Chiangmai Elephant Trip And Places To Visit

[nisha0901]

On my visit to Chiangmai would love to take a 1 hr elephant trek along with my frds .Browsed the internet and found many camps there ...which on is recomennded ....also saw rates around 1800 thb/ pax ...is it that expensive ? what would be a nominal charge for this?...also ...

what are the spots that need to cover during my trip

[robbo1]

If you are staying in Chaing Mai for a while recommend a 3 or 4 day trip in the mountains and stay with the hill tribes did it once was great you do elephant rides vand bamboo rafting one of the best things I have done

[jackr]

Probably best off posting in the Chiang Mai forum.

This from CM Wikitravel:

Elephants

Elephant Nature Park [26] +66 53-818932 . Approximately 60km north of Chiang Mai is a sanctuary for rescued and distressed elephants. They are not here to perform or do tricks and people visiting here will leave with a whole new understanding of these magnificent creatures. Day and overnight visits as well as one week volunteering opportunities can be booked via their website.

Maesa Elephant Camp, 119/9 Tapae Road, Muang District, +66 53-206247 or +66 53-206248, [27]. An elephant camp in the hills about a half hour's drive north of the city center. It has an elephant show, which includes elephants playing football and painting. You can also take half hour or one hour elephant rides. Not exactly a place to bring a PETA activist, but many do enjoy the performances.

This place is supposed to be quite good but is down in Lampang, National Elephant Institute (formerly the Thai Elephant Conservation Center).

The elephant rides/treks/hilltribes/bamboo rafting is ok for first-timers but is all a bit contrived.

[witold]

Even for a first timer like myself the 1 hour ride was one of the lamest things I have done in Thailand. I didn't have the time to do a 3-4 day thing - or even a 1 day thing - because of travel to other places but it is one of my regrets. Next time I will do a 'real' elephant experience.