DAY 1 : CHIANG MAI

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in the city centre. If time allows, an optional sightseeing tour in- and around Chiang Mai can be arranged, otherwise rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 2 CHIANG MAI - MAE SAPOK

Tour to Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak, 2565 m). Enjoy nice mountain scenery from the 2 royal pagodas on the peak and see picturesque waterfalls, such as the Mae Ya and Vachirathan. There are opportunities for short walks as well. Go on down the valley, passing Karen- and Hmong hill tribe vil-lages. Arrive late afternoon in Mae Sopok. Overnight at the lodge overlooking the valley.

DAY 3 MAE SAPOK

First introduction into the life and behaviour of elephants, as well as learning commands. After lunch start to use commands while riding an elephant. Later learn how to saddle the elephant and riding on his neck. On the way back to the lodge visit a Karen hill tribe village.

DAY 4 MAE SAPOK

In the morning you and the mahout will get the elephant out of the forest. Ensure the learned commandos. Afterwards hauling logs. Then ride to the river and let the elephant enjoy his daily bath. In the afternoon Take the elephant back to the forest. Finally take a short walk through the bamboo jungle or visit a remote Karen temple. Stay another night at the tranquil lodge overlooking the valley.

DAY 5 MAE SAPOK - CHIANG MAI

First get the elephant out of the forest then bathing it in the river. Then putting the saddle and ride the elephant on his neck. Pilling up tree stalks. In the afternoon visit a small waterfall and later enjoy a lazy trip down the river on a bamboo raft. In the afternoon transfer back to Chiang Mai. Overnight.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

Day at leisure until transfer to the airport, or extend your stay (depend on your further schedule)

Price includes:

Air-conditioned transportation and partly by pick up truck during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation 2 nights at a tourist class hotel and 3 nights at the lodge in Mae Sapok, daily breakfast, lunch on Day 2-5, dinner on Day 2-4, entrance fees,

Not included:

All meals not mentioned in the above itinerary, drinks, tips and personal expenses

Flexibility:

For people who want to learn even more about elephants, there is a 9-days package available. It is also possible to skip Day 2 and trip to Doi Inthanon. In that case the whole package is only 5 days/4 nights and Transfer direct from Chiang Mai to Mae Sapok.