Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ELEPHANT NATURE PARK
Elephant Park
( booking office 0 5320 8246;
www.elephantnaturepark.org
;
1 Th Ratchamankha;
1-/2-day tours 2500/5800B)
Khun Lek (Sangduen Chailert) has won numerous
awards for her elephant sanctuary in the Mae Taeng valley, 60km (1½-hour drive)
from Chiang Mai. The forested area provides a semi-wild environment for the ele-
phants that have been rescued from abusive situations or retired from a lifetime of
work. Visitors can help wash the elephants and watch the herd but there is no show
or riding.
BAAN CHANG ELEPHANT PARK
Elephant Park
( 0 5381 4174;
www.baanchangelephantpark.com
;
full-day 1-2 person tour 4200B)
Tours involve taking care of an elephant for a day and some training to learn about
their behaviour and lifestyle (including feeding and bathing). While you'll ride bare-
back through the jungle, the centre is firmly against teaching elephants to perform
tricks. The training program is in Mae Taeng, 50 minutes north of Chiang Mai.
PEAK
( 0 5380 0567;
www.thepeakadventure.com
; climbing course 1800-2500B)
Teaches introductory and advanced rock-climbing courses at Crazy Horse Buttress.
The Peak also leads a variety of soft adventure trips, including quad biking, as well
as trekking, white-water rafting and a jungle survival cooking course. Note it's best
to book directly with the company, and not through a travel agent.
Rock Climbing
SIAM RIVER ADVENTURES
Rafting
( 089 515 1917;
www.siamrivers.com
;
17 Th Ratwithi; tour from 1800B)
Has the
best safety reputation. The guides have swiftwater rescue training and additional
staff are located at dangerous parts of the river with throw ropes. Trips can be com-
bined with elephant trekking and village overnights. It also operates kayak trips.
CHIANG MAI MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Biking
