Chiang Mai: temples and elephants

Bite-sized trip

Location:
Chiang Mai
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £ 190.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 150, - per child (up to 11 years)
When to go:
November - May

Chiang Mai, the gateway to Northern Thailand, offers a mix of peaceful mountain views and exciting adventures. We'll arrange a memorable visit to the Elephant Nature Park, where your family can interact (in a responsible manner) with rescued elephants. You'll also have plenty of free time to wander around the city's markets and temples or book extra activities like a street food tour or village trek, your trip can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose. Just let your Family Travel Specialist know!

Day 1 – Arrival in Chiang Mai

Most families arrive into Chiang Mai early this morning, following an overnight sleeper train adventure from Bangkok or Ayutthaya. You’ll head straight to your family-friendly ‘Lanna’ style hotel with swimming pool for a filling breakfast and much needed dip in the pool! The afternoon is at your leisure to get your bearings and explore the local markets and temples by foot, tuk-tuk or bike. In the evening you could head to the night market for a bit of souvenir shopping, find a local Muay Thai boxing match, or book onto our local street food tour.

Day 2 – Visit to the Elephant Nature Park

You’ll spend today learning more about Thailand’s most famous icon: the elephant. Your family will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Elephant Nature Park to hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. During this trip you will learn all about the Asian Elephant and the threats they are currently facing. See the proud herd they have become and observe their natural behaviour as they roam freely in the lush green surroundings.

You will get the chance to watch these majestic animals from a viewing platform before walking around the sanctuary to learn about the elephant families. After a delicious buffet lunch, you will head down to the river at the border of the park to watch as these gentle giant bathe and observe them splashing in the river. Early evening you will say your goodbyes to your new friends and head back to Chiang Mai for another night.

Day 3 – Departure from Chiang Mai

Unless you’d like to extend your time in this adventurous region, you’ll leave the mountain scenery behind and travel down to the South of Thailand. We’d highly recommend immersing yourself in the jungles of Khao Sok, before island hopping between the many tropical islands. However, you could also take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Ko Samui if you think you’ll literally want to flop on a beach at this stage!