Chailai Orchid

📍 Location of Chailai Orchid 🚘 Directions to Chailai Orchid

About Chailai Orchid

Chai Lai Orchid is a must-visit destination for those who love elephants and want to support a worthy cause. The location is beautiful, with happy and well-cared-for elephants, a stunning waterfall, and the opportunity for rafting. The guides are knowledgeable and fun, making the experience even more enjoyable. The food, especially at lunchtime, is delicious and the Penang curry at the Riverside Cafe is a must-try, although it can be a bit spicy. The establishment also supports the local Karen community, making it a socially responsible choice for travelers.

The Chai Lai Orchid offers a range of activities, from feeding the elephants after breakfast to exploring the surrounding area. For those who prefer to explore on their own, renting a motorbike is a good option. The establishment is also eco-friendly, although there is a suggestion to replace plastic straws with metal or compostable ones to further enhance their commitment to the environment.

The ambiance at Chai Lai Orchid is amazing, and the staff are accommodating and sweet, despite English not being their first or second language. The rooms are beautiful and reasonably priced. The Elephant Trekking tour is a highlight and should not be missed.

However, some visitors have had mixed experiences. While the deluxe queen room is comfortable, it could use some remodeling. The location, being in the mountains, can be quite cold in the morning and there may not be much to do outside of the planned activities. The half-day tour, which includes an elephant walk, feeding, bath, and bamboo tour, may not be worth the cost for some, as much of the time is spent waiting for the elephants.

The two-day elephant excursion and Karen homestay is a popular choice. This includes hotel pick up in Chiang Mai, elephant trek and bathing, bamboo rafting, and staying with a local Karen tribe guide and their family at a homestay by a river. The second day includes a hike to a waterfall before returning to Chiang Mai. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the care of the elephants and the company is focused on empowering the women of the tribe and improving their lives and their community.

However, some visitors have raised concerns about the treatment of the elephants. Some have reported seeing the elephants chained up with no food or water nearby, and the use of bamboo bullhooks by the mahouts. There have also been reports of tourists riding the elephants, despite the establishment's claim of a "no riding" policy. These concerns have led some visitors to cut their stay short and leave early.

The two-day jungle trek and elephant experience is another popular choice. This includes a three-hour trek to a waterfall, a visit to a Karen Hill Tribe Village, and an overnight stay at Chai Lai Sisters, a camp set up in the village. The camp is clean and offers beautiful outdoor showers, running water, and shared bathroom facilities. The food is locally grown and cooked over a fire. The highlight of the experience is walking through the jungle with the elephants, which many visitors have described as incredible. The experience also includes a bamboo rafting trip down the Chiang Mai River and an afternoon with a different set of elephants.

In conclusion, Chai Lai Orchid offers a unique and memorable experience for those who love nature and elephants. However, potential visitors should do their research and be aware of the mixed reviews regarding the treatment of the elephants.