1 hour in room massage Its an all too common story told time and time again by victims rescued from brothels. Dont pay the same price I payed for research a bit in town b4 buy any activity from her . Your first day will complete with an authentic stay in a comfortable, bamboo Karen homestay with local hospitality like no other. Here you will also get a little Karen cookery lesson and you will taste the best green curry youll have in 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. The length and difficulty of the hike can be adjusted to fit your ability, just let us know! We are deeply sorry to learn of your booking experience. 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. The added bonus was knowing that I had a fantastic experience that also went towards an important non-profit organisation, as well as choosing an experience which helps keep elephants safe and happy. Also, being right in the heart of the Thai jungle means you should expect bugs! Chai Lai Orchid has a unique way of helping these gentle giants. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. . We apologise if you feel that the communication was inadequate. We tried the phone - thinking it would be easier. This is charged by local taxi drivers, NOT the Chai Lai Orchid. With a leadership team that is 90 per cent female, they provide paid work, free learning opportunities, shelter and food for local ethnic minority women from the Karen tribe communities and refugees fleeing civil unrest in neighbouring Myanmar. Ethically ambiguous elephant experience - Review of Chai Lai Orchid By booking the Chai Lai Orchid tour, you are not only supporting responsible tourism but also supporting the local community and womens empowerment. There is a shop on-site (and online), selling local handicrafts. The eco lodge is a social business working to empower Karen and Kayan women. BYOB is permitted for those who want a bit of party on the river. 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. We very much enjoyed our time with the elephants. We are sorry that you are unhappy with the fees of our activities. It cleans and revitalizes your skin leaving it fresh, smooth and glowing. 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. We took to saving our fruit from breakfast to feed them.Our cabin was on the other side of the property . Daughters Rising's strategy is to empower women through education and employment. We appreciate it and will look into the observations about your room.All our guests receive pre arrival information contained within their room confirmation email. We are a social business that pays all employees involved above minimum wage, ensuring that all individuals involved (elephants included) are not exploited. 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. Chai Lai Orchid Eco lodge and caf currently have about 20 elephants, along with baby elephants. This tour typically finishes around 5PM. Yes, the majority of guides are male, as is traditional in the region, but there are also female guides. They can also provide a professional photographer. Staying at Chai Lai was one of my favorite and most unique travel experiences. For the foodies, Chai Lai Orchid offers a 2-3 hour street food tour of the hidden gems of Northern Thailand where you can eat like a local. Wonderful stay, must go, We compared the lowest prices from 8 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 5 websites. The Chai Lai features all the signature activities of this popular area: rafting, hiking to hill tribe villages, raft rides and bareback elephant trekking (a full-body tactile experience not. Sanctuaries are also needed so that elephant education can survive. The first night I was able to buy a bunch of bananas and feed them to the elephants. Chai Lai Orchid- 2023 - Booking.com While people flock from all over the world to see Chiang Mais markets, artisans, and temples, elephant tourism is one of the largest industries in the cityand one of the most corrupt. . as so many good things are hidden, so it helps to have a local with you. Human trafficking happens everywhere, but it doesnt victimize communities indiscriminately. Guests at Chai Lai can help care for them and observe them in nature and the mahout will help guide guests on how to interact with them. Lock in the lowest price from these sites. I live in San Diego Ca with a bustling life, this experience was truly a rejuvenation. 21,598 were here. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Chai Lai Orchid is also committed to womens empowerment, with a mission to help marginalized women in Thailand. Indigenous women and girls around the world experience the highest rates of physical violence, sex trafficking, and exploitation, The marginalization of indigenous populations is due in large to the legacy of colonization, which persists in the forms of racial discrimination, and poverty, and lack of rights. Thank you for your feedback and comments. The food at the riverside cafe is prepared by the local woman who work there and it is the best Thai food I ate on my entire trip:) The bungalows are perfect for the experience, some do have AC handsome do not. Guests stay in beautifulpalapas(open-sided, thatched roof dwellings) on a riverside where the elephants bathe. I have never slept on a bed so hard! I really wanted this photo and communicated this