We tried the phone - thinking it would be easier. Theres no mobile data so the night will involve playing cards, talking and laughing over a night-time bonfire. CHAI LAI ORCHID - Updated 2023 Prices & Cottage Reviews - Tripadvisor Chai Lai Orchid is an eco-tourism and social enterprise located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chai Lai Orchid. An amazing elephant sanctury in northern - TikTok It seems that Chai Lai Orchid is much more than just an elephant sanctuary it is a family working together on a multifaceted ethical mission, to preserve the beauty of their native home and people. Please see our partners for more details. I found it extremely hard to find somewhere in Thailand where i could be with elephants in there natural dwellings, and that aren't mis-treated. Thai Massage 500 per hour Relax with in room massage! Most amazing experience ever! - Review of Chai Lai Orchid, Mae Wang It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, and birdwatching. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy walks to challenging treks, so there is something for everyone. Now, we explore places through the lens of local, creative, and influential people. Youll like it here if:You want to be connected to nature, hear the birds sing in the morning, be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and care about making a lasting impact on the communities you visit. Transportation is a traditional Thai songteaw (covered pick-up truck). What can I say this is a MUST visit place. You want to be connected to nature, hear the birds sing in the morning, be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and care about making a lasting impact on the communities you visit. If you want to stay the night at the sanctuary, Im sure its wonderful but you get to experience so much in just a day so dont feel as thought you wont get everything if you dont stay the night. This is a unique experience and the only place I would do the elephant experience at. Loved this part of my Thailand vacation. Me and 4 close friends did the overnight trip. We would highly recommend though, adding on from the A La Carte Activity Menu a photography session here, so that the incredible professional photographer on site can capture your time with your elephant. "@type": "Question", If I hadn't picked up on this, we would have reached this remote part of Thailand in high season with our family and had nowhere to stay.We tried to rectify the situation via email, but we only got unhelpful one line emails back. Worth Traveling For: Chiang Mai's Ethical Chai Lai Orchid Elephant The massage will last an hour, but the relaxation will last longer. Walk with your elephant through the jungle and then cool off together by bathing them in the river! You may also want to hire a personal guide,as so many good things are hidden, so it helps to have a local with you. Weighing in at approximately 3000kg and towering an average 2.4 metres high, the largest land mammals on earth can be overwhelming when standing within arms length. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The majority of elephants in Chiang Mai have livestock classification, similar to cattle, buffalo and oxen, so it is, in fact, illegal for them to be free in the jungle. Wishing you all a happy Vesak day! Of course they are in captivity but its like horses in the West. We had been on the road just over an hour since setting off from Chiang Mai, and had already reached deep into the tropical Thai wilderness of Doi Inthanon National Park. The highlight is bathing in the cool waterfalls, Round trip. Some of the older elephants roamed freely. He made the trip so special! The Chai Lai Orchid has a wonderful restaurant overlooking the river and they provide outstanding service. The way to an elephants heart. per person Includeds food for elepahts and english speaking guide. Visitors can participate in activities such as feeding and bathing the elephants, as well as learning about their behavior and history. Jungle life with @pernphotography at @chailaiorch, Breakfast with @nicoleisaacs In the context of unethical tourism, we strive to be different: By prioritizing social transformation over profit, we believe we can protect the environment, our community, and the elephants. The price is per person. This non-profit organisation is staffed by local indigenous Pga k nyau Hilltribe peoples, with 100% of proceeds donated back into the community throughDaughters Rising, an anti-trafficking organization that helps at-risk women and girls. Read our, alexapeak, Owner at Chai Lai Orchid, responded to this review. "text": "There have been some concerns raised about the ethics of Chai Lai Orchid in the past, particularly regarding the treatment of their elephants. The bamboo raft and the peaceful river ,the beautiful waterfalls .I loved it!!!! I live in San Diego Ca with a bustling life, this experience was truly a rejuvenation. These are the factors which allow trafficking to thrive. The bungalows we stayed in had no power but that made us all connect and really take the time to appreciate each other and our lives without interruption from the outside world, there was an adorable waterfall right outside of your door and it was the first thing you saw when you woke up in the morning. Dont pay the same price I payed for research a bit in town b4 buy any activity from her .More. . She is amazing and very caring. Home once to over 300,000 elephants, forests have been systematically chopped up and flattened into development projects for villages, cities and road with chunks sold off for industrial agriculture including to grow casssava intended for export to Europe as a feed for cattle, pigs and poultry. best friends @Chai Lai Orchid #fyp #thailand # - TikTok Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. I just visited the Chai Lai Orchard last week and wished I had researched more on TripAdvisor prior to my visit. No, Chai Lai Orchid doesn't have fitness amenities. } The Amenities & Activities. Personally, I chose to relax in my quiet bungalow, enjoying the elephants and eating the delicious food from the restaurant (using locally sourced food). Wat Luang Khun Win () is a beautiful temple tucked away in the jungle, located in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, This five step facial treatment consists of cleansing the skin, a gentle natural scrub with Thanaka and coffee, a gua sha facial massage, a natural mask, and a natural moisturizing treatment with forest wild honey. Your transportation will be waiting to drive you back to Chiang Mai. The eco lodge is a social business working to empower Karen and Kayan women. Scan the Sky & Snap the Surroundings with these used drones for Sale! Sadly, the river does become dirty at times. His name was Lan, he showed us cool tricks of the jungle like what plants we can eat, plants that blew bubbles, cut down bamboo and made us cups and forks out of it, made the most amazing Thai food over our camp fire, told us stories and much more. raz, Travel and give back Responsible travelers will also want to tour Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, taste Thai cuisine at night markets, shop at the zero-waste store at the, social enterprise cafe, and indulge in a massage at a. Each accommodation option is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and offer a comfortable and relaxing stay. The closest airport to Chai Lai Orchid is Chiang Mai International Airport, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. She helps out in the local villages by hiring staff and teaching them English and different skills. Booking nightmare - a little respect goes a long way. They also spoke very good English. Speed Boats Tours in Chiang MaiKayaking & Canoeing in Chiang MaiParasailing & Paragliding in Chiang MaiRiver Rafting & Tubing in Chiang MaiScuba & Snorkelling in Chiang MaiAdrenaline & Extreme Tours in Chiang MaiBalloon Rides in Chiang MaiClimbing Tours in Chiang MaiEco Tours in Chiang MaiHiking & Camping Tours in Chiang MaiRunning Tours in Chia. Chai Lai Orchid operates an eco-lodge nature retreat thats beloved by mindful travelers due to its commitment to wildlife conservation, and social and environmental sustainability. - See 577 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Chai Lai Orchid at Tripadvisor. With widespread poverty across the world, there is no shortage of victims or accomplices to feed the human trafficking enterprise. Sarah 9.6 +45 })(); trafficking organization that helps at-risk women and girls. Keen to get some jungle survival skills? 15 mins In the foothills of the Himalayas sits Chai Lai Orchid, an elephant sanctuary where guests can get close to the gentle giants, trek to waterfalls and sleep under the jungle stars by Gemma Jones March 21, 2023 His name was Lan, he showed us cool tricks of the jungle like what plants we can eat, plants that blew bubbles, cut down bamboo and made us cups and forks out of it, made the most amazing Thai food over our camp fire, told us stories and much more. Youll definitely want to rent a scooter and explore outside the sanctuary grounds. to Daughters Rising The Chai Lai Orchid is more than an eco-lodge and home for rescued elephants- We are also fighting exploitation by empowering our sisters. With widespread poverty, the idea of being a maid in a big hotel, earning a few dollars a day, is an irresistible temptation. My Experience at The Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai, Thailand All our staff and trainees (all part of our hospitality programme for at-risk or refugee women) are hard working, respectful and eager to please. Since they were born in captivity, they cannot be left back again in the forest or in the wild. Elephants are often subject to long days, bar hooks, and heavy metal chairs overloaded with two or three people on top of them. Chai Lai Mountain - Hotels.com Chiang Mai, Thailand. #thailand #chiangmai #bucketlist #bucketlistdestinations #chailaiorchid #elephants #elephantlover #fyp #traveltiktok #thailandelephantsanctuary #thingstodointhailand #thailandhotel #travel #hotel #uniquehotel". } Today it is only 90 USD. A Mahout is a person who works with, rides, and tends an elephant. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. There is also a welcome book upon arrival which includes information about the elephants.You should have received an itemised bill upon check out, as this is the only means of knowing how much to charge you, plus it allows out guests to check the bill themselves - so we are somewhat perplexed that you did not receive one.Please feel free to call us directly should you still have any concerns regarding your stay and bill. Hot air balloons or something special in comparison to other forms of flight drifting gracefully above the earth. As Chai Lai Orchids inspiring founder, Alexa Pham, told us: You dont expect something so enormous, to be so cute. Despite their size these elephants most certainly are cute and as we will learn, also mischievous. Chai Lai Orchid: Sleep in nature, wake up with elephants Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal and fresh seasonal fruits as you look out onto to the babbling Mae Wang river. This includes information about the elephants and advice about how to approach them. The 1,600 THB fee was for transportation to and from Chiang Mai to the Chai Lai Orchid on the days of departure and arrival for your stay. The profit from the sales of these items goes directly to the local people. