The Chiang Mai leg includes a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center that allows visitors to feed the animals without exploiting (or riding) them.
While few subjects elicit more impassioned debate than elephant tourism, there are ethical ways to see the gentle giants up close. Travel company Contiki offers a 14-day “ Total Thailand” trip, covering Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. (Accommodations range from twin-share hotel rooms to jungle cottages.) The Chiang Mai leg includes a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center that allows visitors to feed the animals without exploiting (or riding) them.