to my tour guide and the front desk lady. CLO has a partnership with Trash Heroes Chiang Mai to regularly clean up the river. We cannot offer this to non-residential guests, for obvious reasons, more so when there are no guest rooms available. An amazing elephant sanctury in northern Thailand!! Asian elephants, found in isolated pockets of South and Southeast Asia, are endangeredaccording to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. For more information about the chai-lai-orchid Thailand visit the official website of OgLooks. Why it's worth the trip: The decisions we make in travel can affect people in immeasurable ways. Depending on the seasonal height of the river, rides can be from 40 min to 1 hour in duration. Start the day by making some elephant friends at our rescue elephant camp! The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range with elevations ranging between 800 and 2,565 meters which is the highest mountain in Thailand. })(); trafficking organization that helps at-risk women and girls. As a final note, I wish to say that my experience at Chai Lai was absolutely wonderful. Also, every guest at Chai Lai is welcomed to feed and meet the elephants upon arrival at no cost. Chai Lai Orchid is a unique tour that offers a combination of adventure, culture, and social impact. Accommodation - The Chai Lai Orchid Nature Bungalows - Wagoners Abroad Tiny shops in the mountains, monks roaming the Mae Wang district, and sunset atop the temple are just some of the things you can find along the way. @daniiists3 Over the course of the last century particularly in the 1970s and 80s humans have deforested huge swathes of the countrys jungles reducing forest cover from 70 per cent in 1950 to just 25 per cent today. Go and support bring a children's book to leave if you can .Bring a sweater it does get chilly! Your transportation will be waiting to drive you back to Chiang Mai. The Mohuts were fantastic my first day there I was feeding and petting the elephants. Read our, alexapeak, Owner at Chai Lai Orchid, responded to this review. Retreat yourself! And thank you for your support of our organisation. He made the trip so special! If the elephants were left to roam unattended, they would be susceptible to poachers or could be hit by vehicles, electrocuted by fences, injured or even killed in human animal conflict due to the potential to destroy neighbouring farmland. best friends @Chai Lai Orchid #fyp #thailand # - TikTok Chai Lai OrchidMAEWANG 14 The three-acre forest grounds of Chai Lai Orchid are made up of 20 glamping-style bungalows dotted around the mountain and waterside locations along on the Mae Wang river, around which elephants roam freely with their Mahout a local Karen hill tribe handler, who lives around the clock with their elephant even passing right by balconies to say hello or steal some treats. But it can be exhausting, so be prepared for a full day of activities. Price is per room. "@context": "https://schema.org", On a recent visit, I came across Chai Lai Orchid, a sanctuary for elephants that also supports women at risk of human trafficking in the wild jungles of the Mae Wang district in the central Chiang Mai Provence. Optional Gratuities for the Guides or Mahouts, Surplus Transportation Fee for Pickups Outside of Chiang Mai, Bath time is better with elephants. Fun and relaxing one day trip for nature lovers. Most beds in Thailand are firm but this was like cement. Klook also offers discounts and special deals, which means you can save money on your trip. I have nothing but compliments about the food, service or surroundings. The tour group elephant rides that you will find in the city for a smaller price charge each person to ride the elephant, and may fit as many as 4 people on one elephant. Chai Lai Orchid has the following amenities and services: Parking, Airport Pick-Up Service, Restaurant. It does include many activities for it's price-3,500 THB. A Mahout is a person who works with, rides, and tends an elephant. You will learn how to cook with, and inside, bamboo canes and try some delicious local recipes. For over 8 years, Chai Lai Orchid has been rescuing and protecting elephants from abusive practices. I can't even believe anyone would handle a client issue in this unprofessional way. I was overcharged and feel there was significant class marketing. Our current head chef is male, and we have several male members of staff who also work in the kitchen and restaurant. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. That being said, when you buy an elephant ride at the Chai Lai Orchid, you are paying one person, per one elephant, to ride on the elephants neck. The hike is fun and educational. There, travelers get an intimate look at elephant conservation while observing the animals behavior, feeding them, and walking with them in the jungle. Transportation is a traditional Thai songteaw (covered pick-up truck). The Amenities & Activities. In Thailand, a resort for the greater good - Los Angeles Times },{ 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. Guests can go on guided hikes through the jungle, visit local hill tribes, ride elephants, and go bamboo rafting. } He wanted her to go one way, she wanted to go the other. (Chai Lai Orchid) . Some of the older elephants roamed freely. I noticed only because I got an email from Paypal. An enriching cultural exploration that will leave you in a contented food coma. To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in. Keen to get some jungle survival skills? This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. }] If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Hike Through the Jungle. Simply inquire at our cafe before you depart. The civil war in Burma/ Myanmar has forced ethnic minorities such as the Karen and Shan to flee to Thailand to escape ethnic cleansing. In fact, I slept like a baby. Comprised of luxurious wooden nature lodges and situated in the jungle hills of north Thailand, Chai Lai offers guests a chance to slow down and detox from the high pace of life. 