Elephant One Day, with optional bamboo rafting - Johnny Boy

Johnny Boy Elephant Sanctuary sits in Ban Huai Pong in the Mae Wang district, about an hour's drive south west of Chiang Mai. It began as a joint project between the Karen village community, the families who own the elephants and locals from Chiang Mai, with the aim of giving the animals a natural home where they live on their own terms. A small family cares for the elephants here, and the operator caps groups at eight, so visits stay small and personal.

The one day program gives you the whole day at the sanctuary. After pickup from your hotel in Chiang Mai you put on the sanctuary's matching outfit, are introduced to each elephant, make herbal medicine balls and feed them, and walk with them. After lunch you join their mud bath and wash and brush them in the river. A traditional Thai meal follows. The afternoon is the part the half day leaves out: more time with the herd at their pace, and a trip to a nearby waterfall to cool off before the drive back. Groups are capped at nine, so it stays personal.

It suits families, solo travellers and anyone who would rather spend a slow day with a small family herd than an hour at a large camp. Guides speak English. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and bring a change for the drive home. The exact pickup time, the order of the afternoon and whether bamboo rafting is part of this version or only of the rafting day are confirmed with the sanctuary when you book.