Review Author: Heidi

Review Date: 01 Jan 2026

Review Body: I can’t put into words how fantastic my experience was with Elephant Eco Trails and by extension Seek Sophie. I did the 2D1N elephant visit and Doi Inthanon, with the stay overnight in the mountains, and I think I’ll treasure those two days for a very long time. Firstly, I was part of a small group, I was the only one on day two!, and they still went ahead with the trip, so I wouldn’t be let down. The elephant experience is as close the ethical as you can get in Thailand, it’s completely hands off, the elephants are cared for by trackers, who communicated with our guide for their location, and we trekked into the jungle (after a very fun off road ride!) to observe them from afar. The guide told us all about the elephants, and then we had lunch in the jungle with a baby elephant and their mum nearby also grazing away! We then went to the accommodation in the late afternoon, and I watched the sun go down over the mountains. The dinner and fireside was also memorable, and they made sure everything was gluten free, which as a coeliac was really appreciated. The next morning we were up early and headed to Doi inthanon for a packed day of seeing the Pagodas and a manageable hike through the jungle, with lunch at a Karen restaurant nearby. My guide Joker was so knowledgeable and kind, he really looked after me, especially on the second day when it was just me! I can’t oversell how fantastic this experience is. Seek Sophie also answered all my questions ahead of the trip and were really quick to respond, which was so useful as I had no real idea what to expect!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jenn

Review Date: 12 Mar 2026

Review Body: This was a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of our travels in Thailand. The visit to the elephant sanctuary was beyond my expectations. We trekked through the jungle, sometimes going off trail to find the elephants and to get close enough to observe them. We saw them washing themselves and pulling down banana trees. (This was not a tame petting and feeding experience.) We kept well back (estimated 15m) and settled in to just watch them. It was magical! We were given a "picnic" of rice noodles and egg and vegetable wrapped in leaves. Delicious and perfect hiking food. Our guides were knowledgable about the elephants and mindful of our safety. The overnight in a remote hut overlooking a mountain valley was incredible. Almost like a homestay. Our local hosts were very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone who wants an authentic local experience to meet the elephants where they are at.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Al and Shannon

Review Date: 08 Mar 2026

Review Body: We absolutely loved this trip! Our guide Joe was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and personable during the tours. You can tell he and his teammates are passionate about their work and life. Doi Inthanon was breathtaking, filled with waterfalls with one hike led by people in the local Karen tribe. The overnight stay was one of the highlights - it is 'off the beaten path' and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see more of the area. We also loved the hike to see elephants - they are rescued and roam freely through the forest. We felt humbled to be in their presence and hear their stories. We cannot recommend this tour enough - it's fun, awe-inspiring, and one-of-a-kind!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Melanie BECKER

Review Date: 31 Jan 2025

Review Body: We just wrapped up the overnight elephant tour, and honestly, it was our best experience in Thailand so far ! We got to see elephants in their natural habitat and spent a lot of quality time with them. The place we stayed was absolutely magical, too ! The second day was just as exciting, filled with fun surprises. The entire team was super friendly and always ready to answer our questions. And let’s not forget the food—everything we ate was delicious ! There are tons of elephant tours in Chiang Mai, but we truly believe this one is the best. A special shoutout to Lom, who guided us throughout the journey. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience ! Highly recommend it !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rachel Brownell

Review Date: 28 Feb 2025

Review Body: Phenomenal, truly hands off experience!!! Having visited quite a few ethical elephant parks throughout Thailand, there isn’t anything better than seeing elephants freely moving around the jungle. I loved watching them in their natural habitat, especially seeing their incredible strength in action breaking bamboo trees like a twig to get the best leaves! The overnight program was very well put together and the accommodations have the most stunning views. The owners are great friends; their passion for animal safety, rights, and freedom is front and center in Elephant Eco Trails. Truly an unforgettable experience that’s well worth your time.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Natalia Blanco Guirao