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. Daily activities include waterfall treks, and 100 percent of proceeds from eco-tourism experiences at Chai Lai Orchid are channeled into the Daughters Rising programs, an anti-trafficking non-profit. Thank you! And what can make a raft trip better than a cold beverage! . Staying at Chai Lai Orchid means you are supporting a good cause and helping to make a positive impact on the local community. The resort offers training and employment opportunities to local women, including those from hill tribes and those who have been victims of trafficking. This place is not about the perfect rooms, the unforgettable meals or the proffesionale staff.. this place is about everything that touches your heart and soul! Situated in Chiang Mai, 42 km from Grand Canyon Water Park Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Elephant babies remain with their mothers, and each elephant has their own mahout (carer). The elephants are brought around to visit at various times in the day and in the morning they will come to your balcony, which is when you can feed them. The elephants are not chained or tethered, and of course, there is no riding. Me and 4 close friends did the overnight trip. Chai Lai Mountain - Hotels.com Please note that everything is charged to the room. The stop by the waterfall to eat and swim was great too.The stay up in the hill was memorable, the cabin is extremely simple and austere but equally pleasant and the bed is amazing. CHAI LAI ORCHID - Updated 2023 Prices & Cottage Reviews - Tripadvisor Once in a life time opportunity to walk through the forest with elephants in their habitat. For nature enthusiasts who have opted for a longer stay, there is a specially curated two-day Jungle Wisdom Trek that will see you hike through unspoilt jungle, passing multiple waterfalls, and seeing abundant rice fields and farms along the way. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Given that one elephant alone requires around 160kg of food every day, and the sanctuary also financially supports the local community through employment, income has had to be generated via stays and ethical tourism to keep the system running. The snacks and meal that is provided is authentic Thai and delicious. Some rooms had fridges but ours did not, so we couldnt really bring drinks to the room. In 1809, at the height of the transatlantic slave trade, the average price of a slave was 40,000 USD (adjusted for inflation). To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in. Such a great man. . It was peaceful bliss. 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. ); 360 AED per person, for a full day private trip. Also, swimming with the elephants whilst they bathe in the river is permitted. We are pleased that you and your girlfriend enjoyed your experience with us at Chai Lai Mountain View. 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. Tucked away in the Thai jungle of Mae Win close to Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain in Thailand), lies the tranquil elephant sanctuary of Chai Lai Orchid. - See 577 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Chai Lai Orchid at Tripadvisor. Take all the inspiration you need and create the most original and trendiest looks of all times. We prefer not to force elephants to move if they are not ready and our guides work extremely hard and may not always be available on the dot. 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. This trip starts at dawn it's best to do it on the day you check in (before check-in) as you will have to travel to Mae Rim area. Along the way you will see a wide variety of animals and plants, and your guide will share their expert jungle knowledge! You will also have the opportunity to interact with the elephants, trek through the jungle, and . Located in Chiang Mai, 26 miles from Grand Canyon Water Park Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. food is pretty poor aswell. 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. Duration 55 minutes. . No, Chai Lai Orchid doesn't have a pool. Follow @watchourworld for more eco travel inspiration. There was not explained to us upon arrival of the Eco lodge. 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! Chai Lai Orchid () Chai Lai Orchid M.5 Mae Win Mae Wang, 50360 , - - 9.2 519 Fabulous staying in the mountains surrounded by beautiful scenery and having experiences with the elephants was amazing!! Most amazing experience ever! - Review of Chai Lai Orchid, Mae Wang Chai Lai Orchid, Chiang Mai - Updated 2023 Prices - Booking.com We hiked 2 hours into the jungle with the most amazing guide ever. per person You can visit several waterfalls where you can swim. 