Our northern guide is meeting our early train into Chiang Mai (yes, we want to take the train) and delivering us to a hill tribe camp near Mae Salong that night. The whole purpose of going to Chiang Mai instead of flying to Chiang Rai is that my daughter wants to see/ride an elephant, and our three nights in the hills does not bring us into contact with them. That said, my research indicates that the camp near Lampang is more eco friendly, but the Chiang Dao camp is on the way. Could someone please give me enough positive reviews about the camp at Chiang Dao so that I don't fell compelled to drive an hour in the wrong direction. Thanks

Go the the camp near Lampang. There's no comparison. it really cares about the animals, has an orphanage and a hospital and is an incredible place. The camp near Chiang Dao doesn't compare. Also when you give your money to the Lampang camp you know it is being used well. This is one time when going a bit out of your way is well worth it.

Thanks, Gloria. It echos my sentiment. Unfortunately, our guide is based in Chiang Rai, which is why I think he is pushing Chiang Dao.

You may want to get a guide if he's that inflexible and doesn't listen to your preferences but prefers his convenience. How did you find him and who did you book him thru?

Gloria,
I found the company Natual Focus on the internet (www.naturalfocusecotour.com) and am booking with them directly. They have been very helpful/accomodating in tailoring our northern trek. The only resistance I've met is when I asked if they could meet our train in Lampang and take us to the elephant conservation camp, before proceeding onto Chiang Rai. The initial response was whatever we want, but when I asked for a more detailed itinerary, we had been moved to Chiang Dao (don't like) but would end up in Mae Salong at a camp that night (do like), bypassing Chiang Rai. I think I need to email the company again, asking if the change is required so that we can reach the camp in time. Thanks for your input. Donna

We were at the Elephant Centre near Lampang today; we took our 16 month old grandson for his first elephant ride. We all had a super day, although I suspect that Elephants were a bit bigger than he had imagined.

It is a couple of years since I was there and they have much improved things for visitors, but definitely not at the expense of the elephants.

They have 50 elephants each with its own mahout and there are four veterinaries there to look after them. At the moment there are two babies on display, one born in May and one in June.

There is an obvious affection between the animals and the mahouts and the Centre is far superior to any of the Elephant camps around.