Elephant
riding and bamboo rafting in Mae Wang
(Chiang Mai)
In the south of Chiang Mai, Mae Wang is a quiet place of the traditional Thailand
where everyone can enjoy elephant riding, trekking in the forest with visit of hill tribe
villages, and bamboo rafting. A visit of the Doi Inthanon National Park is also well
worth at any season, as everyone will appreciate cooler temperatures
on the highest summit in Thailand and escape for a time the heat of the low lands.
A choice of two programmes:
Programme A: A complete day hike in Mae Wang: elephant riding, trekking and bamboo rafting with the visit of 2 hill tribes..More info
Programme B: Two days in nature with a hike in Mae Wang: elephant riding, trekking and bamboo rafting with the visit of 2 hill tribes... plus a day trek in the Doi Inthanon National Park..More info
Programme A:Chiang Mai / Mae Wang / Chiang Mai
A complete day hike in Mae Wang: elephant riding, trekking and bamboo rafting with the visit of 2 hill tribes..
08.00 Departure in mini-van from Chiang Mai in direction of the south. See along the way the rural life of villagers, the fruit orchards and rice fields, and cows...
09.00 Arrival at the elephant camp, which is situated along the river Mae Wang. Take a deep breath and enjoy the surroundings waiting for your elephant. Five minutes later, get on his back in couple for a one-hour hike, crossing the river and going uphill in the forest.
10.00 Leave your elephant in the middle of the forest and feed him with bananas sold by the hill tribe children. Depart for a 20-minute easy trek in the forest to a Hmong village named: "Huey Nam Rin".
10.30 At "Huey Nam Rin", have a rest and a cool drink while discovering the village. Explanation by your guide of the Hmong culture and daily life. Visit the local market where hand-made products are sold, and have a walk farther in the village for more authenticity...
11.00 Start a 45 minutes trek down the hill and enjoy Mother Nature. This is still an easy walk for everyone, and a different trail is used to get back to the river. There, cross on a tiny suspended bridge and arrive on the road where the vehicle is waiting.
12.00 Arrive at the local restaurant for lunch in a neighbouring village.
13.00 Visit of Huey Takhrai, a Karen village of about twenty houses on stilt situated a few kilometres away. There, your guide will explain the Karen culture and compare their differences with the Hmong. Observe the women weaving by hand and life in the village where you can also buy little souvenirs from the villagers...
13.45 Enjoy a moment of leisure on the rocks or under the cascades at the waterfalls of Moradok.
15.00 Arrive at the river and step on board of bamboo rafts guided by local helmsmen. Enjoy a safe one-hour ride in the silent countryside, on the melody of the birds and the rhythm of water.
16.00 Return in vehicle back to Chiang Mai.
or *** Extension to programme B *** (see below)
17.00 Arrival in Chiang Mai.
Programme B:
Two days in nature with a hike in Mae Wang: elephant riding, trekking and bamboo rafting with the visit of 2 hilltribes... plus a day trek in the Doi Inthanon National Park.
Day 1: Chiang Mai / Mae Wang / Doi Inthanon National Park
16.00 Get on board of the vehicle and go to the Doi Inthanon National Park for the dinner and the night.
16.45 Check-in in your bungalow and have some rest.
18.30 Dinner in one of the two restaurants at the Park Headquarters.
20.00 Spend the night in your bungalow (or under tents for those who wish).
Day 2: Doi Inthanon National Park / Chiang Mai
08.00 Breakfast in the restaurant at the Park Headquarter.
08.45 Get in the vehicle and pass the Hmong fruit and flower stands. See the beautiful flowers grown by the hill tribe people in the green houses that are under a Royal Project for the park's conservation plan.
09.30 Start the morning trek on the 2.5 kilometre Gew Mae Pan Trail, which is located near the twin Chedis. Walk through dense and moist green forest and follow the top of an abrupt slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River.
11.45 Rest and enjoy a picnic with the view.
12.30 Visit of the Napamaytanidol Chedi completed in 1989 to honourthe 60th birthday of King Bhumipol.
13.30 Take the road by vehicle to the summit and enjoy some very nice views. Visit the summit's Stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon.
The summit of Doi Inthanon is at 2565 metres and is the highest mountain in Thailand.
14.30 Return to the Park Headquarters with stops to the VachiratharnWaterfall and Brichinda Cave.
This
excursion can be arranged for up to 50 participants, and is
the perfect
incentive for those who have never been to Thailand before.
In a wonderful setting,
the activities that are accessible to all, younger or older,
will stay in the memories
forever. Far from the agitated life in the cities, stress, pollution
and heat,
Doi Inthanon National Park will also bring peace and cool temperatures
to your
group with a choice of treks leading to the highest summit in
Thailand. There is
a possibility to spend the night under tents for those who want
to be closer to Mother
Nature. A unique and unforgettable experience, for an incentive
close to nature...
Elephant riding and bamboo rafting in Mae Wang
Package: Elephant riding and bamboo rafting in Mae Wang
Destination:Mae Wang
Duration: Full day (8:00-17:00)
Tour Code: RT018A
Package: Elephant et radeau en bambou a Mae Wang, avec une nuit.
Our travel partners do not organize this tour for individuals. Please visit Exotissimo Travel, a travel agency specialist of quality tailored tours that we highly recommend, and make an online enquiry with them.
Bungalows or Tents ? People who want to experience the night under tents can do so in renting them at the Park headquarters. The bungalows are to be booked in advance, they are simple but comfortable.
Info: Bring soap, towel and other personal toilet items, trousers or shorts, a sweater for Doi Inthanon cool temperatures, sunglasses, anti-mosquito lotion, solar protection, snacks and cash, and finally a sense of adventure!
Remark: Itineraries are given for information only. They can be modified or reorganized, depending on technical or safety concerns that might arise. In this case, only the persons responsible of the group on location are authorized to take the necessary decisions. Concerning the climatic conditions of the moment or all other event out of our control, we cannot be held responsible for the modifications or cancellations that could result, but we will do everything that is in our power to assist you during your stay.
Story"Pachyderms
and bamboo rafting, on the river Mae Wang"
After our departure from Chiang Mai at eight o'clock
in the morning, the group converses with Sulasak our guide, who
explains the programme of the day. For most of us, the elephant
riding and the rafting will be a first time experience. It is
nothing really difficult physically, nor too sporty, and everyone
can participate to this trek just like a 70 year-old gentleman
in our group is showing us.
Not that great !
A choice of two programmes:
Programme A: 
Programme A: 
Package: Elephant riding and bamboo rafting in Mae Wang
