Chiang Mai, like the rest of Thailand, has a huge problem with stray dogs. How about visiting Care for Dogs, a dog rescue and adoption centre, a few miles outside Chiang Mai? You can see the amazing work they are doing and even take some dogs for a walk. We went yesterday and it is well worth a visit!

www.earthoria.com/care-for-dogs-shelter-chiang-mai.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Doi Inthanon is a couple of hours away from Chiang Mai. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day - and it is renowned for its amazing views and wildlife. The best time to visit is November to January.

www.earthoria.com/doi-inthanon-the-highest-mountain-in-thailand.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you love elephants, animals and care about the environment then visit this wonderful elephant sanctuary.

Over 30 elephants live here free from work and they live a natural life in social groups. There is no riding but that doesn't matter because you can feed and bath them in the river. Just watching them interact with each other is really special.

They give you lots of information about elephant conservation and the whole day is great.

Highly recommended.

eleaid.com/index.php?page=elephantnaturepark

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

EleAid has been supporting the Elephant Nature Park since its earliest days. Originally we signed up for their two-week conservation volunteer course in 2002. We ended up working with them for a whole year and rescuing 3 elephants and rehousing them at the Park.

The Elephant Nature Park has undergone many changes since then and has grown and is now home to 28 elephants of which 5 were rescued by EleAid.

It is still possible to sign up for the excellent two-week course, stay for a couple of nights or visit for an elephant conservation day. The elephants are allowed to live as natural lives as possible and watching them will take your breath away.
The best elephant experience for visitors to Thailand.

www.eleaid.com/index.php?page=elephantnaturepark

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

There's a certain formula to most of the treks and tours available from Chiang Mai travel agents: drive to the jungle; do a bit of walking; visit a couple of tribal villages; do a little bamboo rafting; ride an elephant.

All well and good, but for something a bit different, try the Elephant Nature Park. This is one of the few (if only) camps where the elephants run the show and are treated with the care they deserve - some of the others leave a lot to be desired. And it's also a great place to get up close and personal with the elephants themselves, all of which were rescued from far less salubrious conditions.

From $68 for a day trip to $260 for a week - not cheap, but consider that all the money goes towards looking after the elephants.
Addresses and telephone numbers at www.elephantnaturepark.org/office.htm

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends