With their colossal size and their incredible memories, few creatures in the animal kingdom break records quite like elephants. I have always been fascinated by these gentle giants, and I think their sheer enormity is something you can only truly appreciate by witnessing it in person.
I have always been hesitant about ‘elephant experiences’, as I was never sure whether they were ethical. A quick Google search leaves you flooded with sanctuaries, leaving it difficult to decide which ones are spewing empty claims and which truly focus on elephant welfare. As soon as I arrived at Elephant Hills Chiang Mai, however, any worries I had were immediately put to rest…
During the three days I spent at the Bush Camp, Chiang Mai, I was completely immersed in the daily lives of the elephants, learning directly from the mahouts that care for them. Putting the elephants at the heart of everything they do, and with a strong emphasis on education, I left Elephant Hills with a newfound respect, truly appreciating what an incredible species Asian elephants are.
Elephant Hills Safaris give visitors the opportunity to learn about and interact with majestic Asian Elephants, staying in Luxury Tented Jungle Camps. Elephant Hills’s camps are reminiscent of an African safari, but instead allow you to explore lush the Thai jungle. Coined a ‘soft-adventure’, Elephant Hills Safaris blend an authentic experience of Thailand’s incredible wildlife with the comforts of a luxury hotel.
Elephant Hills offer three camps, two within Khao Sok National Park, and one just outside of Chiang Mai. Elephant Hills Khao Sok can be found within the Surat Thani province, in Southern Thailand. With two camps, choose to stay within the jungle, or you can stay in floating tents on Cheow Larn Lake. Elephant Hills Chiang Mai is lesser-known, but should by no means be overlooked. The camp boasts incredible views, located in the remote Northern Thailand jungle.
When I was looking into elephant experiences, I was bombarded with ‘sanctuaries’, all claiming to be ethical. Even with a bit of digging, it was difficult to work out which parks truly backed up their claims. Having won multiple awards for their environmental and conservation impact, Elephant Hills seemed like a natural choice, and as soon as I arrived the high standard of care that the elephants receive was completely clear.
The Elephant Hills Safaris are designed around elephant welfare, above anything else. Elephant Hills do not offer rides, and the elephants are kept chain-free, allowing the gentle giants to roam as they would do in the wild, but they still receive the care that they need.
We learned that many of Elephant Hills’ star residents were rehomed by the sanctuary, after the outlawing of the use of elephants in the logging trade. Following the ban, thousands of domesticated elephants required housing, feeding and caring for, as they couldn’t be returned to the wild.
Guests’ contact with the elephants is limited to around two hours per day, ensuring that the elephants spend most of the day rambling freely through the beautiful surroundings. This did not take away from the experience at all, as we were given the opportunity to hand-feed and interact with the elephants every morning, then we could follow them through their daily routines, learning about these incredible creatures as they splashed around playfully in their mud pool, or wandered through the valley.
Elephant Hills Bush Camp is located around two hours drive away from Chiang Mai itself, but getting there couldn’t be easier. Included in the price of your stay, you will be transferred either from the airport, or from your hotel, in Chiang Mai. I would recommend staying in Chiang Mai the day before your Elephant Hills Safari, but a private transfer can be arranged to suit your plans.
I was collected at around 9am from my hotel in Chiang Mai, and the journey was pleasant, taking in the views as the landscapes gradually transform from bustling Chiang Mai, to rural villages, to unspoilt greenery as we approached the camp.
Elephant Hills Chiang Mai is situated in the remote Northern Thailand jungle, with the luxury safari tents nestled amongst the trees, overlooking the meandering River Ping. As soon as we arrived, the Bush Camp felt incredibly peaceful, with the mountains and greenery stretching as far as the eye could see. Being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the rainforest, then waking up to the gentle glow of the sunrise as it slowly creeps through the tent canvas, you can truly experience the best of Thailand’s incredible nature.
