Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Long Neck & Sticky Waterfall

Chiang Mai offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture. Explore an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you’ll interact with these gentle giants. Then, venture to the intriguing Long Neck Village and savor an authentic Thai lunch. Complete your journey at the stunning Buatong Sticky Waterfall, a unique geological formation perfect for swimming and relaxation. This all-encompassing tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of northern Thailand.

Good To Know

• A full-day tour in Chiang Mai that includes an ethical elephant sanctuary, the Long Neck Village, and the Buatong Sticky Waterfall.
• Opportunity to interact with elephants by preparing herbal treats, hand-feeding, and bathing them in the river.
• Exploration of the remote Long Neck Village to observe traditional weaving and crafting techniques, and enjoy an authentic Thai lunch.
• Chance to discover the unique Buatong Sticky Waterfall, with its limestone-rich surface that allows for safe climbing and refreshing dips.
• Highly rated tour with knowledgeable guides, seamless transportation, and excellent value for money, including optional hotel pickup and first-class local travel insurance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour in Chiang Mai allows visitors to experience a unique combination of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

The itinerary includes a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary, an exploration of the Long Neck Village, and a trek to the stunning Buatong Sticky Waterfall.

This full-day tour in Chiang Mai offers an ethical elephant sanctuary, a visit to the Long Neck Village, and a trek to Buatong Sticky Waterfall.

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and is priced from $51.06 per person, with optional hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include feeding and bathing elephants, learning about local cultures, and cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of the waterfall.

Highlights of the Elephant Sanctuary Experience

What can visitors expect during the Elephant Sanctuary experience? Guests can prepare herbal treats and hand-feed the elephants, then bathe them in the river. Visitors will change into traditional caretaker outfits provided by the Ethical Elephant Caretaker Team.

| Activity | Description |

|———-|————-|

| Treat Preparation | Guests learn to make herbal treats for the elephants. |

| Hand-Feeding | Visitors get to hand-feed the gentle giants. |

| Bathing | Guests bathe the elephants in the river. |

| Dress-Up | Visitors wear traditional caretaker outfits. |

| Interaction | Guests interact closely with the elephants throughout the experience. |

This immersive sanctuary visit allows guests to learn about Asian elephants while engaging directly with the majestic creatures.

Exploring the Long Neck Village

After exploring the elephant sanctuary, visitors get to enjoy the unique cultural experience of the Long Neck Village.

This remote hilltribe community is known for the distinctive brass coils worn around the women’s necks, which gradually elongate their necks over time. Visitors can wander through the village, observe the traditional weaving and crafting techniques, and interact with the locals.

The cultural exchange provides a fascinating glimpse into this centuries-old tradition and the daily lives of the Long Neck people. An authentic Thai lunch is also served, featuring local dishes and fresh produce.

Enjoying the Authentic Thai Lunch

As visitors enjoy the cultural experience of the Long Neck Village, they’re treated to an authentic Thai lunch featuring local dishes and fresh produce.

The menu offers a variety of classic Thai favorites, including fragrant curries, stir-fried vegetables, and flavorful rice dishes. Freshly cut tropical fruits provide a refreshing end to the meal.

The lunch not only nourishes the body but also allows travelers to savor the rich culinary traditions of the region. It’s a chance to pause, refuel, and truly appreciate the cultural nuances of the Long Neck experience.

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Discovering the Buatong Sticky Waterfall

Following the immersive cultural experience at the Long Neck Village and the nourishing Thai lunch, the tour moves on to the captivating Buatong Sticky Waterfall.

This natural wonder is known for its limestone-rich falls that create a unique "sticky" surface, allowing visitors to climb the cascades with ease. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters, take refreshing dips, and capture memorable moments.

The guide provides helpful information about the waterfall’s formation and safety tips, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

This stop offers a refreshing break and a chance to immerse in Chiang Mai’s natural beauty.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes an array of thoughtful amenities to enhance the experience. Guests can enjoy an authentic Thai lunch featuring local dishes and fresh fruit.

The package also includes:

• Entrance fees to all attractions

• Banana and food for the elephants

• Refreshment towels and first-class local travel insurance

Throughout the day, the English-speaking guide provides informative commentary to enrich the cultural exploration.

With these convenient inclusions, travelers can enjoy the sanctuary, village, and waterfall without additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Customer Feedback and Testimonials

How do past travelers rate this Chiang Mai tour experience?

Based on 928 reviews, the tour earns an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Travelers particularly praise the knowledgeable guide, 5/5 rating, and the seamless transportation, 4.9/5. They also highlight the excellent value for money, 4.9/5.

Highlights include Sinead from Ireland who commended the well-planned experience and detailed explanations, and Emy from the USA who enjoyed climbing the waterfall and appreciated the guide’s helpfulness in capturing memories.

Kevin from the UAE also commended the guide’s knowledge and interaction with children.

Important Details and Logistics

Where does the tour begin? The meeting point for this tour is the sign showing GetYourGuide for Pon Elephant Thailand on the main road.

Clients should come prepared with their own shorts or swimwear, as they’ll need them for the Sticky Waterfall portion of the tour.

The tour includes:

1. Optional hotel pickup, with clients arriving at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

2. Entrance fees, Thai lunch, snacks, fruit, water, a refreshment towel, and banana/food for the elephants.

3. 1st-class local travel insurance and an informative English-speaking guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Drive From Chiang Mai to the Elephant Sanctuary?

The drive from Chiang Mai to the elephant sanctuary takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The tour pickup option ensures clients arrive at the sanctuary 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Is the Elephant Sanctuary Open Year-Round or Does It Have Seasonal Closures?

The elephant sanctuary is open year-round, with no seasonal closures. Visitors can enjoy the full range of activities, including hand-feeding and bathing the elephants, regardless of the time of year they visit.

Can Guests Interact With the Elephants Beyond the Scheduled Activities?

Guests can interact with the elephants beyond the scheduled activities, such as hand-feeding them treats and bathing them in the river. However, they’re advised to follow the guide’s instructions to ensure the elephants’ well-being and their own safety.

Is Photography Allowed During the Waterfall Visit?

Photography is allowed at the Buatong Sticky Waterfall. Visitors can climb the limestone formation and take photos in the crystal-clear waters. The tour guide can assist in capturing memorable moments during this part of the experience.

Are Vegetarian or Vegan Meal Options Available for the Lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available for the included Thai lunch. The tour provider can accommodate special dietary requirements if requested in advance. Guests should inform the guide of any dietary needs.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich cultural and natural wonders of Chiang Mai. From ethical elephant interactions to discovering the unique Long Neck community and the captivating Buatong Sticky Waterfall, this full-day tour offers an unforgettable experience. With hands-on activities, authentic Thai cuisine, and stunning natural scenery, it’s the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of northern Thailand.

You can check if your dates are available here: