WHAT TO EXPECT

When you think about Thailand what comes to mind are Asian Elephants, century-old temples, lush jungles, and of course food!

At Sappraiwan Elephant Resort and Sanctuary you will visit with the elephants as they spend their time in our natural elephant habitat of 360 acres (900 rai or 145 hectares). This rare opportunity allows you to see how the endangered Asian Elephant eats, baths, protect themselves from the elements and communicates with each other using loud trumpeting blasts, to low-frequency noises known as infrasound which help keep them in touch over distances as large as 10 kilometers.

You will spend time learning how elephants care for their health using jungle herbs, and how we use these herbs to create Medical Spa treatments. In addition, you will help the mahouts who are caregivers for each elephant, grow and harvest elephant food. Not only is this food good for the elephants but helps us work with local farmers demonstrating the value of pesticide-free farming methods.

You will go on a Night Hike where you will use blue lights to find giant scorpions, find nocturnal birds (we have over 100 species of birds) and if you are lucky, you might see an endangered Indian Hog Deer or Clouded Leopard.

FOOD AND FUN

For the novice or experienced foodie, coming to Thailand and learning how to cook a Thai dish is a must. When cooking we use many of our own farmed herbs and vegetables which add flavor to the already tasty dishes.

EXPERIENCE A PIECE OF THAI HISTORY

Coming to Thailand also means visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries.

If you are intrigued by Thai culture, you will have a delightful time visiting a most unusual temple named Wat Pah Sorn Kaew. Designed by an artist monk, it is one of Thailand's most colorful temples with its exterior walls covered in more than five million colorful mosaics.

Then spend time in the city of Phitsanulok. This city is full of surprises and a gem-of-a-find for those who want to travel off the beaten track. Phitsanulok is a blend of new and old and many say parts of the city make you feel as if you are in Bangkok at the turn of the century. Enjoy the night market and the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand.  

Finally, if you wish to engage in one of Thailand's favorite activities you will have fun whitewater rafting down the Khek River, a major river that has up to Level Five rapids. Note: rafting is only available from mid-June to the end of October. When whitewater rafting is not available you can visit one of the nearby waterfalls, which is another Thai favorite.

PROGRAM DETAILS

DAY 1 Arrive

• Arrival in the afternoon - Pick up from Phitsanulok Airport/City

• Introduction Presentation  

• Private Relaxation

• Dinner

• Evening Activity: Night Hike
   

DAY 2

Morning

• Breakfast

• Introduction to day's program

• Elephant Jungle Walk

• Lunch

Afternoon

• Whitewater Rafting (usually from Mid-June to end of October) or Waterfall Visit (year-round)

• Dinner

• Private Relaxation
   

DAY 3

Morning

• Breakfast

• Visit Wat Pah Sorn Kaew (Mountain Temple)

• Lunch

Afternoon

• Elephant health care; positive reinforcement training and vitamin balls

• Dinner

• Elephant Movie Night

•  

DAY 4 

Morning

• Breakfast

• Travel to Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Includes a private guide and entrance ticket.

• Lunch in Sukhothai

Afternoon

• Continue Sukhothai Historical Park

• Transfer back to the resort

• Dinner

• Private Relaxation
   

DAY 5

Morning

• Breakfast

• Elephant Food Harvesting or Planting

• Thai Cooking Class

• Lunch

Afternoon

• Phitsanulok City Tour

• Dinner in Phitsanulok

• Night Market Visit
   

DAY 6

Morning

• Breakfast

• Elephant Enrichment Activity or Herbal Remedy Making

• Lunch

Afternoon

• Departure - Drop off at the airport/city