The Ellie Experience

Thailand

June 2026 | 7 nights, 8 days

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The Ellie Experience

Join The Ellie Experience, an unforgettable hosted journey led personally by Heather Kasey, founder of Ellie Travel and the Elephant Education Initiative. Designed for travelers who crave connection, adventure, and purpose, these group tours bring together like-minded explorers who share a passion for wildlife and meaningful conservation. Each itinerary is designed by Heather, featuring exceptional accommodations, immersive cultural experiences, and opportunities to engage with local conservation efforts. It’s the perfect blend of travel, adventure, and purpose.

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Travel to Thailand

Thailand captivates the soul with its seamless blend of culture, nature, and compassion. From peaceful mornings spent learning about elephant conservation to evenings filled with golden sunsets and fragrant Thai cuisine, every moment feels purposeful and profound. Traveling to Thailand is all about connection—to the land, its people, and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.

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  • Begin your adventure in Chiang Mai with a stay at Raya Heritage, a riverside retreat inspired by Lanna artistry and tradition. After settling in, explore the Old City’s ornate temples, wander through lively night markets, and enjoy a welcome dinner of authentic northern Thai cuisine.

  • Spend two nights at Chai Lai Orchid, an eco-lodge and elephant sanctuary set deep in the jungle. Wake to the sounds of nature and spend your days connecting with rescued elephants in an ethical, hands-off setting. Participate in conservation-focused experiences, visit nearby waterfalls, and learn about the Karen hill tribe communities that make this region so special.

  • Journey north to the famed Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos. Your stay at Anantara Golden Triangle offers sweeping views, exceptional cuisine, and meaningful encounters with rescued elephants who roam freely across the resort’s 160 acres. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, spend the night in a transparent jungle bubble, dining under the stars beside these magnificent animals.

  • Conclude your journey with three nights of seaside luxury on the Andaman Sea. The Surin Phuket, nestled along a private stretch of sand, offers the perfect setting to unwind and reflect. Enjoy spa treatments, sunset dining, and time to simply be — surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical tranquility.

Where You'll Stay

  • Living room with a sliding glass door opening to a private pool and lush tropical greenery outside. The room features a blue sofa with throw pillows, a small round table with a plant, and a chair next to a floor lamp.

    Raya Heritage

    Chiang Mai, Thailand

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  • A woman on a wooden balcony interacts with a baby elephant during sunset, with trees and a landscape in the background.

    Chai Lai Orchid

    Chiang Mai, Thailand

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  • Aerial view of a resort with a large swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs, greenery, and trees, with a series of rooms or cottages in the background nestled among trees and hills.

    Anatara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

    Chiang Rai, Thailand

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  • Poolside view at a tropical resort with white umbrellas, lounge chairs, palm trees, and the ocean in the background.

    The Surin

    Phuket, Thailand

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Meaningful Encounters with Thailand’s Elephants

At the heart of this journey lies a deep respect for Thailand’s most iconic residents — its elephants. Every encounter on this itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, education, and conservation.

At Chai Lai Orchid, spend two unforgettable days among rescued elephants, observing them in their natural jungle home and learning from local caretakers who champion ethical, hands-off interactions.

At Anantara Golden Triangle, meet rescued elephants who roam freely across 160 acres of protected land and, if you wish, spend the night in a transparent “jungle bubble,” dining under the stars as elephants graze nearby.

Each experience supports ongoing rescue and conservation efforts, ensuring your time in Thailand leaves a lasting, positive impact.

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The Highlights

Ethical Elephant Encounters

Experience Thailand’s gentle giants at trusted, conservation-focused sanctuaries that prioritize education, welfare, and hands-off interaction.

Rich Cultural Heritage

From golden temples to vibrant markets, Thailand offers an incredible immersion into centuries-old traditions and spiritual serenity.

Luxury Meets Nature

Stay in world-class eco-lodges and private villas that blend seamlessly into lush jungles, river valleys, and tropical coastlines.

Culinary Adventures

Savor authentic Thai cuisine through market tours, private cooking classes, and intimate dining experiences led by local chefs.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Explore everything from misty northern mountains to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea—all within one journey.

Warmth of the Thai Spirit

The kindness, humility, and hospitality of the Thai people make every experience deeply personal and unforgettable.

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