Chiang Mai: Maetaeng Elephant Park 清迈美唐大象公园

Another popular Elephant Camp is Maetaeng Elephant Park, about 56km north of Chiang Mai; on the banks of Maetaeng river in Maetaman Valley.

This Asian elephant sanctuary was started in 1995 to provide shelter and health care for elephants, particularly abused ones. The park was opened to visitors in July 1996 with just 15 elephants. Today, it is the home of over 70 elephants, managed by the Chailert family. 

My friends and i went for a one day tour. The program of the the day started with an elephant show at 10:00am. Talented, well-trained elephants performing tricks and skills which won the loud applause from the hundreds of audiences.

Elephant painting piCture StRoke by StrOke with its trunK.

Truly Amazing, this Elephant can write his name.

After the show, we had an ox-cart ride, pulled by a team of rare Lampoon white oxen along the quiet country side to a Lisu Village. Specially built for the tourists which consisted of souvenir shops and Lisu hill tribe people. 

Next was an Elephant Safari ride through the forest on a trodden path up and down a hill and wadding through a river. 

Along the trek, there were a few tree stands where you can buy bananas or sugar cane (20baht) to feed your elephant and he/she will remember your kindness because Elephants Never Forget!!

The ride ended at the camp where we had lunch. After lunch, the excitement continued with an hour bamboo rafting on the river. (wonder got crocodile or not??)



Relax and Enjoy the bamboo raft meandering gently down the cool and peaceful Maetaeng River passing through natural tropical forest. You can let the riverbanks pass you by or learn how to steer the raft with a long bamboo pole. 

The journey ended and we met up with our guide and members in our group. On the way back to Chiang Mai city, our guide asked everyone if we were interested to visit a snake farm and nobody was keen. PHEW~~

We were then en-routed to Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm. Be dazzled and admire these exotic and beautiful orchids by the array of colours and the wealth of their varieties that bloOms all year round. The neatly rows of full bloom healthy orchids makes me wanna go home and start planting orchids!!



Beautiful Mauve Orchid

Butterflies sipping pineapple juice

See tropical and other rare species butterflies in their natural habitat in a special enclosure. Feel the butterflies fluttering happily around and sometimes may even take a resting on you. Watch them sip fruit juices in slow motion.

We wander around the farm at our leisure while taking photos until it was time to leave for the trip back to the city.

MAETAENG ELEPHANT CAMP OPENING HOURS:
Open Daily: 8:00am – 4:00pm 
Elephant Show Time: 10am 

HOW TO GET THERE: Maetaeng Elephant Park, 99 Moo2, T.Keudchang, Maetang.

1. By Your Own:

Drive north of Chiang Mai through Maetaman valley, (about 1 hour drive from downtown chiang mai) second on the left of the Maetaman Village entrance.

Fee per person in Thai Baht 

Elephant show: 50

Elephant ride: 300

Ox- Cart ride: 50

Bamboo Rafting: 200 or 600 for 1 raft

2. By Tour:

1 day tour from 1,200 baht. (check it out at travel agents around the city)

Inclusive of a tour guide, transport, entrance fees, rides and lunch. 

Also available 1 Day Mahout Course at 3,500 baht.

Note:

All rides are relatively safe. However, it does not mean it comes without its fair share of risks. Purchase travel insurance for a worry-free holiday!

Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm: 3/1 Moo 7, Mae Rim-Samoeng Rd, Maerim.
Open Daily: 7:30am- 5:00pm. 
Admission fee: Adult 400/Child 200 baht.