Doi Inthanon National Park - Pon Elephant Sanctuary

This day trip from Pon Elephant Thailand puts the two big sights south-west of Chiang Mai back to back: Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country, and the elephant sanctuary in the Mae Wang valley. It is a long day with an early start, and suits people who have one day for the region and want mountains, waterfalls and elephants without choosing between them. There is no riding, and the elephants are not made to do anything.

The morning is spent in Doi Inthanon National Park. You visit Wachirathan waterfall, a broad cascade more than 80 metres high, then drive up to the twin royal pagodas, whose gardens look out over the mountains. A short trail through the fern forest follows, and lunch is at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you cross the hills to the sanctuary. You put on a Karen shirt, prepare food and feed the elephants, walk with them through the forest, and then swim and bathe with them at a hidden waterfall. The drive back to Chiang Mai takes about an hour and a half.

Hotel transfers within the city, an English-speaking guide, both entrance fees, lunch, drinking water and insurance are included. It is cool on the summit and wet at the river, so bring a light jacket, a swimsuit, a towel and a change of clothes.