Pon Elephant Thailand

Travel by air-conditioned van to Pon Elephant Thailand

Visit the organic vegetable garden

Collect fresh herbs and ingredients

Introduction to Thai ingredients and cooking tools

Learn the five basic flavors of Thai cuisine: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy

Choose and prepare your own dishes under the guidance of a local chef

Learn traditional cooking techniques

Popular dishes may include: Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice

Enjoy your freshly cooked dishes in a natural setting with mountain views

Receive recipe cards to take home

Enjoy the dishes you have prepared

Relax and take in the surrounding nature

Introduction to the elephant sanctuary

Learn about elephant habitat, history, behavior, and welfare

Safety briefing on how to interact with elephants respectfully

Walk with elephants in their natural jungle environment

Feed elephants Napier grass, sugarcane, and bananas

Observe elephants interacting within their family groups

Bathe and swim with elephants in the river

Transfer back to your hotel

Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Walk to the main base camp

Change into an elephant caretaker outfit

Introduction to the program and safety briefing

Learn about the long and fascinating history of Asian elephants

Prepare healthy herbal treats for the elephants

Feed the handmade snacks to the elephants

Walk alongside the elephants through the lush forest

Observe their natural behavior in a peaceful environment

Bathe with the elephants in the river

Say goodbye to your elephant companions

Change clothes and prepare for the next activity

Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch

Visit Buatong Sticky Waterfall

Walk and climb from the base to the top of the waterfall

Enjoy the unique limestone surface that makes climbing easy

Cool off in the clear flowing water and relax in nature

Return to Chiang Mai

Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Begin with a gentle nature trail leading to Wat Phalat, a hidden forest temple

Explore the peaceful surroundings, including: Wooden tunnel pathways, Ordained trees, A tranquil stream and jungle scenery

Learn about the temple’s history and its role as a meditation retreat

Travel up Doi Suthep Mountain

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple

Admire the golden pagoda, sacred relics, temple halls, and statues

Walk around the terrace with shrines, fruit trees, and rock gardens

Enjoy panoramic views over Chiang Mai City

Scenic drive to Pon Elephant Thailand in Mae Wang District

Welcome and introduction by the sanctuary team

Learn about Thai elephants, their history, and ethical care practices

Change into traditional attire (if provided)

Prepare herbal medicine balls for the elephants

Feed the elephants and walk with them through the forest

Bathe the elephants in the river

Observe natural behaviors and enjoy photo opportunities

Enjoy a homemade Thai meal prepared by a local family

Depart from the sanctuary

Comfortable transfer back to your accommodation or meeting point

End of program

Travel southwest of Chiang Mai by comfortable air-conditioned van or bus

Stop at Wachirathan Waterfall, one of Thailand’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls

Admire the 80-meter-high cascade and refreshing mist

Time for photos and sightseeing

Visit the Twin Royal Pagodas

Enjoy panoramic mountain views and terraced flower gardens

See the summit area of Doi Inthanon Mountain

Walk along an ancient fern forest trail

Experience the cool climate and lush highland scenery

Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant

Scenic drive through mountain roads and hill-tribe villages

Arrive at the Elephant Village

Change into a traditional Karen hill-tribe T-shirt

Learn about Asian elephants and the village’s background

Receive instructions on how to safely approach and feed elephants

Feed elephants with fresh fruits

Walk with elephants through the forest and observe them foraging naturally

Swim and bathe with the elephants at a hidden waterfall

Take memorable photos in a natural jungle setting

Activities are conducted ethically, with elephant welfare as the top priority.

Depart from the Elephant Village

Transfer back to your hotel or meeting point in Chiang Mai City

End of program

Travel south to Mae Wang District in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Scenic drive past local farms, rice fields, and hill-tribe villages

Time to relax, cool off, and take a refreshing dip

Enjoy the natural jungle surroundings

Warm welcome from the sanctuary guide

Change into traditional Karen hill-tribe clothing, similar to what elephant caretakers wear

Introduction to the sanctuary and ethical elephant care practices

Educational briefing on Asian elephants and the history of the sanctuary

Meet the rescued elephants

Feed elephants bananas and other natural foods

Walk with the elephants through the forest

Observe elephants foraging and interacting naturally within their family groups

Head to the river with the elephants

Bathe and swim alongside them in a calm, respectful environment

Watch their natural behavior and enjoy close, unforgettable moments

Elephants choose whether and when to bathe. Activities may change to ensure their welfare.

Walk back to the sanctuary with the elephants

Time to say goodbye and capture final memories

Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch

Relax and freshen up

Scenic bamboo rafting experience along the Mae Wang River

Admire the peaceful jungle and river landscapes

Transfer back to your hotel or accommodation

End of program

Travel south to Mae Wang District in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Scenic 1.5-hour drive through hills, forests, local farms, and villages

Warm welcome from the sanctuary team

Introduction and safety briefing

Learn about: Elephant habitat, history, behavior, and habits, Ethical elephant care and coexistence with local hill-tribe communities and Proper behavior around elephants

Walk through the forest with knowledgeable rangers

Feed elephants Napier grass, sugarcane, and bananas

Observe elephant families interacting naturally

Enjoy close, respectful interaction in their natural environment

Take photos and create lasting memories

Accompany elephants to the river

Swim and bathe with the elephants and their family

Observe their natural behavior in a calm, peaceful setting Note: Elephants choose whether to bathe. Activities may change depending on their comfort and safety.

Say goodbye to the elephants

End of sanctuary experience

Travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

Scenic 80–90 minute drive to Pon Elephant Thailand in Mae Wang District

Enjoy views of local villages, farms, rice fields, temples, and countryside landscapes

Arrival at Pon Elephant Thailand: Warm welcome from the sanctuary team

Introduction and briefing by an English-speaking guide

Learn about: Asian and African elephants, The history and mission of the sanctuary and Ethical elephant care (no riding policy)

Learn how to prepare healthy snacks for the elephants

Feed and interact with rescued elephants

Walk alongside the elephants in their natural environment

Touch, observe, and learn their individual stories

Watch elephant families interact naturally

Bathe with the elephants in the river (one of their favorite activities)

Final feeding and goodbye moments with the elephants

Shower and change clothes

Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch

Fresh seasonal fruits provided

Short hike to Mae Wang Waterfall

Relax and refresh at the waterfall

Please note: Swimming depends on weather conditions and safety (especially during heavy rain)

Depart from Mae Wang

Transfer back to your hotel or meeting point

End of program