Pon Elephant Sanctuary - Waterfall - Bamboo Rafting

This full-day programme from Pon Elephant Thailand combines the three things the Mae Wang valley is known for: the waterfall, the elephants and the river. It runs on a private basis, daily, and suits families and small groups who want a relaxed pace with plenty of time at each stop. There is no riding, and the elephants are not made to do anything.

After pickup you drive south-west past farms, hill-tribe villages and rice fields. The first stop is Mae Wang waterfall, where you can swim and relax. Then you continue to the sanctuary, where your guide gives an introduction to Asian elephants and the sanctuary's story. You change into the Karen hill-tribe clothing the caretakers wear, feed the elephants bananas, and walk with them through the forest as they forage and interact with each other. Next comes the river, where you bathe with the elephants, before walking back to say goodbye. A traditional Thai lunch with fresh fruit is served. The day ends with a bamboo raft ride on the Mae Wang river, drifting slowly downstream, and then the drive back to your hotel.

Hotel transfers, a guide, lunch, fruit and drinking water are included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals, a hat and insect repellent. The order of stops and the timings can change with the season and the weather.