Magical Chai Lai Orchid
Mae Win | Chiang Mai Province
Tucked away in the Thai jungle of Mae Win close to Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain in Thailand), lies the tranquil elephant sanctuary of Chai Lai Orchid.
This non-profit organisation is staffed by local Indigenous Pga k’ nyau Hilltribe peoples, with 100% of proceeds donated back into the community through Daughters Rising, an anti-trafficking organization that helps at-risk women and girls.
Why Visit
Chai Lai Orchid is more than just a beautiful riverside retreat. It’s a place where responsible tourism makes a real difference. By visiting, you’re supporting local Karen communities and contributing to the work of Daughters Rising, a non-profit that empowers women and girls through education, employment, and sustainable opportunities. It’s an experience that leaves a positive impact long after your stay ends.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful jungle retreat where nature, community, and ethical tourism come together. Stay in rustic riverside bungalows, wake up to the sounds of the forest, and enjoy home-cooked meals in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Depending on your visit, you may have the opportunity to meet the resident elephants through ethical observation experiences, join local activities, or simply unwind beside the Mae Taeng River.
Key Details: Where? When? How Much?
Mae Win
Chiang Mai
Nov – Feb
Best Period
1-2
Nights
Varies
Check Online
Contents
Is Chai Lai Orchid ethical?
Yes. Chai Lai Orchid works closely with Daughters Rising and focuses on ethical tourism, community support, and elephant welfare. If you choose to participate in elephant activities, be sure to check the current experiences available, as programmes may change over time.
Where is Chai Lai Orchid located?
Chai Lai Orchid is located in Mae Win, Mae Wang District, approximately 1.5 hours southwest of Chiang Mai.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Accommodation and popular activities can book out well ahead of time, particularly between November and February. Advance booking is highly recommended.
What elephant experiences are available?
Experiences vary throughout the year but may include ethical observation, walking with elephants, feeding sessions, and river experiences. Chai Lai Orchid continually reviews its programmes to prioritise animal welfare, so activities may change.
Is Chai Lai Orchid suitable for families?
Yes. Families, couples, solo travellers, and small groups are all welcome. Children should always be supervised around elephants and the river.
Is there Wi-Fi and mobile signal?
Wi-Fi is available in the reception area, although speeds may be slower than in the city. Mobile reception is generally good but can vary depending on your network.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear if you plan to enter the river, and a light jacket for cooler evenings during the winter months.
How does my visit support the local community?
A stay at Chai Lai Orchid helps provide employment within the local Karen community and supports the work of Daughters Rising, which focuses on education, women’s empowerment, and reducing the risk of human trafficking through sustainable opportunities.
Getting There
How to Get to Chai Lai Orchid
Facilities & Activities
Facilities & Activities at Chai Lai Orchid
The Bungalows
Accommodation at Chai Lai
Chai Lai Orchid eco-bungalows are private, comfortable and clean. You can choose from either a mountain view or a river view bungalow. (Images are of the mountain view).
Their en-suite bathrooms are open-air and the shower temperature is hot.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink Options at Chai Lai
The on-site restaurant has a delicious array of dishes to choose from (including vegetarian/vegan).
Breakfast is included (which also includes a basket of bananas for the elephants, who come to visit you on your balcony). All other dishes will be added to your bill.
The ingredients are all locally sourced and served fresh.
There is also a buy one get one Happy Hour special. I enjoyed several dishes, which I chose to have sent to my bungalow. See the menu on the Chai Lai Orchid website, for more info.
The Elephants
The Elephants at Chai Lai
For over 10 years, Chai Lai Orchid has been rescuing and protecting elephants from abusive practices.
Elephant babies remain with their mothers, and each elephant has their own mahout (carer). The elephants are not chained or tethered, and of course, there is no riding.
Guests at Chai Lai Orchid can help care for them and observe them in nature and the mahout will help guide guests on how to interact with them.
The elephants are brought around to visit at various times in the day and in the morning they will come to your balcony, which is when you can feed them.
Swimming with the elephants whilst they bathe in the river is permitted. So, there are plenty of opportunities for photos as well as just observing elephants just being elephants!
The setting
The Grounds of Chai Lai
Chai Lai Orchid is peaceful with the occasional sound of elephants trumpeting during the day and evening. Chai Lai also adopts a few animals, so expect to see several dogs running around the area (all are friendly and quiet).
Being right in the heart of the Thai jungle means you should expect bugs! So come prepared with DEET or your preferred repellant. Chai Lai will also provide you with some if you need it. The mosquito netting canopy over the beds do a great job of keeping pests out.
The ingredients are all locally sourced and served fresh.
Additional Info
The Chai Lai Shop
There is a shop on-site (and online), selling local handicrafts. The profit from the sales of these items goes directly to the local people.
Special Occasions
Chai Lai Orchid also offers wedding and Honeymoon packages, private events and other special occasions. They can also provide a professional photographer. More info here on the Chai Lai website.
In Closing – Ethical Experiences
Final Note: Choose Ethical Experiences
As a final note, I wish to say that my experience at Chai Lai Orchid was wonderful. The staff are helpful and kind. The food is delicious. …and of course, the elephants were just amazing to be around. The bonus was knowing that I had a fantastic experience that also went towards an important non-profit organisation, as well as choosing an experience which helps keep elephants safe and happy. Supporting organisations such as Chai Lai Orchid truly makes a difference, so, please consider supporting this fantastic place!
GPS Guide for this area
Detailed Guide with GPS
Enjoy the area with ease with this detailed guide that includes GPS waypoints, taking you to the best places on the best roads. Includes, cafes & eateries and detailed history and info.
The Mae Wang Loop
I hope you found the Chai Lai Orchid guide useful, if so, drop a comment and if you have questions I haven’t covered, drop them in the comments below.