Highlights

Authentic experience with elephants and Karen culture
Opportunity to dress in traditional Karen clothing
Feed and interact with the elephants
Walk with the elephants to the river
Bathe the elephants in a natural setting

Description

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Thai culture and elephants with this full-day experience. Visit the 7th generation family-owned elephant keepers in their camp and learn about the Karen culture, which has a deep connection with these huge majestic creatures. Dress in traditional Karen clothing and engage in activities like feeding, hugging, and bathing the elephants in their natural environment. Gain insight into the significance of elephants in Thai culture and their historical importance.

Itinerary 

9:00 AM: Pick up from Palm Springs Parlor parking lot (no drinking water provided in the van)
Arrive at the toilet break (need to cross the road) where you can buy snacks and drinks as there will be no snacks available at the elephant camp
Arrive at the camp and wait in the van for the pick-up truck
Hop on the pick-up truck and arrive at the base
Change into a swimsuit and wear the provided activity t-shirt and pants
Listen to the story of the elephants and the Karen people
Spend time with the elephants, take photos, and feed them
Walk with the elephants through the forest (some parts may be slippery and steep, so suitable footwear is recommended)

Have lunch prepared by the camp halfway through the walking route

Continue walking with the elephants to the bathing area
Arrive at the bathing area, change out of the Karen outfit, and bring the elephants into the river for bathing
After bathing with the elephants, walk back to the starting point
Take turns using the shower facilities (only two shower rooms available)
Leave the camp and embark on a 1.5 - 2 hour drive back (make sure to use the restroom before heading back)
6:00 PM: Drop back at Palm Springs Parlor (arriving earlier for ample rest time)

**Please note that the program and the time might be subject to change due to unforeseeable factors that may occur during the trip

What’s Included

Transportation from Palm Springs Parlor parking lot
Authentic Karen clothing for dressing up
Interaction and activities with the elephants
Lunch prepared by the camp
Shower facilities

What’s Not Included

Drinking water (please bring your own)
Snacks and drinks during the toilet break (available for purchase)
Extra cash for personal expenses

Know Before You Go

Minimum Needed: 6 people
Maximum Capacity: 8 people
Booking Deadline: 14 Days before start date
Weather Dependent: Yes, in severe weather conditions, will postpone or cancel
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate, there are some parts that are slippery, please ensure you wear the correct hiking shoes
Special Clothing Required: Yes - Clothes for bathing with the elephants (swimsuit), a change of clothes (you will get wet and muddy with elephants, a bag to put your wet clothes in, a hat, sunscreen, poncho or umbrella (incase of rain) walking shoes suitable for forest / muddy / wet paths, sandals flip-flops, towel, insect repellent and bag for all your personal things
Special Dietary Restrictions: N/A - please ensure you eat breakfast before departure and brings snacks and water
Extra Cash: Needed for tipping (Not mandatory: you liked the service Tip! You did not? Is ok not to Tip. 50 or 100 THB is good).
Ground Transportation: All ground transportation is included.
Additional Information: N/A
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.