Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour
Description
Experience a day of fun and adventure in Chiang Mai with a tour that includes a waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and bamboo rafting. Your day begins at Bau Tong Waterfall where it allows visitors to climb barefoot—an exciting and rare experiences. Take in the serene natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and refreshing mountain air. Next, visit Elephant Sanctuary, a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in a natural forest environment. Here, you’ll quietly observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily routines in peace. We respect their freedom by avoiding any riding or direct interaction, choosing instead to walk alongside them and witness their lives in a natural and ethical setting. The final, enjoy a scenic bamboo rafting experience as you float down the river, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil beauty.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will head directly to the Bua Tong waterfall, which is about an 80-minute drive. We will spend around an hour there to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore to experience the natural adventure at Bua Tong Waterfall to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfall. Next, we will go to the elephant sanctuary, and it takes 40 for drive.
After waterfall, we will be heading to elephant sanctuary, which is about 40 minutes away. Elephant Sanctuary is an elephant conservation park located in the scenic Mae Tang Valley, just an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned into a conservation-focused sanctuary. Our herd of 16 elephants thrives in a stress-free environment, where they spend their days eating, playing, and enjoying natural behaviors without the pressures of rides or shows.
Then, you’ll go bamboo rafting and see elephants nearby. You’ll enjoy beautiful natural scenery, surrounded by mountains and trees, where you can relax and breathe in the fresh air.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Since this is a shared transfer service, the actual pick-up time may be earlier or later than the scheduled time. Please prepare yourself about 10-30 minutes in advance. Please have the customer specify the name of the hotel or location where they would like to be picked up on the payment page and ask them to wait in front of the lobby. We will pick you up around 8:00 AM, depending on the number of customers that day. The operator will contact you in advance to confirm the pick-up time. Please wait. The timing may vary depending on the number of customers. We apologize for any inconvenience. Return Time: 17:00.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1,436)
Jon is the best He is kind and friendly! He gives good advise.. The pickup wasn’t that good. We had to wait 1:20 hour still standing and not driving. Because 4 + 2 people didn’t wake up at time.
I loved every moment of my day trip with Nathan and the group of lovely people I was with. Everything was highly organised and went to plan from the pick up at the hotel to being dropped off at the end of the day Experiencing a walk with the elephants through the jungle is something I will remember for a very long time. Lunch was excellent and so was our rafting adventure, even in the pouring rain. The visit to the sticky waterfall was amazing. I never thought I would walk up a waterfall! Thank you Nathan for a brilliant day.
It’s been an amazing day . We visited the elephant sanctuary, took a bamboo raft ride down the river, and saw the waterfalls. Nathan, our guide, was always looking out for us and explaining everything in as much detail as possible. A beautiful natural setting where the animals are treated with great respect. I highly recommend it.
Greetings! If you are searching for a one of a kind experience, you will find it here. The whole experience was a nice adventure. And there is nothing to worry about, visiting the nature in Thailand. It was warm, but rainy - which made it even better. The kids had the time of their lives and even grandma could handle all the activities (while she is still very fit). The best thing was our guide Paul. The Thai people in general are always nice, gentle and humble - but Paul was outstanding. Flawless english and with full heart for the animals and nature. We learned a lot this day! He always had a keen eye on the group and there is no chance for something bad to happen. There are rules for going into nature and engaging with the animals, so everybody should listen careful to the experience of this outstanding man. We were threated so well, it will always stay in our memory. Also the food was wonderful, everybody will be happy, also vegetarians. In short: Recommended to everybody who want to have a special and adventure experience. See the real Thailand here. Thanks for the wonderful day!
Picked up from condo around 8am in air conditioned van (12 seater). Guide was Nathan; he was friendly and very hard working. Started at sanctuary and were given plenty of food to feed elephants. Switched into rubber boots and put on a smock (provided, there are also hats) and very glad I did. Lots of interaction with elephants, including a short hike. Very muddy! Elephants are friendly and gentle. Lunch afterwards (onsite) was basic but pretty good. Veggies, rice, noodles, fried chicken, French fries, and watermelon. Can purchase soda, beer, and ice cream. Driven to location for rafting. We got wet only because it started raining. Raft ride was about 15 minutes; it’s longer in dry season. Lastly, went to sticky waterfall. Walk down stairs to the bottom and then climb up waterfalls (recommend bare feet and maybe wear a swimsuit). This was scary for me, but there are ropes to help you climb. You may want to bring a change of clothes and/or a towel. I didn’t, but some others did. Excellent day. Well organized and fun! Exceptional value. Would 100% recommend.
Picked up from condo around 8am in air conditioned van (12 seater). Guide was Nathan; he was friendly and very hard working. Started at sanctuary and were given plenty of food to feed elephants. Switched into rubber boots and put on a smock (provided, there are also hats) and very glad I did. Lots of interaction with elephants, including a short hike. Very muddy! Elephants are friendly and gentle. Lunch afterwards (onsite) was basic but pretty good. Veggies, rice, noodles, fried chicken, French fries, and watermelon. Can purchase soda, beer, and ice cream. Driven to location for rafting. We got wet only because it started raining. Raft ride was about 15 minutes; it’s longer in dry season. Lastly, went to sticky waterfall. Walk down stairs to the bottom and then climb up waterfalls (recommend bare feet and maybe wear a swimsuit). This was scary for me, but there are ropes to help you climb. You may want to bring a change of clothes and/or a towel. I didn’t, but some others did. Excellent day. Well organized and fun! Exceptional value. Would 100% recommend.
The trip was very well organized deapite our last minute booking, the guide Nathan was great, very knowledgeable, speaking many languages and attentionate. The experience was great and good value for money! We would highly recommend it Best wishes
Love, love, loved this tour Nathan was an amazing guide, and the tour was fabulous from beginning to end There was plenty of time with the elephants, including a walk through the local jungle The rafting was really chill, and climbing up the waterfall terrific fun
A super experience for the whole family. The tour guide Paul was super nice and a very good tour guide. He always told everything with a lot of fun and joy and his English was great. I can only recommend it to everyone.
Paul was a great tour guide! He was super patient and attended to all of all our needs. Unfortuantely, my partner began feeling abdominal discomfort half way throughout the trip after eating the food, hence taking away from some of the experience.
