Ms Mou
Booked: See Happy Elephants in Paradise
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