Tucked away in the lush mountains outside Chiang Mai lies Elephant Ecovalley, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our time in Thailand. From hearing the elephants’ stories to interacting with them in their natural environment, it was one of those rare travel moments that will stay with us forever.
Day 6: The Elephant EcoValley
Today was all about elephants. One of the experiences we were most excited about before arriving in Thailand was visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, so we were pleased that Elephant Rescue Park was included as part of the tour. There are unfortunately still many places throughout Asia where elephants are used for entertainment or activities that are not animal friendly, so we appreciated the opportunity to support a rescue-focused sanctuary instead.
The drive out to the park took us through more lush countryside before we arrived and met the local staff who clearly care deeply about the elephants in their protection. We learned about the individual stories of several rescued elephants and the challenges involved in caring for such huge but gentle animals.
Spending time around elephants is surprisingly emotional. Seeing them up close, hearing them communicate with one another and watching how intelligent and social they are gives you a completely different appreciation for these incredible creatures. We enjoyed preparing their food, which was a bit like making giant bliss balls, before hand-feeding them ourselves. It was such a unique way to interact with these gentle giants. Afterwards, we walked behind them as they slowly strolled along the riverbank towards a large pool where they would bathe. Being able to step into the water amongst them, helping to wash and clean them in their natural environment, was an experience we will never forget. Despite their enormous size, they were incredibly calm and gentle, and it was impossible not to smile watching them happily flop down and relax in the water, even enjoying the cool spray from the nearby waterfall during their bath.
The experience was hands-on without feeling exploitative, and throughout the visit there was a strong focus on education, conservation and responsible tourism. It ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of the trip for both of us.
Later that afternoon, we headed up the mountain to visit Wat Doi Suthep. Perched high above the city, the temple offers sweeping views across Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. After climbing the staircase lined with golden serpent statues, we were rewarded with one of the most peaceful temple settings we have visited in Thailand and took the opportunity to be blessed by a monk.
Our last night in Chiang Mai was spent together at Baan Rai Yam Yen, sharing stories, laughs, and reflecting on the incredible memories made throughout the trip. It felt like the perfect way for our group to come together one final time before our journeys headed in different directions. Back at our hotel Centara Riverside, we gathered for our last group photo a special moment capturing the friendships and unforgettable adventure we had shared across Northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai surprised us in the best possible way. Before arriving, we expected temples and night markets, but we didn’t realise how much we would enjoy the slower pace, cooler temperatures and mountainous scenery of Northern Thailand. It offered a completely different side of the country compared to the tropical beaches and busy streets of Bangkok.
Day 7: Goodbye Chiang Mai, Hello Bangkok
After several incredible days exploring Northern Thailand, it was time to head back to Bangkok. We enjoyed a slower morning for a change, with some free time before our flight.
Our short domestic flight back to Bangkok was quick and easy, and before long we were checking back into the hotel for our final evening of the tour. With one last night in Thailand’s bustling capital, we took the opportunity to revisit a few favourite spots, enjoy another amazing Thai meal and reflect on just how much we had experienced over the previous week.
The Travel Talk tour experience exceeded all expectations and was the perfect way to explore Northern Thailand in a short amount of time. From the seamless organisation and our knowledgeable local guide Kung, to the balance of cultural experiences, incredible temples and unforgettable activities, every detail was thoughtfully planned. We genuinely felt like we saw far more than we ever could have managed on our own, met a wonderful group of travelers similar to ourselves who became fast friends through our shared adventures, and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a deeper and more authentic experience of Thailand.
From island beaches and tropical rainforests to mountain temples and elephant sanctuaries, Thailand had already delivered far more variety than we ever expected. With just ten days remaining of our twelve weeks in Thailand, we decided there was only one fitting way to finish the journey — heading back to the beach. Our next stop will be the relaxed coastal town of Hua Hin, where we plan to slow the pace, soak up the ocean views and enjoy our final days before returning home to Christchurch.
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