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. Another popular activity at Chai Lai Orchid is bamboo rafting, which takes visitors on a relaxing journey down the Mae Wang River. Cool off in the lazy Mae Wang River on a traditional bamboo raft ride! Get picked-up from Chai Lai (9AM) or from your hotel in Chiang Mai (between 8-9AM). Guests can relax in stunning surroundings, sample decadent local foods and encounter beautiful elephants throughout the day. 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. Once they have had enough, you can follow them back through the forest ending back at the nursery for some afternoon sugar cane treat. No cars, vans or even rickshaws had passed us in miles, just the occasional wandering buffalo and farmer on foot. However, the organization has made efforts to improve their practices and become more sustainable and ethical. #travel, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. Subscribe and stay tuned for even more hidden gems! Tucked into forested hillside pockets a while outside Chiang Mai, the village is six or seven small bamboo houses hunkered together, within a fence. While we were staying at the lodge, a city lawyer hosted a gender equality presentation outlining the laws and rights to local women, something that is close to Chai Lai Orchids heart. Unbelievable experience! The closest airport to Chai Lai Orchid is Chiang Mai International Airport, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. Since their foundation, the team at Chai Lai Orchid have rescued 15 Thai Asian elephants from the surrounding villages and towns of northern Thailand. raz, Travel and give back Also, I thought one day was enough and we got to experience everything we wanted. Spending time with the knowledgeable owners of Chai Lai Orchid, being part of something that benefits the industryall while retreating in paradiseis an unforgettable experience. Chai Lai Orchid (CLO) is not responsible for the irresponsibility of people who litter the river upstream. Price per person, includes materials. See the menu on the Chai Lai website, for more info. We love to host ethi, Love the Chiang Mai blue sky in June The price is per person. There is no better way to cool off on a hot day! You will be given a breakfast basket for your elephant and the lovely Mahout will gladly take some candid snaps for you. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Elephants. 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. That is why we chose to stay there. This was our favorite activity we did in Thailand and I recommend it to everyone!! Its safejust be sure to wear a helmet at all times. Chai Lai Orchid, Chiang Mai - Updated 2023 Prices - Booking.com 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. The Chai Lai Orchid - Reviews | Facebook One of the main attractions at Chai Lai Orchid is the elephant sanctuary, which is home to rescued elephants that have been mistreated or neglected. and of course, the elephants were just amazing to be around. On the last day one of the mahouts sold us a bag of bananas for 300 bhat. . Instead of purchasing abused elephants from their owners for the usual sums exceeding $60,000 which allows the abuser to purchase a new elephant often trafficked from the wild they have broken the buy/sell cycle by renting the elephants, allowing the owner to continue earning a living while the elephant lives happily at the sanctuary. What an amazing 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. Some of the elephants are kept in on chains, initially I was a bit turned off by but after spending a few days there you see how well they are cared for and treated. Worth Traveling For: Chiang Mai's Ethical Chai Lai Orchid Elephant It was the best night I slept in a long time. } We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience. Have a Picnic Lunch. Top 5 Cuddle Chairs to buy, Top 6 Dior Perfumes to Shop at Great Discounts, Top 5 Naruto Action Figures You Can Buy At Walmart. Are the elephants wild in their natural territory at Chai lai orchid? The Original Looks a.k.a. The mud cools their skin. How to prepare:Pack for the outdoors, even if you dont plan on trekking. Booking a stay at Chai Lai Orchid through Klook is quick and easy. Our top tip: If you plan to stay at Chai Lai Orchid, book this adventure on Day 1 so your transfer to the property is included. Chai Lai Orchid offers eco-friendly accommodation, with all the rooms made from natural materials and decorated with traditional Thai decor. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Should you want to have a holiday of a lifetime getting up close and personal with elephants, Chai Lai Orchid has created a menu of ethical experiences alongside local guides and Mahouts that allow you to do exactly that. Chai Lai eco-bungalows are private, comfortable and clean, with en-suite open-air showers. You can choose your preferred room type, check availability, and make a reservation with just a few clicks. Pancakes with elephants at @chailaiorchid The elephant room service you refer to is only available to staying guests. All the guides we saw were men. After a peaceful nights sleep, you wake to the roosters and your final jungle trek back to where the elephants are resting in time for feeding.