F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so expensive to visit the elephant park?

Taking care of an elephant requires a decent budget. As most sanctuaries, Elephant Peace Travel buys most of the food for the elephants. Then there is also the mahouts to be paid, as well as the medicine required for the elephants, staff and visitors (mostly the elephants, since they are on a diet of about 250-350 kg per day). Besides that, there are extra costs to be covered such as license fees, land rental, transportation, visitor insurance, elephant insurance, website maintenance and so on. The money that’s left, is purposed to provide sponsorship for people in need, by supporting health care, education and living conditions of hill tribes.

Why are the elephants still on chains?

We would love to set the animals free, but this poses some difficulties. First of all, they are domesticated, which means they don’t know how to survive in the wild. On the long run, we could be able to reintegrate them in the wild, but then we come to the second difficulty, namely that the domesticated elephants are the main income for the elephant owners and the mahouts, to provide them and their families with means of living. Taking the elephants away from them and back to the wild would mean a huge loss of income for them and making it impossible to provide for food and shelter. Thirdly, if the elephants were to roam free they would go into the neighboring farms and eat or destroy the crops. This would cause much tension with our neighbors and could put the elephants in danger.

Then why aren’t they set free in the jungle?

We would love to set the animals free, but this poses some difficulties. First of all, they are domesticated, which means they don’t know how to survive in the wild. On the long run, we could be able to reintegrate them in the wild, but then we come to the second difficulty, namely that the domesticated elephants are the main income for the elephant owners and the mahouts, to provide them and their families with means of living. Taking the elephants away from them and back to the wild would mean a huge loss of income for them and making it impossible to provide for food and shelter.

Is it possible to create a park where they can roam freely?

Absolutely! In the long run, we hope to accomplish this, but this means investing a lot of money and finding proper land. The preparation, acquiring a sustainable terrain, accommodation and facilities for permanent park keepers and mahouts will take time and money.

When I visit the park, do I have to go there myself?

No, don’t worry about getting here. Included in the price, is the transportation from your accommodation in the city of Chiang Rai to the park and back.

Can you pick me up at the airport, train or bus station?

We recommend staying in a hostel or hotel in the city. Since arrival times of airplanes, buses and trains can change, we cannot wait for a long time as we may need to pick up other customers. If you have no other choice due to a very tight schedule, please inform us in advance so we can arrange private transportation. We will advise you of the extra cost for this in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please read our general policy and Terms of Agreement for all regulations regarding cancellation, and other legal agreements.

Am I insured when visiting the park?

Tourist insurance is included in the price, which covers all accidents during the visit and transportation to the park and back.
For all traveling purposes we generally recommend to be supplied with personal (emergency) medication and a travel insurance.

I can’t eat all food (vegetarian, vegan, allergies,…), is there a custom menu?

When requiring a custom menu, please inform us during the booking procedure. We will provide food suitable for you.

Is there Wifi?

The park does not provide Wifi at the moment.

Is there a photographer that takes pictures for the visitors and where can we find the photos?

Our staff will make sure to capture your visit to our park as best as possible. They will also help you take pictures with your cellphones and cameras. Any pictures or videos taken by our staff will be posted on our Facebook page. Pictures of you taken by our staff will only be used for our own promotional purposes. See our general policy and Terms of Agreement for more information.

If I stay overnight at the park, what’s the accommodation like?

Don’t expect a lot of comfort, but we will provide you with mattresses, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets to assure a restful night sleep. However, the sleeping accommodation is in the middle of the jungle and is a no closed house (i.e. no surrounding walls). We think this provides for an unique night in the jungle

I didn’t like my stay at the park. Do you offer refunds?

Elephant Peace Travel has a no refund policy. We do our best to provide you with all the needed information so you know what to expect. But certain things are out of our control: weather conditions, mood of the elephants, your open mind.

When going back to the city, can I be dropped at another place than the pick up location?

No problem, just inform in advance what your request is, and we will see what arrangements we can make.

I’m travelling through and so taking all my luggage with me. Is it okay to take it to the park and store it there until I leave?

When travelling through, please inform us in advance. A safety deposit or locker is not available at the park, so leaving your luggage at the park is at your own risk.

What languages do the tour guides speak?

All tour guides speak English and Thai.

Is there free time to wander around?

After lunch (and after dinner if visiting for two or more days), you will have time to freely look around the park, Karen museum, and look at the elephants. The tour guides will inform you of necessary safety instructions which we expect you to follow during your free time (for example, do not go close the elephant without the presence of a tour guide or mahout).

Can I pay the full amount by card or bank transfer?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. As stated in the Terms of Agreement, you’re required to pay in cash (Baht only).

When staying overnight, at what time do I have to wake up?

There is no specific time of waking up. Breakfast is usually served at 7:30am for the Two Day Visit and activities start at 8:30am. For the volunteering program, details will be discussed between the volunteer and park management.

Can I change my visiting date?

The visiting date can be changed without extra cost if requested 24 hours before the original visiting date. When requested within 24 hours of the original visiting date, extra costs will have to be paid.

Is there a laundry service?

When visiting the park for a maximum of 2 nights, we don’t provide laundry services. When staying for more than 2 nights, laundry services are available at the park office.

Can I touch the elephants?

Yes you can, as long as your body parts touching the elephant are free of chemicals (nonorganic mosquito repellents, sunscreens or skin creams). If you have any contagious diseases when visiting the park, please advise our tour guides about this and do not touch the elephants. If you are diagnosed with Tuberculosis, Anthrax or smallpox, you will be denied entry to the park (even if there hasn’t been an outbreak of the disease yet).

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