Elephants in the morning, the Big Buddha after lunch, and a café built into the forest — one easy loop north of Chiang Rai, in your own vehicle.
Three places, all on the same side of the city, in the order that makes sense. You'll spend the morning with the elephants at Karen Ruammit village up the Kok River, then work your way back to town past the Big Buddha and a café that's grown into the jungle. No doubling back, no rushing.
The elephants. The morning is run by Elephant Family Chiang Rai at Karen Ruammit village, with their own mahouts and guide. You'll walk out to find the herd, bring them down to the camp, feed them, help make their herbal supplements, and go into the river with them.
No riding. Riding isn't part of this programme, and we wouldn't put our name to it.
About the bathing. Helping the elephants bathe is part of the camp's morning, and most guests count it as the best hour of their trip. If you'd rather not join in, that's completely fine — watch from the bank, nobody will mind. We'd rather tell you now than have you find out on the day.
About forty-five minutes north-west along the Kok River to Karen Ruammit village.
Change into a Karen shirt, walk out to find the herd, and bring them down together. Feeding, herbal supplements, and time to just watch them be elephants.
The elephants go into the Kok River and you're welcome to join them — or stay on the bank with the camera. Both are fine.
Northern Thai, simple and generous. Time to dry off and change.
The enormous white Guan Yin statue you can see from half of Chiang Rai. Take the lift up inside her for the view over the valley — around 40 THB, paid on the day.
A café grown into the forest with waterfalls and wooden walkways — one of the most photographed spots in Chiang Rai, and a good place to end a long day. Drinks aren't included, so order what you like.
Or the night bazaar, or the airport — just tell your driver in the morning.
Timings move a little with the season and with the elephants — they set the pace, not the clock.
Photographs from the camp at Karen Ruammit village. Joining the river bath is optional — watching from the bank is perfectly normal.
| Group size | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | ฿2,900 | Minimum booking size |
| 3–4 people | ฿2,600 | Most popular |
| 5 or more | ฿2,400 | One vehicle up to 9 people |
| English-speaking guide, all day | +฿1,500 | Per booking, not per person — the camp guide covers the elephant morning either way |
Children: please ask when you enquire — the camp sets its own rate for children and we'll confirm it with your booking.
Pay on the day at pickup. No deposit, no card details.
Honest note: your driver speaks everyday English and knows the roads, but they're a driver rather than a licensed guide. The camp's own guide is with you for the whole elephant morning — the part where you'll have questions. The temple and the café are places you'll want to wander at your own pace anyway. If you'd rather have someone with you all day, add a guide when you book.
No. Riding isn't part of this programme.
Yes — it's part of the camp's morning. Joining in is optional and watching from the bank is perfectly normal.
The camp provides a mahout and guide for the elephant morning. The afternoon is you, your driver and your own pace. An all-day English-speaking guide can be added for ฿1,500 per booking.
Yes, and children usually love it. Ask us when you enquire and we'll confirm the camp's child rate with your booking.
Clothes you don't mind getting wet and muddy, a dry change of clothes, shoes with grip, sun protection, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for your phone. Shoulders and knees covered for the temple in the afternoon.
The day still runs — the elephants rather enjoy it. Bring a light waterproof between June and October.
We can arrange it — send us a message and we'll quote you. Most guests take the full day though: you're already halfway to the Big Buddha and the café by the time the elephants are finished, and it would be a shame to drive straight past them.
On the day, at pickup. Send us your dates and we'll confirm within 24 hours — no deposit needed.
Tell us your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours — no payment until the day itself.
Check availability See the 7 Highlights day tour