Elephant Camps in chiang mai
 

We're interested in visiting an elephant camp and possibly riding an elephant in Chiang Mai. There seems to be a few elephant camps there so which one would you suggest?

Also, can we just hire a driver to take us there or do you think a guide is necessary to get a better experience.

Initially we were going to book a 1 day "safari" tour with Sergeant Kai but after reading some posts on this site, some say that the elephant camp he takes you is not that great. So now I've decided to probably skip the guide and just hire drivers as so many of you have suggested.

Go to the one in Lampang. It was superior and they even have a website. Get there early enough to watch the elephant bathing--great fun!

We had a driver who took us and then on the way back we went to the umbrella village and then Doi Suthep. It was a long day, but we all enjoyed it.

If you are in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, go the the Sunday Street Market.

Have a great time!

The Elephant Conservation Center is a very good place...we spent 3 days there last December and loved it. You can go there as a visitor and watch the bathing, take an elephant ride, have lunch, see the elephant hospital....No reservation is required unless you intend to do one of their programs.

www.changthai.com is their unofficial website. They have an official website but it isn't a very good website.

There is also the Elephant Nature Park north of Chiang Mai, but I haven't been there. They do not offer elephant rides, and you must book ahead even if you want to viist. Drop in visits are not allowed.

Thank you both for your responses.

I had found a website for an elephant camp in Lampang but I can't find it anymore. I'm just curious, is there more than one elephant camp or is this the one you're talking about.

www.changtai.com

KimJapan, thanks for the info. All I saw on the website was the mahout training and nothing about just going for a visit so I was a little worried about that.

The elephant camp in Lampang is the Elephant Conservation Center, one and the same.

If you go there, plan to be there around 9:00 so you are in plenty of time to get up to the bathing area...it's fun to watch the elephants bathe, and it starts at 9:30 or so and doesn't take long so it's best to be there early. Immediately after that, is the small show they do, where you may well see some tourists who did the mahout program like we did...my daughter was in the show when we were there. Then you can visit the hospital, take a ride and eat lunch. The restaurant there serves simple and good food, and it's really cheap as well.

I second the above recommendations. The elephant centre at Lampang is the best.

Though there are 2 Elephant camps the one in Lampang is exceptionally well run. It is 45 minutes out of CM and ideally you take a driver at 8:15 from your hotel and arrive ~9 feed some elephants, they like oranges more than the bamboo they sell you so bring a gew, it is fun. At 9:30 they have a 45-55 minute demonstration and then you can go on a 1, 2 or 3 hour trek. Since it can get pretty hot prtobasbly a 2 hour trek from 10:30-12:30 would be best. If all you want is ride anelephant then the 1 hour elephant walk is sufficient. You can be back in CM for a late lunch without a problem. I recvommend a driver/guide named Poon, Ratt's sister (Ratt is based in BK and makes Poons arrangements for you).A half day (5 hours is about 1500 Baht). She is lovely just make sure she turns the A/C on 20 minutes beforee you return from the trek so the car is nice and cool. You will need it. Or you can use Poon and do Doi Suthep after lunch and drive you also out to stroll around the Four Seasons grounds and be back to your hotel by 5:30. Then her rate is about 2800 Baht for 10-11 hours.Many drivers English is poor but Poons is fairly good, not terrific but her comprehension of English is Very good.

We hired a driver who took us to the Lampang centre which was great and yes I agree get there early enough to see the bathing ..it is fabulous. He took us into the town and to some well known wats as well as the umbrella factory . We also did a horse drawn buggy trip around town ( a bit touristy but fun ). We used him the next day to take us to Doi Suthep as I think it is too much doing it all on one day. I really don't think you need a guided tour , just get a guy to take you in his van or songtouw (they are available everywhere). Enjoy the experience ...it was the high light for me.