FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can you expect at Elephant Special Tours?
What tours do we offer?
Why are our tours worth their price?
- No mass tourism – individual, led by European elephant experts and with many explanations we give you close inside knowledge of our beloved animals
- Natural nutrition – our elephants can find their food in the specially rented forest. In addition, there is a lot of healthy supplementary food for the wellbeing of our animals
- Cultural connection – having spent many years in Northern Thailand you get a deep insight into the culture of the local people
- Experience included – included in the price are full board, accommodation, transfer to / from Chiang Mai
Is prophylaxis for malaria necessary?
Which vaccinations are recommended?
What kind of clothes are suggested?
Should I bring money along and in which currency?
What are the visa regulations?
How are the weather conditions in the area?
What about insurance?
Are the tours suitable for single travelers?
Our longer trips (Elephant Handling Course, Elephant-Bonding-Trip) will be carried out regardless of the size of the group. The maximum group size is 6 individuals. There is an additional charge for single travellers of 20%. Even on our short trips (Education Trip, Lovely-Elephant-Trip) it is possible to participate as a single traveller. Please contact us for further information.
Starting at which age can children participate in the program?
Technically, children are able to join our programs at the age of three years. Every child will have its own elephant, just like the adult participants. Additionally, the elephant’s caretaker (Mahout) will be sitting right behind the child, so he can lead the animal in case of need and to provide further security. Children up to thirteen years obtain a deduction of 20% on the given prices.
Other than the offered tours, is it possible to have individual trips organised?
For individual tours please contact Elephant Special Tours personally. We certainly will try to cater to your desires.
Is a certain level of physical fitness required for the program?
There is no requirement for any specific physical condition to join in. Customers of all ages and any physical condition have so far been satisfied with the performed tours. That said, you know your own body best and should be aware that the tours encompass several days of riding on the biggest land mammal through rugged, mountainous terrain. When in doubt, feel free to ask any questions.
What about protection against mosquitos?
Mosquitos are, as in the rest of the country, omnipresent in Northern Thailand. Our quarters are protected by enclosures. For the excursions, as well as the tours, we advise insect repellent. Autan has proved itself suitable, but highly effective repellent is also available locally.
May I take pictures during the tours?
Providing you with visual memories of your extraordinary holiday is included in the services of Elephant Special Tours. To allow you to better concentrate on the elephants while staying in our camp, our very skilled staff will take care of your camera and keep precious moments lasting. You can find a first impression of our previous work in our gallery.
Which other precautions should I consider?
With a lot of anticipation for the experience and a high dose of enthousiasm to get up close with these wonderful animals, an unforgettable experience will await you at Elephant Special Tours.
Is there any religious particularity to respect?
We will also visit Buddhist temples on our excursions, in which certain habits have to be attended. Explanations will be given before the start of the excursions.