Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, Elephant Sanctuary & Trekking Day Trip

Summary

Ethical elephant encounters, mountain air and hill tribe coffee on a Chiang Mai day trip

You’ll feed elephants at an ethical sanctuary near Chiang Mai, climb up misty Doi Inthanon to see royal pagodas and local markets, then trek forest trails to a waterfall before sharing fresh hill tribe coffee in Ban Mae Klang Luang village. Expect honest moments: muddy shoes, laughter with guides, mountain chill—and memories that linger quietly.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the soft thud of an elephant’s foot in the mud—so much quieter than I expected. At Living Green Elephant Sanctuary near Chiang Mai, we got close enough to smell the earth on their skin (and honestly, a bit of their breakfast too). Our guide, Nok, explained how each elephant had its own story—she even pointed out one that liked to steal bananas from her pocket. No riding here, just slow time feeding them and watching them flap their ears in the shade. I tried saying “thank you” in Thai and got a big laugh from one of the keepers—probably deserved it.

After that, we drove up into Doi Inthanon. The road twisted through foggy pine forests until we reached the highest point in Thailand. It was chilly—colder than Chiang Mai for sure—and my breath came out in little clouds. The King and Queen pagodas stood out against the mist, with purple orchids everywhere and locals leaving flowers at the steps. We stopped at a Hmong market where I bought tiny wild strawberries (tart but good) before lunch—rice, spicy soup, nothing fancy but so warming after the mountain air.

The last part was trekking along Pha Dok Seaw trail with a local guide named Li. He pointed out wild ginger and some plant whose name I forgot instantly (he laughed when I tried repeating it). The sound of water grew louder until suddenly we were at Pha Dok Siew Waterfall—cool spray on my face, shoes already muddy. We ended up at Ban Mae Klang Luang village where someone handed me coffee roasted right there; it tasted smoky and sweet at once. That smell stuck with me all the way back to Chiang Mai—I still think about that moment sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elephants, Doi Inthanon, and Trekking

• Meet elephants at Living Green Sanctuary
• Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
• See King and Queen pagodas
• Explore Hmong Market and have lunch
• Visit Ban Mae Klang Luang village
• Trek Phak Dok Seaw trail with guide
• Relax at Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s designed for all physical fitness levels but involves walking on uneven ground during trekking.

What should I bring for the Doi Inthanon & elephant sanctuary day trip?

Bring extra clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, sandals, trekking shoes, towel, insect spray and a jacket for cooler weather.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided before trekking activities begin.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s special about Living Green Elephant Sanctuary?

This ethical sanctuary doesn’t allow riding or hooks; elephants are well cared for and you can feed them up close.

Do we visit any local villages?

Yes, you’ll visit Ban Mae Klang Luang hill tribe village and try locally grown coffee.

How high is Doi Inthanon?

Doi Inthanon rises 2,565 meters above sea level—the highest point in Thailand.

What if there’s bad weather?

The tour proceeds unless conditions are unsafe; routes may change depending on weather or government announcements.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Chiang Mai by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water throughout the journey, entry to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary with close-up feeding time (no riding), guided walks through Doi Inthanon’s royal pagodas and Hmong market stops, a local lunch before trekking Pha Dok Seaw trail with an English-speaking guide—and finally fresh coffee in Ban Mae Klang Luang village before heading back home.