Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai
If there’s anything that Chiang Mai is known for other than its nature, it’s their reputation for being home to some of the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
At Chai Lai Orchid – one of Chiang Mai’s well-known and reputable elephant hotels – you’ll get to bathe and bond with these magnificent creatures. Think the Jungle Book experience, minus the angry apes and tiger. If you’re an animal lover in search of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then be sure to read on to find out more about this unique hotel.
For more TSL tips on the north of Thailand:
- Atlantis Valley is a Chiang Mai cafe with ‘Alice in Wilderness’ vibes
- 10 Chiang Mai forest glamping spots with cottage villas & outdoor bathtubs
- Cozy Wild is a Balinese hut-style homestay with a wildflower meadow
Wake up calls from resident elephants’ subtle nudges
Image credit: @anoushkalila
Thailand is well-known for its ability to transport visitors to paradise. And so, here in Chai Lai Orchid, we’ll be focusing on this elephant paradise specifically.
Guests will be living in rustic huts, in close proximity to the elephants sanctuary, and you can expect shots that pretty much reference Dumbo IRL.
Image credit: @ppuynoon via @chailaiorchid
A stay at this resort also means a chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. So don’t be too surprised if your wake up call entails a gentle nudge from the gentle giants themselves.
Room service and house keeping? Nah. Here, we have the elephants do all the work. At least, for the photos! 10/10 service, indeed.Â
Image credit: @dlc.photographer
You can wake up to the resident elephants bringing you treats from their breakfast haul. Or y’know, simply enjoying some afternoon tea with the lucky chap here in this photo.
Image credit: @dlc.photographer
Come dressed in a beautiful white dress and look like a jungle princess or go au naturel with just a piece of red cloth covering your nether-areas for the true blue Jungle Book vibes, it’s truly up to you.
Take a bath with the elephants at the waterfall
Image credit: @bianca.balderas
We’d also recommend this beautiful waterfall that’s absolutely picturesque regardless of the time of day. Of course, you may have some company, depending on when you visit, as nobody else loves these waterfalls more than our resident elephants.
Image credit: @deisha_travel
As you’re taking a dip in the falls, join in on the splashes and fun as you bathe these magnificent creatures. Make sure to pack a swimsuit because these cheeky animals are going to make sure you’re soaked from head to toe after a bath with them.
Image credit: @chema_
As for your cameras, we’d pick waterproof equipment too. The friendly elephants will be interacting with you so you just might be able to capture precious Jungle Book moments like this.
Perfect IG moments with the elephants in a traditional hut
Image credit: @mon_appetrip
There’s also this gorgeous thatched hut at the resort with Perusian rugs and mats. You could bring a book there just to relax in the afternoon or simply head down to snap some perfect IG moments with the elephants on-site.
Image credit: @dlc.photographer
If you’re headed down in the afternoon, consult with the sanctuary’s staff on fruit basket options for feeding them healthy snacks, or simply embracing the 1-on-1 interactions with them.
Getting to Chai Lai OrchidÂ
Image credit: @anoushkalila
If you’ve grown up watching Dumbo or at least wondered what it’d be like to live with these magnificent creatures, then I promise you that this resort could deliver just that.
With the resident elephants being all goofy, cheeky and so very gentle, it’s definitely hard to end your stay with Chai Lai Orchid without falling in love with them and the beautiful north of Thailand.
So if you’re planning your next trip to Chiang Mai, don’t forget to bookmark this hotel as one of your picks. We’re sure it’d be one of the biggest highlights of your trip for sure.
Chai Lai Orchid
Address:Â 172 m 5 T. Mae Sapok A, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 Hours
Telephone: +66 8 2660 2213
Chai Lai Orchid’s Facebook | Google Maps
Cover images adapted from: @deisha_travel, @anoushkalila, @dlc.photographer