The Elephant Village was opened in 1973 as a sanctuary for former working elephants. These elephants, through reasons of injury or ill health, can no longer be used as a part of the backbone of heavy work in the jungles of Thailand. Also because of their diminishing habitat, it is now longer possible to return them to the wild.

The Elephant Village provides these magnificent creatures with a safe haven, where they may live out their lives with dignity and freedom from fear. Spend the afternoon being entertained by the big tuskers, see them having a bath and how they were once used as a working animal. The elephant show includes demonstrations of training techniques, bathing, traditional roundup methods and the Glong Sabad Chai Ceremony with a war elephant. At the end of the show, visitors will have the opportunity to take a short ride on an elephant for an extra cost.

There's vast array of experiences awaiting for you on this private excursion with Tour East Thailand.

Of all Chiang Mai?s cultural achievements, none are more remarkable than their handicrafts. Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand?s major center for quality handicrafts. The artisans produce an extraordinary range of quality products which are in variably the first choice among shoppers, silverware, lacquerware, silk and cotton products, ceramics, parasols and jewelry.

On this tour a visit is made to the San Kampaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Then we continue to Bor Sarng, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand painted. Last but not least, stops are made to observe the intricacies of lacquerware, silverware, and teakwood furniture.

A visit to Thailand is hardly complete without a visit to Bangkok and in particular the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is a "must see" for all visitors to Bangkok.

The Grand Palace Complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist Temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today.

Lunch and shopping time is included on the tour.