Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Combo private tour in Chiang Mai, Thailand
NATURE Chiang Mai, Thailand

Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Combo

The morning moves at an elephant's pace, slow and entirely on their terms. By afternoon you're standing at 2,565 metres, the highest point in the country, where a king once asked to have his ashes scattered. Two of the most requested half-days in Chiang Mai, combined into one long one.

4.9·TAT Certified·37 Booked
Duration~9h
Private TourJust Your Group
TransportIncluded
Hotel Pickup7–7:30 AM

About this tour

The morning is spent with a small rescued elephant herd in the Mae Wang valley — feeding them, walking beside them, joining the river bath, no riding at any point. After lunch the day climbs Doi Inthanon for Wachirathan Waterfall, the Twin Royal Pagodas and whichever trail is open that season: two half-days run back to back with one vehicle and no handoff.

Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Combo — Chiang Mai private tour
Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Combo — experience with guide
Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Combo highlights at Chiang Mai

Tour Highlights

  • A morning with Mae Wang's rescued elephant herd: feeding, walking and a river bath, no riding involved
  • Wachirathan Waterfall and the Twin Royal Pagodas on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, by afternoon
  • Two full Chiang Mai experiences in a single day, built for a short stay
  • One vehicle for the whole day, no second booking or transfer required

Itinerary

Tour runs approx. 9h

Hotel Pickup

An early start for the drive out to the Mae Wang valley.

Elephant Feeding & Walk

Meet the herd, prepare their food, and walk alongside them through the valley at their own pace.

River Bath

Join the elephants at the river for bath time before heading toward the mountain.

Drive to Doi Inthanon

The road climbs from the valley floor up to Thailand's highest national park.

Lunch & Wachirathan Waterfall

Lunch en route, then a stop at this 70-metre waterfall, often catching a rainbow in its own spray.

Summit & Twin Royal Pagodas

Thailand's highest point, marked by little more than a car park, followed by the gardens and twin chedis built for the King and Queen's 60th birthdays.

Hotel Drop-off

The drive back down the mountain into Chiang Mai.

Complimentary hotel pickup service included in private tour
Included in Your Tour

Hotel Pickup

Complimentary Hotel Pickup

Any hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Instructions: We will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby. Your private guide and driver will arrive in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Please be ready in your lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time (7–7:30 AM).

Included

  • Private hotel pickup and drop-off (Chiang Mai)
  • Expert local English-speaking guide
  • All private transport for the full day
  • Elephant sanctuary programme and Doi Inthanon entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water and cold towels

Excluded

  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Required local guide fee for the Kew Mae Pan trail (seasonal, paid on site)
  • Personal purchases

What to Bring

  • A change of clothes, the elephant morning gets wet and muddy
  • A warm layer for the mountain, noticeably cooler than the valley
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera
Monika, private tour guide

Hi, I'm Monika!

TAT Certified Guide · Thai Native & Food Lover

Born in Chiang Mai and based in Bangkok, I started 'Hi Monika' to show travellers the authentic side of my country — the places my friends and family actually hang out. I love sharing our food, our culture, and the hidden stories of our neighbourhoods.

Guest Reviews

4.9

Monika was incredible! We saw parts of Chiang Mai we never would have found on our own. The street food was amazing and we felt completely safe the entire time.

Sarah L.October 2024

Perfectly organised and so much more personal than a group tour. Monika knew exactly when to go to each spot to avoid the crowds.

James & EmmaSeptember 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we have the tour to ourselves?
Yes — this is strictly a private tour for you and your loved ones only. No other guests, no shared buses, no waiting around for people you have never met. The guide, the vehicle and the entire day are exclusively yours.
Can I change the date after booking?
Yes — contact us via WhatsApp or email at least 12 hours before the tour start time and we will reschedule your tour once at no extra cost, subject to availability. Subsequent reschedules are subject to a THB 1,500 fee.
What happens if it rains?
Chiang Mai weather is unpredictable. Tours operate rain or shine — we provide umbrellas if needed and adapt the itinerary where possible. If severe weather makes the tour unsafe, you'll receive a full reschedule or refund.
Do I need to pay anything on the day?
No. The price covers everything: entrance fees, all transport, bottled water and lunch. Just bring spending money for any personal shopping or optional extras.

Note: many local vendors and restaurants do not accept credit cards — cash is always the safest option.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The pace and itinerary are adapted to your group. Let us know the ages of your children when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Long day: This combines two half-days into one, expect to be out from early morning until early evening.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty: the elephant morning is hands-on, mud, water and fruit are part of it.
Weather: The mountain in the afternoon can be 10 to 15°C cooler than the valley in the morning. Pack layers for both.
This is not a riding camp: there is no elephant riding, shows or tricks at any point on this tour.
Dietary Needs: We can accommodate vegetarian diets, please let us know when booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 12 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 12 hours before the tour start time are non-refundable.

$350

TOTAL

🔥 Selling out fast!
$350

for your whole group!

only ~$175/person

Guests (Max 9)
2 People

$220 first person · $130 each additional

Total:$350

Private Tour · Air-conditioned Transport · Hotel Pickup

Supports Bamboo School

Questions? WhatsApp Monika

Terms & Policies

CANCELLATION

  • 12h+Full refund*
  • Under 12hNo refund · Credit on request
  • No-showNo refund

*Refunds do not include payment processing fees.

RESCHEDULING

  • More than 12hFree (subject to availability)
  • Under 12hNot available

One free reschedule per booking. Additional reschedules are subject to a THB 1,500 fee.

CHILDREN

  • Age 0–4Free
  • Age 5+Counts as full guest

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Wheelchair access not guaranteed on all tours
  • Vegan options may not always be available