Elephant Hills Chiang Mai is all-inclusive, making the experience completely stress-free. Return transfers to Chiang Mai, all of the activities, delicious meals and, of course, the luxury safari tent are all included in your Elephant Hills Safari.
During our stay, we were given a behind-the-scenes insight into the lives of the elephants and the mahouts that care for them. Each morning, we were given the opportunity to feed the elephants, first preparing them a nutritious meal of fruits and bamboo, then hand-feeding it to the elephants. This was an unforgettable experience, tentatively offering a piece of bamboo as the elephants eagerly wiggle their trunks, before they snatch the food from your hand.
Following the elephants about their day, we witnessed the spectacle of the elephants’ bath time. Gradually wandering into a huge mud pool, the elephants were soon splashing around delightedly, covering themselves in mud to cool off from the intense Thai heat.
What particularly set Elephant Hills Chiang Mai apart, was the opportunity to learn directly from the mahouts. It is the mahouts responsibility to care for the elephants, and it is not a job that is taken lightly. We learned that it is a role that is passed down from generation to generation, with the elephants themselves effectively choosing their own carer! It was incredible to witness each elephant’s distinct personality, and experience the bond between the elephants and their mahouts.
Although the elephants are the main event, there was no shortage of other activities at Bush Camp. The mahouts are part of the Karen community, and we were offered the chance to meet their families and learn about their daily life. The afternoon’s activities included learning how to weave and pounding rice, before we were able to sample some delicious food.
One of the more unique activities was making paper from elephant dung! Despite how it sounds, everyone got stuck in straight away, and I loved learning how to transform waste into something useful.
Outside of the unforgettable elephant encounters and the activities, there is free time built into your Elephant Hills safari, which is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the camp’s facilities.
Elephant Hills Bush Camp felt incredible peaceful and intimate, with only 20 safari tents on site. Unzipping the canvas and peering inside the tent, I couldn’t believe how luxurious they were! The safari-style tents offered everything I would expect from a hotel room, in the heart of the North Thailand jungle.
Elephant Hills have taken glamping to the next level, with incredibly comfortable beds, a modern en-suite, and beautiful wooden furniture that really made the space feel homely but luxurious. The tents are spacious, and can accommodate up to 4 adults, or a family of 5, with the option for double or twin beds.
Bush Camp itself is stunning, offering a tranquil nature retreat. When you arrive, you will be welcomed into the camp reception, with a relaxed seating area that you can enjoy during your down time. On the hilltop, you’ll find the camp restaurant, boasting spectacular views. As we enjoyed our breakfast each morning, the mist would slowly begin to clear, revealing the luscious greenery and mountain range that surrounded us.
The food was also a highlight of my stay, with a delicious buffet on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There was no shortage of options to suit everyone’s tastes. Each evening, we headed up to a breathtaking viewpoint, enjoying a couple of drinks and some barbecued snacks as the sun gradually dipped below the mountains.
The piece de resistance, perhaps, is the infinity pool. It was perfect for cooling off, after spending the morning with the elephants. During the day, you could see for miles over the lush valley and the meandering Ping River, and it was also the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and a spectacular sunset.
To make the most of the activities on offer, here’s a guide to help you pack:
Elephant Hills was a bucket-list item, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in wildlife. It was an incredibly unique and immersive experience. It was clear that the elephants are at the heart of everything that Elephant Hills Thailand do, but they had also thought of everything to make our experience comfortable. It was incredible to learn about the work that Elephant Hills do in terms of conservation and protecting this incredible species.
Without a doubt, I would recommend visiting Elephant Hills Chiang Mai. It was by far the most unique and immersive experience I have done, and Elephant Hills had thought of everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible. But of course, it is the elephants that are at the heart of everything they do, and it was amazing to learn about the work that they do in terms of conservation and protecting this incredible species.
Holidays to Elephant Hills by Freedom Destinations.
Grace is part of the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations, having recently returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and Thailand so far, but her travel wish list is far from complete!
