ThaiUnika

Overview

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of nature with our captivating tour, carefully designed to provide an unforgettable experience. From the moment you set foot on this extraordinary adventure, you will be captivated by the remarkable attractions and activities that await you.

The tour commences with a picturesque trek through the lush and verdant forest, where the air is crisp and the scenery breathtaking. As you traverse the winding paths, surrounded by towering trees and melodious bird songs, you will feel a sense of tranquility permeating your soul. The culmination of this invigorating day is an indulgent retreat at the unique Tree House, where you can rejuvenate your body and spirit with a Traditional Thai Massage.

The second day unveils a realm of wonder as you venture into the mystical Chiang Dao Valley. Prepare to be awestruck by the awe-inspiring Chiang Dao Cave, a subterranean marvel adorned with intricate stalactite formations. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and spirituality as you explore Den Sali Temple, a sacred sanctuary nestled amidst the rugged landscape. Then, surrender to the refreshing allure of the majestic Bau Thong waterfall, where cascading waters beckon you to take a revitalizing plunge. Finally, be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panorama as you ascend to the revered Wat Tham Pha Plong, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, this captivating tour seamlessly weaves together nature's wonders, cultural treasures, and invigorating activities to provide a truly immersive experience. Immerse yourself in the embrace of pristine forests, indulge in traditional treatments, and uncover the secrets of Chiang Dao Valley's hidden gems. This journey promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

• Enjoy a lovely trek through the forest
• Stay overnight in the unique Tree House and relax with Traditional Thai Massage
• Visit Chiang Dao Cave at Chiang Dao Valley
• Cool off in the majestic waterfall of Bau Thong
• Have a great panorama views from Wat Tham Pha Plong

Itinerary in Details

Day 1 Day 2

Day 1: Chiang Mai- Palong village (L/D)

Your guide and driver will meet you at 0800 at your hotel for your Family Fun with Elephants and Sticky Waterfalls adventure. You will drive to the north to the Mae Sa Valley. First stop will be the Thai Elephant Care Center, an animal-friendly elephant camp. You will learn about the Asian Elephant and its current status as an endangered species. At this camp, there is no show and no elephant riding. You will also get safety instructions before you meet the elephants up close. Although in captivity, elephants are still wild animals, and you have to be careful in their presence. You will change into a traditional Thai farmers tunic which is very comfortable. Then you will meet our elderly elephants and get close to them.

You will learn to make dried grass which you will later feed to the elephants. You will also visit the elephant cemetery and the place where the elephants rest at night time. Elephants love herb balls, and you will learn how to make them. Feed them to the elephants. Then you will bathe with an elephant. Elephants love to play in the water. It is a lot of fun to join them. Feed bananas to our elephants. Then it is time to say farewell to your elephant friends.

Market visit and Trekking
By this time you will be hungry. We will have a Thai lunch at a local restaurant. We can accommodate all food preferences, so please inform your guide. After lunch, we will continue to a local market where your guide will do some shopping. You can join him or explore this market on your own. Drive to the start of our afternoon hike. The trail through the forest is relatively easy. Enjoy the views and the sounds of nature. We will walk for about two hours, with many stops along the way. Your guide will explain about specific trees and plants in the forest. There will be time for taking pictures. Our destination will be a Palong village.

Fun activities for the young
After arrival in the village, the children can participate in fun activities in the village. These can vary from picking fruit, collecting vegetables for dinner, feeding the pigs or taking part in sports with children from the community. Then it is time for a cooking course. Your guide will teach you how to cook in a wok on a wood fire.
He will explain about the herbs and ingredients he uses. After dinner, your guide will take you to one of the village houses where you will meet some of the villagers. The Palong are originally from Myanmar and fled to Thailand in 1984. This tribe is known as Palong or Palaung, but they call themselves Dara-Ang. Overnight will be in one of the village houses.

Day 2: Palong Village – Chiang Mai (B/L)

Visiting a local school
The second day of your Tribes, Rivers and Elephants Family Adventure. After the sounds of nature and the locals woke you up, your guide will prepare breakfast. Villagers will organize a small local market. If you want to can buy some souvenirs. After breakfast, your guide will show you around the village. He will explain about the village shrine and the ‘huja rawl’, the ‘village heart’. The Palong women are incredible weavers. We will introduce you to the weavers. Then we will visit the local school. The children will donate pens and paper to the school. After this, we will say goodbye to the villagers and start our short hike to a Karen village where our van is waiting for us. The Karen are another of the ethnic minority groups in Thailand. They migrated centuries ago from China. Most of the Karen live across the border in Myanmar. They have fighting for autonomy against the government for decades.

Elephant experience
We sit down and drink a cup of tea before we continue to Chiang Dao to have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we will continue to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, an animal-friendly elephant camp. Before you meet the elephants, you will get a safety briefing. You will change into traditional clothing and prepare fruits for the elephants. Then you will meet the elephants. There is an opportunity for taking as many pictures as you want. You will walk with them to the river. They love playing in the water, and you can bathe with them. Be ready to become dirty and wet! There will be fruit of the season as well as coffee or tea. Then it’s time to say goodbye to your elephant friends. Take a shower and change back into your clothes. We will drop you at your hotel at around 1730. It is the end of your Tribes, Rivers and Elephants Family Adventure.

End of the program