Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge and Cafe

Even as excited as we were and as high as our expectations were for our visit to Chai Lai Orchid, our whole experience far exceeded those expectations. The chance to visit local people and rescued elephants is the opportunity of a lifetime and we have better appreciation after our stay there.We were encouraged to book a stay and experience with Chai Lai Orchid because we read about their work in caring for rescue elephants as well as the extensive work they do with the tribes and particularly supporting young women through education and an opportunity for a different life. In our experience, Chai Lai Orchid is true to its word, and their fulfillment is apparent through the happiness both of the elephants and all of the staff.All of the food and drinks at the cafe were delicious and lovingly crafted. The service of the cafe staff and the lodge staff was above and beyond, everyone was very friendly and helpful and working hard to provide the best experience for all guests. The highlight, of course, is the elephant happy hour when you get the chance to hang out with and feed these magnificent beings, and the elephant handlers are kind, adept, and always aware to ensure the safety and enjoyment of their elephant charges and the guests.We stayed a few nights in the Lotus Homestay rooms, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquility and the surrounding nature. The rooms are understandably simple, but everything was comfortable and clean, and I was particularly impressed that there was even running water and a warm shower in the room! Breakfast brought to our own balcony was delicious and felt like the height of luxury. Again, the highlight of breakfast with the elephants is beyond anything I could have imagined and not an experience we will ever forget.We were lucky to be able to book a private guided tour through the jungle, including river rafting and elephant care. We expected that bathing the elephants would be our favorite part, and while that was incredible, it was our time and talks with our guide, Artid, that were actually the best part of our entire time at Chai Lai Orchid. An experienced guide who has grown up in those mountains, his knowledge and skill are unmatched. One of the first things he said to us is all that he needs to survive there is his knife and fire, and by the end of our adventure, we recognized the truth of that. He prepared for us a meal, making mountain soup and delicious chicken, cooked over a fire he made on the spot. The meal was DELICIOUS and our shared time, talking about the life of the tribe and changing times and exchanging our family stories was among the best experiences we had in all of Thailand.We are grateful to come away from our experience at Chai Lai Orchid with a greater understanding of the lives of the people, animals, and mountains in the area, as well as a greater connection to it all. If you only have one stop to make in Thailand to feel the embodiment of what it is to be a Thai person, this is the adventure for you!

We chose the package with jungle hiking, bamboo rifting, sleeping in the Karen village, bathing with the elephants and care for them. Our guide for these days were named Boy who lived in a Karen village nearby. He took us on the perfect adventure in the jungle with a hiking suited for most people. When we arrived at the waterfall we had a long break so we could swim, chill and just enjoy being in the jungle. Lunch was 10/10. On our way back we visited his family and told us a bit more about the village.Our home stay in the Karen village was in a wooden/bamboo cottage with a view of rice fields and mountains. Very easy accommodation in the mountains but I would recommend this to everyone. Perfect getaway and everyone in the village are super nice.Day 2 with bamboo rifting was over all of our expectations. A nice ride down the river and a lot of elephants standing by the river or bathing in it. After this we went to the elephants to feed them, pet them and swim with them. We met a 5 months old baby with her mother and were able to play a bit with her. This experience is so wholesome and calming and beautiful can’t really describe everything, you have to be there for yourself!Big thank you to our lovely guide Boy who did everything to make us feel happy and safe and Chai Lai for this lifetime memory and experience. We will never forget this

Fantastic experience, the best guide was THEP Too kind. This place was a dream and even more so our tour guide. Thanks THEP and CHAI LAI ORCHIDE. 🤍

Tep, our guide was fantastic. He did a very thorough job and ensured we had a great time.

My family and I took part in the 2D/1N trekking excursion organized by Chai Lai Orchid, and we loved it! It was an authentic and human experience, especially thanks to our guide Sunny. Having already done a trekking excursion in this region, this one is really great! We strongly recommend

Even as excited as we were and as high as our expectations were for our visit to Chai Lai Orchid, our whole experience far exceeded those expectations. The chance to visit local people and rescued elephants is the opportunity of a lifetime and we have better appreciation after our stay there.We were encouraged to book a stay and experience with Chai Lai Orchid because we read about their work in caring for rescue elephants as well as the extensive work they do with the tribes and particularly supporting young women through education and an opportunity for a different life. In our experience, Chai Lai Orchid is true to its word, and their fulfillment is apparent through the happiness both of the elephants and all of the staff.All of the food and drinks at the cafe were delicious and lovingly crafted. The service of the cafe staff and the lodge staff was above and beyond, everyone was very friendly and helpful and working hard to provide the best experience for all guests. The highlight, of course, is the elephant happy hour when you get the chance to hang out with and feed these magnificent beings, and the elephant handlers are kind, adept, and always aware to ensure the safety and enjoyment of their elephant charges and the guests.We stayed a few nights in the Lotus Homestay rooms, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquility and the surrounding nature. The rooms are understandably simple, but everything was comfortable and clean, and I was particularly impressed that there was even running water and a warm shower in the room! Breakfast brought to our own balcony was delicious and felt like the height of luxury. Again, the highlight of breakfast with the elephants is beyond anything I could have imagined and not an experience we will ever forget.We were lucky to be able to book a private guided tour through the jungle, including river rafting and elephant care. We expected that bathing the elephants would be our favorite part, and while that was incredible, it was our time and talks with our guide, Artid, that were actually the best part of our entire time at Chai Lai Orchid. An experienced guide who has grown up in those mountains, his knowledge and skill are unmatched. One of the first things he said to us is all that he needs to survive there is his knife and fire, and by the end of our adventure, we recognized the truth of that. He prepared for us a meal, making mountain soup and delicious chicken, cooked over a fire he made on the spot. The meal was DELICIOUS and our shared time, talking about the life of the tribe and changing times and exchanging our family stories was among the best experiences we had in all of Thailand.We are grateful to come away from our experience at Chai Lai Orchid with a greater understanding of the lives of the people, animals, and mountains in the area, as well as a greater connection to it all. If you only have one stop to make in Thailand to feel the embodiment of what it is to be a Thai person, this is the adventure for you!