Elephant Express A 10-day tour with 3 days of elephant experiences at an elephant conservation centre, sandwiched between a visit to a wildlife park and discovering real life in Bangkok. Lots of activities but relaxation too. Elephant Express would be a good trip for those who have been to Thailand before and would like more hands-on interaction with elephants and insider experiences. It would also be a good trip for new visitors to Thailand, whether on its own or combined with other plans (arranged with Tell Tale Travel or independently). If you have longer and/or would like more hands-on interaction with elephants, have a look at our 2-week elephant-themed itineraries. Day 1 (we recommend Friday but could be Monday): Direct flight from London Heathrow with Eva Air or Thai Airways (or ask us about regional options). If you are not from the UK, you can book this trip without flights. Day 2: D (dinner included) Your driver will meet you at Bangkok airport and drive you to just outside the city, where you will stay in a comfortable house in a residential area. Welcome dinner. Day 3: B L D Your hosts will take you to a relaxed car-free island in the Chao Praya river, small but amazingly home to rice fields, as well as the pottery it is renowned for, or take you on a train ride to a market. If you would prefer guided sightseeing day of Bangkok's temples instead, just ask us when you're booking. Evening informal Thai cooking lesson before feasting on your efforts. Day 4: B L D Elephant madness! Early this morning, your driver will take you on an hour's drive to Ayutthaya, 1-1.5 hours drive north of Bangkok. One of ancient Siam's capitals, it was home to an elephant kraal where wild elephants were kept. These days, there is a conservation centre here. Drop your bags in your chalet then you'll spend the first day learning about the centre and its work. You'll also learn the basics of how to look after elephants, meet their mahouts and get up close and personal. Don't worry you don't need to remember everything, you'll be given a handy manual of basic commands. Day 5: B L D Full day caring for your very own elephant. You'll also ride it (bareback) although you can also walk alongside if you prefer, down to the river for a bath. There's also plenty of splashy fun with the babies in the bathtub. Based on a couple sharing the care of an elephant. If you would like to look after an elephant each, this can arranged at the time of booking. Day 6: B L Day looking after your elephant. At the end of the day, your driver will pick you up and taken you on a drive east to Khao Yai national park where you will arrive at a lodge. Day 7: B Morning and early afternoon free to relax and enjoy the pool and beautiful tropical gardens. In the late afternoon, you will be picked up by one of our wildlife guides who will take you to see (from a distance) millions of bats swarm out of their cave into the darkening sky. Day 8: B An early start and a private day in Khao Yai national park with your wildlife guide. This nature reserve is truly vast with terrain which ranges from the big mountain which gives it Khao Yai its name (Khao means mountain, not to be confused with Ko which means island! Yai means big) to rainforest and waterfalls. Khao Yai has many animals from chattering monkeys to wild elephants. Day 9: B Spend the day relaxing by the pool. If you are feeling more active, it is possible to arrange an excursion on the ground. Day 10: (Sunday if you started on a Friday): B Your driver will take you on a 2 hour south west drive to Bangkok airport. Fly back to the UK. This private tour costs from £1,600 per person including direct scheduled flights from the UK, accommodation, elephant conservation (join-in), other activities and excursions (private basis), chauffeur-driven transfers and meals as mentioned. Price based on 2 people sharing a private tour. If you would like to book this trip excluding flights, the price is £1,000 per person. Download a more detailed itinerary (in PDF format).
Dates: At your convenience, starting in the UK any Friday night (or if booking without flights, starting in Bangkok on Saturday), subject to availability. It is also possible to start on a Monday. Early booking is advised. Secure your place with a deposit. No surcharges guarantee. Telephone us with any questions and to check current availability on Freephone UK 0800 011 2571 or US 1 888 623 9571 (from UK mobiles use 0207 060 4571 and from other countries + 44 207 060 4571).
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