Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Karen Tribe and connect with majestic elephants at the Karen Tribe Native Elephant. Located in the serene surroundings of Samoeng, Thailand, this destination provides a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Karen people while engaging with their gentle giants in a respectful and sustainable environment.
Welcome to the Karen Tribe Native Elephant, a unique sanctuary located in the heart of Samoeng, Thailand. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Northern Thailand, this destination offers an immersive experience into the vibrant culture and traditions of the Karen Tribe while providing a safe haven for elephants. Here, visitors can explore the harmonious relationship between the tribe and these magnificent creatures, fostering a deeper understanding of the ecological and cultural significance they share.
At the Karen Tribe Native Elephant, we prioritize ethical interactions with elephants. Our team is committed to providing a nurturing environment where these gentle giants can thrive. Guests are invited to participate in educational programs that highlight the importance of elephant conservation and the traditional customs of the Karen people. This destination plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that visitors can enjoy heartwarming encounters with elephants while supporting the local community and its conservation efforts.
The serene landscape surrounding the Karen Tribe Native Elephant invites relaxation and reflection. Explore scenic trails, engage with local artisans showcasing traditional crafts, and enjoy authentic Karen cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Each experience is designed to enrich your understanding of the Karen culture, instilling a sense of connection with both the land and its inhabitants.
In addition to elephant interaction, guests can partake in informative sessions where knowledgeable guides share insights about elephant behavior, their habitats, and the ongoing efforts to protect these incredible animals. These experiences are not only educational but also aim to foster a sense of responsibility towards wildlife conservation.
The Karen Tribe Native Elephant welcomes visitors of all ages, providing a family-friendly environment where everyone can engage and learn. Whether you are an animal lover, a cultural enthusiast, or someone seeking tranquility in nature, this sanctuary offers something special for everyone.
Plan your visit to the Karen Tribe Native Elephant today and immerse yourself in a world where culture, conservation, and compassionate care for elephants come together. Embrace the beauty of Thailand’s natural landscape and the warmth of the Karen people as you create unforgettable memories in this enchanting sanctuary.
คาเรนส์ ทไรบ์ เนทิฟ แอล-ลิแฟนทส์ (เมืองเชียงใหม่, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Karen Tribe Native Elephant is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 92 Moo 11 Samoeng tai, 50250, Thailand
This is a great experience where you can interact with elephants and learn about elephant caretaking from the Karen community that has a centuries long culture of mahoutship. You will also get a more honest explanation of the realities of humans keeping elephants than the fictional narratives told at many elephant camps.The elephants all look healthy, get exercise, are well cared for, and are free of signs of stress. There are very limited numbers of guests allowed which means 1) you get to interact individually with elephants and 2) mahouts can ensure the safety of both elephants and guests. The project is located in a small Karen community that both supports and benefits from the elephants. Sun and the team are very professional, with decades of experience caring for elephants. I stayed overnight in a comfortable wooden guest house overlooking a beautiful rice field where a tremendous chorus of chirping frogs serenaded me to sleep. There’s electricity, running water, and a hot shower so you’re not roughing it in any way. The food was generous and delicious. I finished all three meals very full and satisfied and wishing I could manage to eat more of the food leftover on the table. The village is beautiful and the people are kind. It was so nice to escape the noise of the city for a night – I highly recommend staying!
This was my second trip to Karen Tribe Native Elephants. I come from the United States to Chiang Mai just to visit Sun and all of the people and elephants in the village. This is a real authentic experience in a small village with many generations of family. We always stay overnight to spend more time with the elephants and the Karen village. This is an experience you will never forget. You have your own elephant to take care of while you are there. Once in a lifetime experience.
The day was so memorable, we were introduced to our elephant, given the words for commands, and got to bathe our elephant. We were educated on their diet , vitamins, and body language. The caretakers were amazing and explained the importance of these beautiful animals within their culture . We were treated to a wonderful lunch , traditional foods and fruits wrapped in banana leaves . This was a favorite part of my trip to Thailand . ??
Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity to spend the whole day, one on one directly with your own elephant through the Karen Tribe people. My friend and I spent an amazing day with 56 yr-old Marie the elephant, feeding, riding, bathing and enjoying her company as we dined on an included lunch and walked through the countryside together with only her and her keeper, just the 4 of us. Now I know riding elephants is generally frowned upon these days but these are not those poor dressed up and saddled elephants made to walk around the city parks on concrete carrying tourists on their back. The Karen Tribe have lived with and looked after these elephants for generations. The love they feel for and care they give these wonderful creatures is exceptional, and that love is clearly returned by the elephants. The day includes a beautiful 90-min drive to their remote location in the hills, in a private 4-wheel drive vehicle from and back to your hotel in Chiang Mai, and an incredible lunch, set out only for you. Believe mw when I say you will only regret this fabulous experience if you do not to do it!
What a truly amazing experience! I can’t even put into words how magical our day with Karen Tribe Native Elephants was. I choose them because they were recommended by a friend of mine who visited them last year and I liked the fact that they do not do big groups. Small, intimate, maximum 10-12 people a day.Sun picked us up from our hotel, and my boyfriend and I immediately connected with him.When we arrived Sun educated our group about the Karen tribe and their clothing, about the elephants, about their wellbeing both mentally and physically, we were introduced to each of the elephants and then paired with one for the day.We fed them, cut grass for them, made their daily vitamin treats, we cleaned them and then walked them to bath them. These majestic animals will steal your heart in seconds.We also received a delicious home cooked lunch, prepared by Sun’s family.The day flew by, and before you knew it, it was time to say goodbye to our newly made friends.It was an experience I would have done it all over again the next day and the day after. I hope to return and hug my friends Mae Boon Tong, littel Nui and Juan and Sun who was an amazing host the entire day. ❤️?
Amazing experience. Very small group, personalized experience. And Sun takes photos for you on his DSLR. Highly recommend.
I had a strong feeling my elephant interaction would be amazing but my experience with sun, the elephants, the mahouts and the community far exceeded my expectations. I’m still on cloud nine thinking about my day out there and don’t want to check it off my bucket list because I want to do it again. The photos shared when the day was done was icing on the cake and allowed my mom and I to relive the magical moments. If you’re in chiang mai get in touch with Sun and find a time to make it out there.
Hard to put into words the magic of this place – a local tribe who have had elephants for centuries and now welcome tourists to look after them for a day in the traditional ways. There are a maximum of 8 people on any one day and you get your own elephant to look after. You get to know the signs of a healthy elephant, feed them, bathe them and ride them in the traditional way (bareback as locals have been doing for centuries). You dress as per the local tribes so they associate this with friendliness and also use local Karan commands that they recognise. Amazing guides and elephant caretakers. Amazing personal authentic experience. Hands down the most authentic, ethical, personal elephant experience you can have in Thailand (and probably the world!)
I was skeptical about participating in any elephant tourism in Thailand, but a woman I met at a cooking class in Chiang Mai HIGHLY recommended Sun, and the Karen Tribe — saying it was one of the best days of her life. (This was a mother of 4, married to a doctor, living in paradise (Hawaii)). So I followed the recommendation and emailed Sun to sign up with my husband for a day in the mountains with the elephants. First of all, Sun is super responsive and quick to email you back. It’s a beautiful drive up to the mountains, followed by an exciting, joyful, educational, at times funny, at times delicious (Sun and his wife feed you at their home. Lovely!!!) day with the elephants. (There’s also water buffalo, a sweet (adult) dog, and Sun’s puppy made an appearance at lunchtime.) You get to bond with the elephants, and their trainers, then if you want, you can ride them to a nearby river and bathe them, which they really seem to enjoy. These elephants are treated like family to the Karen tribe. It was definitely the highlight of our honeymoon. Thank you Sun! Thank you Poohjan! (Our elephant for the day.) We miss you!