CHIANG MAI: Karen Homestay & Elephant Encounter

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Departure
1
Up to
6 Guests
Duration
3D / 2N
Board basic
Full board
From
266€
CHIANG MAI: Karen Homestay & Elephant Encounter
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CHIANG MAI: Karen Homestay & Elephant Encounter

Adults
266 €
Children (4-8)
* Valid for parties of 3+
133 €

A partir de : 3 adultes -10%
A partir de : 5 adultes -25%
A partir de : 5 adultes -30%

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Description Program Advice Reviews

Description

An authentic and comfortable immersion

Immerse yourself in the lush mountains of Northern Thailand, in a setting that is both authentic and comfortable. Over three days, you will share the daily life of the Karen people, a mountain community with ancestral traditions, while experiencing a unique encounter with elephants in an ethical sanctuary.

You will be welcomed into a traditional homestay, arranged to offer comfort and conviviality. From local cooking classes and traditional songs to handicraft workshops, rice field discoveries, and village walks, each moment will immerse you in Karen culture.

The highlight of this stay will undoubtedly be the day spent with the elephants: feeding them, walking alongside them in the forest, and bathing with them in the river. Here, there are no shows or exploitation – the elephants live freely, and you will observe them in a respectful and natural environment.

A journey out of time, ideal for those seeking both comfort and authenticity, and an unforgettable encounter with locals and nature.

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Program

Detailed itinerary :

Day 1 – Arrival and village life
08:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai (~70 km, about 1h45 drive)

  • Check-in at your comfortable Karen village homestay

  • Homemade lunch prepared by the family

  • Village walk, discover daily life and meet the locals

  • Traditional Karen cooking workshop

  • Dinner and demonstration of traditional songs

  • Overnight in homestay

(Lunch and dinner included)

Day 2 – Trek or seasonal activities

  • Breakfast with your hosts

  • Option 1 – Mountain trek: guided hike through rice fields and jungle, learning about medicinal plants used by the Karen

  • Option 2 – Agricultural and craft activities: rice cultivation, weaving, embroidery, bamboo handicrafts, and observing rural life

  • Local lunch

  • Afternoon free time or complementary activities

  • Dinner and second night in homestay

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 3 – Elephant encounter

  • Breakfast at the village

  • Transfer to an ethical elephant sanctuary

  • Activities with elephants: feeding, forest walk, and bathing in the river

  • Local lunch

  • Departure for Chiang Mai around 15:00

(Breakfast and lunch included)

Practical Information :

  • Departure: 08:00 from your hotel in Chiang Mai

  • Return: around 15:00 on the last day

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

  • Supervision: Karen family and local guides

  • Small group: maximum 6 participants

Included in the stay :

  • Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai

  • 2 nights in a comfortable homestay

  • Meals as mentioned in the program

  • Trek or seasonal agricultural & craft activities

  • Full day with elephants in an ethical sanctuary

  • English-speaking Karen guide

  • Non-alcoholic beverages

  • Insurance

Not included :

  • Tips

  • Personal expenses

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Extra charge for French-speaking guide (on request)

  • Personal travel insurance

Advice

What to bring :

  • Passport or ID card

  • Walking shoes and water shoes

  • Swimsuit & towel

  • Toiletries

  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the season (bring a jacket for cool evenings)

  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Camera

  • Open mind, ready for a genuine immersion

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Catalog by destination

Country Information

Catalog by destination

Thailand – Living Traditions and Endless Horizons

Thailand unfolds like a poem in four voices.
 In the South, islands follow one another, turquoise waters and karst cliffs rising like cathedrals. A longtail boat slips between two secret coves, sand crunches underfoot, and by evening the sunsets paint the sea in gold and rose.

Further north, the North breathes serenity. Morning mists linger on the hills, tropical forests murmur, and temple chants roll like a prayer. In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, artisans shape the soul of the mountains, lanterns ready to rise.

To the east, Isan tells a simple, proud life: endless rice fields, the lazy Mekong skirting villages, ancient Khmer temples lost in the light. You share a meal, a smile, and sometimes an evening to the sound of mor lam — music that quickens the heart.

And then Bangkok. Electric energy, street-food markets scented with basil and chilli, klongs where boats drift, rooftop terraces gazing at the city as it sparkles. Here, tradition and future walk hand in hand.

One country, a thousand journeys. Choose the one that’s yours.

 

Catalog by destination

Your questions about Thailand,
our clear answers

Planning your trip to Thailand and still have a few questions? That’s perfectly normal! Between formalities, health, weather and local customs, travelling abroad often raises many queries. This section is designed to guide you step by step and clear up any doubts before you set off.

Here you’ll find answers to the questions travellers ask most often: visa, safety, currency, transport and appropriate behaviour. Our aim is to help you set off with peace of mind, well informed and ready to make the most of this exceptional destination. And if any question remains unanswered, our team is here to help!

Are there any special formalities for certain countries like Thailand?

Yes. For example, French travellers to Thailand must complete an online entry form (e-Arrival Card) No later than 78 hours before arrival. A passport valid for at least 6 months is also required.
 We recommend checking official embassy or government websites for the latest visa, health, and safety requirements.

Do I need a visa?

For stays under 30 days, French nationals don’t need a visa. Longer stays require one.

Are vaccines required?

None are mandatory, but vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and dengue are recommended depending on the area.

Best time to visit?

November to the end of March (dry season).

Dress code?

Shoulders and legs must be covered when visiting temples. Sarongs are often provided at entrances.

Do I need a license to ride a scooter?

Yes, with an international license. Helmets are mandatory.

 

Currency & payment: which currency and can I pay by card?

The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and tourist sites, but always carry some cash for small purchases and tips. ATMs are available; bank fees may apply. At the terminal, decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) to keep your bank’s rate.

Internet & phone: local SIM or eSIM?

Yes, you can buy a local SIM (passport required) or an eSIM. Main providers: AIS, TrueMove H, dtac. Coverage is generally good in tourist areas; more variable in mountains/jungle. WhatsApp is widely used.

Can you drink tap water in Thailand?

Best avoided. Choose sealed bottled water (or boiled/treated). Avoid ice unless you trust the source. Hot drinks are fine if the water has boiled. Be cautious with raw salads; prefer peelable fruit.

Safety & common scams: what should I watch out for?

Thailand is generally safe, but stay alert in very touristy areas. Be wary of ultra-cheap tuk-tuks, forced stops at “gem” shops, or the classic “the temple is closed” line. Use official taxis or PHV, keep belongings close, and never hand over your passport as security.

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