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Chai Lai Orchid (CLO) is not responsible for the irresponsibility of people who litter the river upstream. For a wonderful end to a picturesque day, you can complete the afternoon with traditional bamboo rafting down the Mae Wang River and a wander through the Karen Hill Tribe Village, where you can talk to the local people and learn about their indigenous way of life. Chai Lai Orchid - Tripadvisor We do understand how distressing the situation must have been. Fun and relaxing one day trip for nature lovers. To complete the last afternoon, you will get to have a swim in the nearby waterfall with the elephants, help the Mahouts wash and bathe them, and finally sit down to a stunning late lunch back at Chai Lai Orchids open-air caf. Dont pay the same price I payed for research a bit in town b4 buy any activity from her . Unbelievable experience! Her cat "Tiger" is a superstar, has more outfits than anyone else in the hotel and is available for photoshoots, but only one per hour. I have no idea if that was the price, or if they pocketed the money but I was happy to have the chance to feed and spend time with these gentle giants .The ladies at the front desk are lovely. Our elephant rides last about one hour through the trails in the jungle that are unused by the tour groups (also, the tour group rides usually last approximately 30 minutes), and we only offer elephant rides without the chair on the elephant's back. Or hike to multiple waterfalls and visit the stunning remote jungle temple of Wat Luang Khun Win and much more! That next morning we hiked for another hour or so and saw a cute hidden temple, then we had lunch he made for us and wrapped in palm leaves. Chai Lai Orchid is a beautiful eco-resort located in the heart of the Mae Wang district in Northern Thailand. Chai Lai Orchid My brother and I researched several different elephant reserves in Chiang Mai and ended up choosing The Chai Lai Orchid, it was the perfect choice. ); We are deeply sorry to learn of your booking experience. The snacks and meal that is provided is authentic Thai and delicious. But it can be exhausting, so be prepared for a full day of activities. Elephant Jungle Expedition - Chai Lai Orchid After your spectacular Thai lunch (vegetarian options too) you will be treated to bath time with one or two of the elephants, who casually stroll to the river voluntarily every afternoon for a routine dip. Comfortable clothing is the go-to, as you will end up exploring the jungle and the grounds. All the guides we saw were men. For most Thai elephants, well-managed ethical tourism is the only way for them to be safe, fed, cared for and in the worst case, avoid extinction. You will be taken by your guide to the local Bankad Farmers Market and will enjoy 6 different delicious tastings of dishes from mango sticky rice to rustic Khao Soi. However, the organization has made efforts to improve their practices and become more sustainable and ethical. . Many women who leave to live as internally displaced people in the border forests are vulnerable to trafficking and it is for this reason that Chai Lai Orchid founder Alexa also founded anti-trafficking organisation, Daughters Rising. The River was dirty. Chai Lai OrchidMAEWANG 14 The lunch stop is positioned next to a swimmable waterfall, where you can cool off and enjoy an alfresco lunch over an open fire. Also, every guest at Chai Lai is welcomed to feed and meet the elephants upon arrival at no cost. +45 photos You're eligible for a Genius discount at Chai Lai Orchid! We hope you will have the chance to come back and stay again in the future. Take cash you can purchase hand made scarfs and beaded bracelets from the village people that is how they make money. The food is delicious. If you choose to eat lunch by the waterfall, be prepared for at hour hike back to the main entrance. Activities/ Services a la carte Chai Lai Orchid The tour takes you on a journey through the lush forests and hill tribes of Chiang Mai, where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. Jump in the cool refreshing water of the Mae Wang river. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience. . @fabianoolivei, Have you ever taken a trip together with your best, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our lov, @joseph.vcr in Chai Lai Orchid. He spoke perfect English as well!More. Was a awe inspiring moment for me. If you like, you can show support for Motogirlthailand by becoming aPatron, where you receive perks and bonuses or just buy me a coffee instead! Thai massage or Thai yoga massage is a traditional therapy combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. Hike to a secluded jungle waterfall where you can cool off by taking a dip! It was peaceful bliss. So, morality isn't a binary thing -- but if you don't want to be thinking about that on your vacation, steer clear! Human trafficking happens everywhere, but it doesnt victimize communities indiscriminately. Chai Lai Orchid offers a range of activities and excursions for guests to explore the natural beauty of the Mae Wang district. Its safejust be sure to wear a helmet at all times. The elephants where the driver for our trip to Thailand . While rattling up the rocky country road on the back of a local Thai truck, I desperately hoped the location to which we were headed would be as charmingly authentic as the journey itself. <3. Decades of conflict have left Burma one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Me and 4 close friends did the overnight trip. The property is so magical and secluded. You can also volunteer to teach the kids in the villages, like the Kaya Tribe. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. We are sorry that you are unhappy with the fees of our activities. Bungalows are $30 per night. Staying at Chai Lai Orchid means you are supporting a good cause and helping to make a positive impact on the local community.