Bamboo elephant family care - Half Day Afternoon

Bamboo Elephant Family Care is a small family-run camp about an hour and a half north of Chiang Mai. It was started in 2016 by Burin Ampai, known as Bank, and his father, after a young elephant called Noi was passed to the family. The camp says it uses no chains or hooks and lets its small herd roam freely. There is strictly no riding. The afternoon program suits anyone who wants a close, hands-on few hours with the elephants without giving up the whole day, and it works well for families and solo travellers alike.

Pickup is between 11:30 and 12:00 from your hotel, and the drive north takes about an hour and a half. At the camp you change into traditional Karen clothing and hear about the history and behaviour of Asian elephants. Then you meet the elephants: you feed them by hand and spend time close to them, learn about the traditional organic herbal supplements the camp prepares for their diet, and finish by bathing and brushing your elephant in the river. A meal with fresh fruit and drinking water is part of the visit, and you are dropped back at your hotel around 17:00.

Transport, an English-speaking guide, insurance and a Karen-style shirt are included. Bring slippers or sandals, a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and insect spray. The tour runs as a shared group.