In the Footsteps of Giants
High in misty cloud forests above Mae Sot, a world away from the city’s busy streets, there’s a deep sense of strength and stillness; in this rare habitat, a small herd of rescued elephants has found a home. Follow less-trodden trails within this singular landscape as you embark upon an in-depth journey through Thailand with the elephants at its core.
Set up by the Mahouts Elephant Foundation, the inspiring LIFE project puts elephant welfare firmly front and centre. They protect the remote forest habitat around Mae Sot and provide gentle care to allow the elephants to roam free. Trek gently through the undergrowth with the project guides, listening to tales of the elephants’ distinctive personalities and complex behaviours. Watch from a respectful distance as the elephants forage in the undergrowth, splash in slow-flowing streams and seek out leafy spots to shelter from the midday heat. It’s a true privilege to see LIFE in action, and spend time in the elephants’ extraordinary forest home, knowing that your visit is helping to keep this vital work going. Round off each day in a welcoming Karen-community guesthouse, relaxing into the village pace, learning about the community’s history, trying your hand at traditional crafts, and sipping a cup or two of freshly brewed mountain tea.
It’s always a bit of a challenge to reach such remote places, but this is well worth every effort. Our Thailand Specialists will make sure every detail runs smoothly - all you need to do is pack your sense of adventure and put your best foot forward!
Take plenty of time to relax and digest your time with the elephants by top-and-tailing your adventure in a few of Thailand’s historic spots. Marvel at Buddha statues and ruined temples in ancient Sukhothai, plunge into the historic streets and busy markets of riverside Tak, explore Bangkok’s bustling thoroughfares and less-visited backstreets, and wander through the old-town alleys, sacred sites and foodie delights of northern Chiang Mai.
Serene Sukhothai
A tempting place to linger on any journey through Thailand, Sukhothai really comes into its own as a pausing point on the slow-road north. This ancient city, known as ‘The Dawn of Happiness’, is celebrated as Thailand’s first capital, and a sense of that bygone gravitas still infuses its streets. Meander through peaceful parkland to one of its legendary legacies: a vast area of more than 200 ruined temples, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll beneath the benevolent gaze of the Buddha statue at Wat Mahathat, soak up the tranquility of the towering island chedi of Wat Sra Sri, and gaze up at the strikingly-carved standing Buddhas of Wat Trapang Ngoen.
If you’re keen to dig even deeper into the region’s history, venture further afield to the crumbling palaces and temples of nearby Si Satchanalai - the ‘City of Good People’ - on the bank of the river Yom, to explore by bike or on foot. Away from the imposing architecture, explore the lush surrounding countryside, meet a local artisan and learn to craft your own simple clay amulet, and stroll through the bustling night market in search of the best bowl of the city’s famous sweet-but-spicy Sukhothai noodles.
By the water’s edge…
The laid-back riverside town of Tak is the perfect place to ease back into urban living after a peaceful few days in the forest. Generations of travellers and traders have passed through Tak, heading east to the wonders of Sukhothai, or west to the border with Myanmar, bringing with them myriad distinctive traditions, tastes and customs. The vibrant legacy of this whirlwind phase in the city’s history is still evident today in Ban Chin Alley, a historic street near the river lined with the strikingly grand, pastel-washed wooden mansions built by merchants who settled in the city. Changing pace, cross Tak’s historic suspension bridge to wander the banks of the Ping River, watching the boats amble gently through the water.
Just out of town, Wat Phra Borommathat, a relic shrine with special significance to those born in the year of the horse, where you enjoy a few moments of peace. Experience the city’s artistic side with an afternoon at Sela Eco Printing House. Set up by retired professors, this community-led project promotes ways of living in harmony with the surrounding forest, using leaves and natural dyeing techniques to create beautifully patterned fabrics. South of the city, nature-seekers can follow shady trails around the Khlong Lan Waterfall and take a dip in the refreshing pool.
Northern Flavours
Chiang Mai is definitely northern Thailand’s crowning jewel rather than a hidden gem, but its thriving streets still hold a few lesser-known spots if you know where to look. This is the epitome of an ancient capital layered around a modern hub, and all of Thai life is here, old and new. The Old City’s greenery lined moats and crumbling walls shelter quiet neighbourhoods, bustling markets, streetside cafes, and fascinating museums where you can while away the hours. There are said to be more than a hundred temples, but we wouldn’t suggest trying to visit them all! Explore the cool riverside and low-key suburbs, or head out of town to nearby artisan communities, hill-top sites and rushing waterfalls.
Chiang Mai is, of course, also one of Thailand’s top culinary capitals, the perfect place to feast on fabulous street food dishes, discover local flavours and expand your palate. Walk through the markets in the company of a local foodie, scouting for fresh ingredients, before getting hands-on recreating a smorgasbord of northern Thai specialities. Prefer to let your taste buds do the work? Hop between street food stalls on foot or by tuk tuk, savour a personalised multi-course menu prepared by a renowned chef, or visit a local family to select fresh ingredients from their garden and prepare a meal together. If you leave Chiang Mai hungry, you’re definitely doing something wrong!
Behind the Scenes in Bangkok
Bangkok’s sensory overload needs no introduction, but we recommend going beyond the lights and glittering temples to discover a patchwork of calmer, characterful local neighbourhoods, each well worth exploring in its own right. Take a tuk tuk to Phraeng Phuthon, deep in the old city, home to well-preserved shophouses, street-side markets and tempting food stalls. Explore the shrines, street art and dim sum of Talad Noi, one of Bangkok’s oldest Chinese communities, and cycle around Bangkrachao, the ‘Green Lung of Bangkok’, stopping to visit local temples, leafy parks and a renowned Muay Thai boxing gym.
One of the best ways to explore Bangkok away from its crowds is by boat. River-taxis chug along the city’s khlongs, a historic network of waterways flowing from the Chao Phraya River to criss-cross the city. Skyscrapers tower over wider waterways, and traditional teak houses overhang narrow canals. Navigate by long-tail boat to the quieter outskirts of the city, past seldom visited temples, well cultivated gardens, and small communities living by the water’s edge.
From Elephants to Islands…
If you feel the urge to pause for a little more dedicated downtime to digest the sights, sounds, tastes and elephant-watching, Thailand’s islands definitely deliver. Step aside from Phuket and the usual suspects to find quieter stretches of sand on the aptly named Koh Chang - Elephant Island - or the peaceful shores of Koh Mak and Kod Kood. Further south, truly tranquil Koh Kraden, rugged Koh Libong, and the gleaming white sands of Koh Lipe promise complete calm to round off your Thailand trip.
A note on cost…
The guide price of £2,690US$3,490 is a per person price (not including international flights) staying 3 nights in Bangkok, 2 nights in Sukhothai, 2 nights in Tak and 4 nights in Chiang Mai, all in our favourite mid-range hotels, and 3 nights at the Mahouts Elephant Foundation LIFE project near Mae Sot.
