🐘 Morning Trumpets & Mud Baths – Life at Chai Lai Orchid 🌿

One of the absolute highlights of our trip: staying at Chai Lai Orchid near Chiang Mai. It’s more than just a place to sleep – it’s a sanctuary where rescued elephants roam freely, and guests get to be part of their world for a little while. Waking up to elephants wandering past your balcony is a surreal and beautiful thing. They even pop by at breakfast – gently (and sometimes not-so-gently!) reminding you they’d like a banana or two. We got to bathe the elephants in the river, which was as joyful and muddy as it sounds – such a calm, grounding experience. And the star of the show? A 5-month-old baby elephant, already cheeky, full of energy, and unbelievably strong. He kept headbutting us like a playful puppy that doesn’t know its own strength. Absolutely hilarious – and unforgettable. Chai Lai is doing amazing work for both elephants and the local community. If you’re in northern Thailand and want an experience that’s ethical, heartwarming and wildly fun – go. You won’t forget it. #chailaiorchid #elephantsanctuary #responsibletravel #chiangmai #thailandtravel #rescueelephants #wildandfree #babyelephant #elephantexperience #ethicaltourism #travelthailand #naturemoments #uktravelsabroad #animalencounters #sustainabletravel #supportlocal #elephantlove #cuteandcheeky #breakfastwithelephants #unforgettableexperience #ecotravel #wanderlustthailand #offthebeatenpath #travelmemories #mudbathmagic #travelstories #thailandnature #sanctuarystay #heartwarmingtravel #chailaimagic