2-Day Elephant Lover - Chang Thai Heritage Elephant Sanctuary

Chang Thai Heritage is a small elephant sanctuary in the countryside about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. The 2-Day Elephant Lover program stretches the sanctuary's day program over two days, with a night away from the city in between. It suits people who want to slow down, see the same elephants twice and take part in more of their routine than a single visit allows. There is no riding. Hotel pickup, an English speaking guide and lunch are included.

The activities are the ones the sanctuary is known for. You chop sugar cane and bananas into snacks and feed the elephants by hand. You walk with them through the grounds and down to the river, where they lie in the water and you scrub them with a brush. Visitors describe making a natural soap from a local tree for the bath, and a cooking session where you prepare a Thai dish such as pad thai. Over two days you repeat the feeding and bathing with time to simply watch the herd between activities.

Practicalities: the program includes one night away from Chiang Mai. Our office confirms where you sleep, which meals are included and the pickup time before you pay. You will get wet and muddy every day, so pack a change of clothes for each day. The child rate applies from age 3 to 10.