Doi Inthanon Hiking & Ethical Elephant Care: A Review

If you’re thinking of a trip combining nature and giving back, then a half-day outing to Doi Inthanon with some responsible elephant interaction just might be what you’re searching for. This sort of trip is, actually, pretty common around Chiang Mai, yet choosing an experience that’s both enjoyable and does good is very, very important. This review will provide you with what could be useful information so you can know just what to expect and to help you determine if this sort of trip fits right into your travel plans.

Why Choose Doi Inthanon for Your Adventure?

Doi Inthanon is, actually, the highest peak in Thailand, plus it boasts some outstanding natural charm, with thick forests and some really beautiful waterfalls. Visiting Doi Inthanon goes past checking a mountain off your list; it, seemingly, gives you a peek into the raw heart of northern Thailand. The weather there tends to be cooler when compared to the lowlands, especially during the cool season (November to February), which can make hiking even more fulfilling.

Apart from its natural allure, Doi Inthanon is, very, very accessible from Chiang Mai. Many tours offer handy round-trip transport, making it just a simple day escape. In the event that you care a bit about experiencing wildlife responsibly, it’s a great location to look at when pairing mountain hiking with observing elephants in a friendly place.

What to Anticipate from Your Half-Day Elephant Experience

An ethical elephant sanctuary isn’t, seemingly, just about getting up close to these amazing creatures; it places an emphasis on their welfare and safety. Forget those places that provide elephant rides or get elephants doing tricks. You see, responsible sanctuaries really do prioritize the animals’ natural behaviors and attempt to give them a nice existence.

Your half-day with elephants can frequently include these things:

Getting acquainted with the elephants: Getting to learn their names and individual personalities.
Feeding Time: Planning meals could be the funnest time since it normally lets you to hand-feed the elephants their beloved foods.
Mud bath: Watching elephants enjoy themselves while wallowing in the mud (you will join too!).
Washing in the river: Helping the elephants freshen up by cleaning them gently in the river.
Learning and helping: Find out all about elephant habits and what steps the sanctuary is actually taking to keep them properly looked after.

Remember, it is extremely important to find a place that is dedicated to ethical practices. Be on the lookout for signals of being overworked, for example chains, or riding. Instead, look at if the elephants can freely wander, engage socially, and express natural behaviors.

Hiking Doi Inthanon: A Trek Through Thailand’s Roof

A hike through Doi Inthanon is, like your own pass to explore Thailand’s awesome natural variety. Several hiking options, like, are around, that extend directly to your level of experience and your personal choices.

Summit Trail: This quite short and relatively basic route is going to bring you to the very summit, marked with a sign. The views from here are quite great, and there’s too a shrine to pay respects to.
Ang Ka Nature Trail: Frequently named “The Magic Kilometer,” this specific trail includes a boardwalk that goes throughout a distinctive sphagnum moss jungle. You will get to view unique plant species and is that there truly is something special with this protected area.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: This really is an increased strenuous 2-3 hour hike that provides outstanding views and drops to several diverse ecosystems. One will demand a regional guide simply, yet the sights are absolutely worth it.

Keep in mind, even on a half-day adventure, choosing a shorter trail can assist ensure you’ve got sufficient time to appreciate both the mountain plus your elephant interaction without the need to feel rushed.

Making It a Full Day: What to Consider

Though your goal is always to enjoy both climbing and animal care within half per day, consider adding in some nearby points of interest to totally round out your journey. This, in a way, really gives additional depth in your experience.

Waterfalls: Doi Inthanon is known to many exquisite waterfalls, just like Wachirathan Falls and Sirithan Falls. These provide amazing photography opportunities and a refreshing split from hiking.
The Twin Pagodas (Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Naphaphonphumisiri): Constructed to honor the King and Queen of Thailand, these particular pagodas offer fantastic architecture and sweeping panoramic views.
Local Markets: Before getting back to Chiang Mai, give consideration to going to a local market to find handcrafted crafts and eat some regional food.

Adding such stops will, arguably, create the visit a more rewarding one while keeping in mind that you are making sufficient time for the wildlife activity which is, honestly, the core focus.

What to Bring for Your Trip

Being adequately prepared actually can make all the differences with regard to having a good adventure. Here is a simple list which will guide you.

Comfortable hiking shoes: Essential to have comfortable hiking, specifically if you would like to do more intensive routes.
Clothing to change into: Expect getting dirty from the mud bath. It is a great idea to take some clothes with you to switch into.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: Safeguard yourself from the sun’s rays as well as insects, particularly during your hike.
A hat: Sun security.
Camera: You can remember your amazing experiences.
Cash: For refreshments or souvenirs that you may want to buy during the day.

Moreover, confirm any kind of unique directions offered from tour group or sanctuary about what to put on or even bring in the tour. Keep in mind modesty; you’ll want clothing that covers shoulders and knees each time going to temples or even sacred websites.

Responsible Travel: Doing Your Bit

Going for ethical and ecological tourism can really help with ensuring these beautiful spots can stay this way for all to see for decades to come. Any time scheduling ones day trip, consider a few responsible ways:

Pick Ethical Sanctuaries: Conduct a bit of analysis in ensuring the elephant refuge deals with their animals using admiration and doesn’t encourage unsafe practices.
Value Local Economies: Go shopping at regional markets or even eat in local restaurants which assists you to immediately help the group.
Respect Nature: Refrain from throwing garbage on tracks, remaining on clearly noted trails, not bothering animals.
Be Mindful of Resources: Conserve drinking water when possible, cut down on energy where available, not ordering anything.

Doing small options just such as this really might make a large positive impact on the travel spots combined with residential areas that you just see. Bear in mind that mindful travel is, indeed, regarding developing favorable effects to go away behind anywhere you go.

Is This Trip Right for You?

Choosing whether or not one of Doi Inthanon hikes combined with seeing any elephant sanctuary will depend a great deal by the individual hobbies and interests. Considerably of climbing blended together with ethical and ecological animal connections sounds attracting if these describe your personal tastes.

You love nature: If climbing with some outstanding environments which include thick woodlands, water fall is appealing.
You care about animals: The thought of in person working in ethical methods together with rescued elephants speaks very deeply in the mind of everyone involved.
You seek adventure with learning: Merging out-of-doors discovery coupled with opportunities to grasp nature and care for wildlife may be a perfect match for every person.

As long as you would like something far more easy-going, consider alternative excursions offering much less activity with a a great deal slower velocity. But, for anybody willing to experience nature although aiding within your treatment involving elephants; now is the proper day journey!

Visiting Doi Inthanon and some of those ethical and ecological sanctuaries provides both adventure seekers plus compassionate wildlife supporters amazing chances. Providing ideal setting in gorgeous scenery although making actual variations of being in existence amongst animals could potentially change; today would likely demonstrate priceless!

Thus plan properly, keep your responsibility towards respect and enjoy. This trip could likely allow some lasting experience in Thailand for every person that gets associated!

#DoiInthanon #ChiangMai #ElephantSanctuary #EthicalTravel #Thailand #Hiking #AdventureTravel