Review Date: 31 Dec 2024

Review Body: I booked the experience for 2 days and 1 night with 7 friends. The experience was incredible. We started the day with a visit to Doi Inthanon and then went to the Elephant camp, where we had an incredible dinner. The next day, after breakfast, we had a morning trek with elephants. Lom, our amazing guide, was very clear before we started the trail that this is a hands-off experience, so we would just watch the elephants socialise, bathe themselves, etc. This is why I loved this place and totally recommend it! It is a must-do in Chiang Mai!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jia Hui

Review Date: 11 Aug 2026

Review Body: It was really an interesting experience. Highly recommended if you want to view elephants ethical and respectful. The owner of the place is very kind also. Fuss free booking and arrangement. Delicious dinner and breakfast too! The trip was made even more amazing with the guide, Joke. He really elevated the whole experience by being very sincere and knowledgeable about many things plus fun to be hang out together. Overall, the experience was positive.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Leah Weile

Review Date: 31 Jan 2025

Review Body: AMAZING EXPERIENCE! One of the highlights of our 3 week trip to Thailand. Spending the day in the jungle with just a small group and a couple of guides and the elephants was truly magical. We got to see them in their natural habitat, playing in the mud, bathing each other, etc. There was even a baby elephant we were able to observe from afar. I cannot recommend this experience enough, it was really perfect.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jess

Review Date: 30 Mar 2026

Review Body: Excellent knowledge from the guide. Food was delicious. View from accommodation was breathtaking. I really felt that the community was at the heart of what they do. Highly recommend, was such a privilege to watch the elephants in their natural environment with no contact. Every part of the tour was seamless. Thank you for a brilliant experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mollie Bolton

Review Date: 31 Oct 2024

Review Body: We had such an amazing experience! I felt like the tour was extremely ethical and you can tell that the guides, mahouts and everyone involved really cares about the elephants and their welfare. It’s entirely hands off and you watch the elephants from afar in the jungle, foraging and interacting in their natural habitat. Highly recommend! 🐘

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Taylor Thomson

Review Date: 18 Nov 2025

Review Body: Our host Jok was incredible, very knowledgeable, passionate about his work, and very attentive to all the guests needs. We learnt a lot, took amazing photographs, and made lasting memories. We spent two weeks travelling throughout Thailand and this was the highlight of our trip.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jeanine

Review Date: 04 Dec 2025

Review Body: I really liked to see the elephants in the natural habitat. Also liked the stay over on the mountain. Finally some places where it's quiet and little tourists. Food was also very good. Our highlight on our Thailand trip!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Joe Mullin

Review Date: 21 Jan 2026

Review Body: Lovely experience, with an excellent guide who gave us insightful discussions about the elephants and Thailand in general. I’d highly recommend the overnight stay.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Hike Doi Inthanon, visit pagodas,check in to your accomodation, enjoy local dinner and campfire

Itinerary Description: 7:00-7:30 AM Hotel pick-up from your Chiang Mai accommodation 7:30 AM Scenic drive to Doi Inthanon with countryside views and a short refreshment break 9:30 AM Guided hike through Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park 11:30 PM Lunch at a local Karen restaurant with coffee break 12:30 PM Visit the King and Queen Pagodas and enjoy panoramic views 1:30 PM Explore the peak of Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand 2:15 PM Travel to the elephant sanctuary via van and pickup truck 4:00 PM Check-in to evening accommodation and relax 6:00 PM Traditional Northern Thai dinner prepared by local chefs & relax by the campfire under the jungle stars

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Jungle trek with elephants, vegetarian local lunch, elephant food preparation, return to Chiang Mai

Itinerary Description: 8:00 AM Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the peaceful jungle surroundings 9:00 AM Hop on the pick up truck and heading to the jungle to find elephant 9:30 AM Trek with elephants through the jungle, observing their natural behaviours 11:30 AM Pause for a local lunch in the jungle 12:30 PM Continue walking with and observing the elephants 2:00 PM Walk back to camp, reflecting on the experience 2:15 PM Prepare elephant food at the “Ele Kitchen” while maintaining a hands-off approach 3:00 PM Pack up and check out from the jungle camp 3:15 PM Start the scenic drive back to Chiang Mai 5:30 - 6:00 PM Arrived back in Chiang Mai