Thai Culture & Elephant Eco Tour

breakfast and lunch

Depart in the early morning and drive about 2 hours to Maeklong Railway Market for 2 hours by car. The market uniquely situated on a working railway track. It has trains running through the middle several times a day. Right down the middle and close enough to touch. To the amazement of each vendor, who quickly moved the goods through the clever easy-to-move container, avoiding the imminent train passing, and once the train passing, it will be open as usual.

Your second stop is the over a 100 years active Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Every day many Thai and foreign tourists travel here to shop, eat and absorb the atmosphere of floating market. After having lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel.

Maeklong Railway Market

Damnoen Saduak Market

breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to the historic city of Chiang Rai in northeastern Thailand. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of day is at leisure.

breakfast and lunch

This morning, you will head to the Golden Triangle, the center of the opium trade in the second half of the 20th century. From the perspective of the top of the mountain, the magnificent Mekong River merges into the Rua River, forming the actual "triangle" between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, which is amazing Golden Triangle.

You will also visit Opium Museum nearby. The museum aims to educate people about the dangers of drugs through interesting exhibits that trace the history of opium, from the first use of opium 5,000 years ago to current drug abuse and addiction problems. It is regard it as one of the best museums in Thailand.

Chiang Rai is closest city to Laos in Thailand. Today, you can cross the Mekong River into Laos and have a visit of the local rural life. In the afternoon, head to the Indong Palace and Garden (Mae Phranang Garden). Indong was once a secluded area in the center of the Golden Triangle-a major area in the world for illegal opium production. Deforestation and burning cultivation deprived the watershed area, and opium cultivation further accelerated the watershed area. After the mother princess visited Doi for the first time, she announced: "I will plant Tutong." The princess decided to improve the conditions of Doi socially, economically and environmentally. She built her own home in Doi Tung, which is what we call Mae Fa Lu Garden, which proves her commitment.

Golden Triangle

Opium Museum

breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, you will head to Chiang Mai! On the way, you will visit  the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) 'Rong Suea Ten' in Thai, translates as 'house of the dancing tiger' because historically, the area surrounding the temple, was full of wildlife, in particular tigers who leapt into the nearby Mae Kok river. There are beautiful paintings inside, with a huge white Buddha statue in the middle.

The second stop is the Black House (Baan Dam in Thai). 'Baan Dam' is an ingenious depiction of hell by Thawan Duchanee. Opaque decorations and dead animals adorn each room, making Duchanee's manor completely opposed to the white temple, which is a glimpse of heaven designed by his teacher Chalermchai Kositpipat. Although not off the beaten track, the black house cannot be ignored.

Then continue to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), which combines traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes. Then visit the hot springs to relax.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Chiang Mai.

Black House

White Temple

breakfast and lunch

Today, you will visit the ancient city of Chiang Mai, including Wat Pra Singh, is one of the most famous among the over 200 ancient Buddhist temples around the city and it is also the most famous examples of Lanna architecture. Wat Chedi Luang is the site of a huge pagoda that was originally 280 feet high and was partially destroyed in the 1545 earthquake. You will experience the true lifestyle of northerners in Warorot Market. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Drive to Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb up the 309 steps (or, for those who don’t pay much attention to fitness, you can take a tram for a small fee) to the top of the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking scenery all the way on. You will find Wat Phra That the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City on the top of the mountain.

Next, take an adventurous trip on a rugged road to the exotic Meo hill tribe village, which is located between Wat Doi Suthep to Doi Suthep National Park. You will visit a local family and discover the daily life of friendly villagers.

Meo hill tribe village

Wat Doi Suthep

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Today, you will start your volunteer life with Thai elephants in Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Today you will join in some visitors in the sanctuary. There, before changing into the traditional Karen costume, you will meet an English-speaking guide and learn some knowledge about elephants.

After allocating bananas and sugar cane to the elephants, your guide will take you to walk through the sanctuary, where you will find free-roaming elephants and listen to their personal stories. You can touch, feed, take pictures and interact with them and learn about their lifestyles and behaviors.

Stay overnight with a local family in their house. Learn about local customs, languages and traditions as you immerse yourself in the tranquil hillside villages and picturesque scenery. Feel free to explore the area and take pictures of the countryside, or relax in a peaceful environment while watching the sunset.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

breakfast and lunch

Wake up early to enjoy the rising sun and enjoy a healthy breakfast. Choose coffee or freshly brewed herbal tea to complement your breakfast with fresh organic local food. After breakfast, take a jungle trek to a nearby waterfall. During an hour-long hike, you will discover the local flora and fauna, visit country houses and organic farms, and immerse yourself in the jungle environment. Enjoy a delicious lunch by the waterfall, including traditional Thai food and fresh fruits, before continuing through the jungle and agricultural areas.

Trek to another elephant camp and you will pass an organic farm. Please spend a good time with the elephants before hiking back to the edge of the jungle with your guide. Here, you will meet your driver who will transfer you back to Chiang Mai.

Jungle Trekking

breakfast

Enjoy your free time until your guide and driver escort you to the airport in time for your flight to Bangkok where you will catch your international flight home.