✨A day with elephants

#newyearnewtrip ✨✈️Visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is one of those experiences that stays with you long after the trip. Imagine standing in a lush valley surrounded by gentle giants, their eyes full of wisdom and curiosity as they greet you. These sanctuaries are designed to give rescued elephants a safe and peaceful life, free from the hardships they might have faced in logging or tourism industries. 1. Meet and Greet: You start by learning each elephant’s name and backstory, which instantly makes the connection more personal. 2. Feeding Time: Armed with a basket of bananas and sugarcane, you’ll get to hand-feed the elephants. Their trunks are surprisingly nimble, and the way they grab treats from your hands is both gentle and playful. 3. You can ride with them and experience the river trek 4. Reflection and Farewell: Many sanctuaries end the day with a quiet moment to reflect on the importance of ethical tourism and wildlife conservation. It’s humbling to realize how much these gentle creatures have endured and how our visit contributes to their well-being. This is why I love the experience here, none of them are mistreated. Food: The sanctuaries also often offer vegetarian meals, prepared with local ingredients, giving you a taste of authentic Northern Thai cuisine. Beyond the activities, the experience is a powerful reminder of our connection to nature and the responsibility we have to protect it. 🎫Tickets from $28 on trip.com 1. Park-Provided Transportation: When you book a visit directly through Elephant Nature Park, complimentary round-trip transportation is included. Comfortable passenger vans pick up guests from their Chiang Mai city hotels or the park's office. The journey takes about 90 minutes, during which an informative video about the park is shown. 2. Public Transportation: While it's possible to use public transport, it requires multiple steps. You can take a bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Mae Rim, which operates every 5 minutes and takes approximately 30 minutes. From Mae Rim, you'd need to hire a taxi for the remaining 49-minute journey to the park. This method can be time-consuming and may not be as convenient as the park's transportation. 3. Private Taxi or Car Rental: Hiring a taxi or renting a car offers flexibility but can be more expensive. The drive from Chiang Mai to the park is about 56 kilometers and takes approximately 57 minutes. Taxi fares range from $18 to $23. It's advisable to arrange return transportation in advance, as the park is in a remote area with limited transport options. Given the park's remote location and limited nearby transportation services, utilizing the park's provided transportation is often the most convenient and reliable option. This ensures timely arrival and departure, allowing you to focus on enjoying your visit.