Following our incredible stay at their sister resort Elephant Hills which quickly became one of my all time favourite travel experiences I knew I absolutely had to visit The Bush Camp in Chiang Mai. After the exceptional time we had there I arrived with very high expectations and a pretty strong feeling that we were in for a treat. Spoiler alert, we were.
Let me walk you through what our stay was like, starting with day one.
Day One: Arrival at The Bush Camp
One wonderful aspect of staying at The Bush Camp is that it really is an all inclusive experience. Your transfer from the airport or downtown Chiang Mai is included both ways. A few weeks before our trip we received an email asking for our flight details or preceding hotel address. Their website has a Transfers page that clearly lists the start and end times of the tours. The first day begins early so it is important to plan your flights or hotel stays accordingly. You can also book a private transfer if you arrive outside the scheduled hours or if your hotel is far away like ours was.
A couple of days before our pickup we received a WhatsApp message from the front desk confirming our transfer. Our driver arrived early, helped us with our luggage and was incredibly polite and friendly. The journey took just under two hours. He even stopped halfway so we could stretch, use the bathroom and grab snacks at 7 Eleven which, if you did not already know, is superior in Thailand. Trust me. You will thank me later.
When we arrived at reception we were warmly greeted, handed a welcome drink and given a few goodies before filling out the paperwork. We would be checking into our luxury tent later that afternoon after our first activities so we set aside what we needed and handed our luggage over to the staff. They provide reusable metal water bottles if you do not bring your own. Sustainability is a big part of their ethos and there are plenty of refill stations with cold filtered water.
A buggy took us to the main house where the dining hall, souvenir shop, bar and pool are located. We had an hour or two to settle in before a delicious buffet lunch was served. At check in they asked about allergies or dietary restrictions. As someone who is gluten free I was over the moon at how prepared and knowledgeable they were. They gave me a card to hand to staff at each meal and every time I sat down they brought gluten free alternatives or custom individual dishes. I was very well fed on this trip and never once felt limited.
After lunch our guide Fah met up with us and took us straight to our first elephant experience and that is where the real magic begins.
Ethical Elephant Experience
We were driven in open top game trucks to the elephant area and it honestly felt like we were on safari. It was such a fun way to start the afternoon. One thing I loved is that all Bush Camp activities are never more than a ten to fifteen minute drive away which means more time with the real stars of the show.
When we arrived there were five elephants standing nearby with their mahouts who care for them daily. The elephants live in a free roam and chain free environment and most of them have been rescued from the logging industry. After a short introduction we learned how to prepare their food which included supplements to make sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. Once our baskets were full we had the chance to feed them and it is such a joyful experience. If you hold out a piece of fruit they gently take it from your hand with their trunk although some can be a little cheeky. One curious trunk in your basket and the entire contents will disappear in a second! After feeding time we were given cold towels and soap to wash our hands. This particular camp also had fridges with drinks available to purchase and proper flushing toilets which is always appreciated.
Karen Hill Tribe Visit
From the elephant experience we walked just five minutes to the Karen Hill Tribe village. Here we were given a glimpse into daily life in a traditional Karen community. We helped pound rice, hull coconuts and make a Thai curry completely from scratch. We watched them weave fabrics and create artisan goods using only simple tools. Some items are available for purchase in the village and more can be found in the souvenir shop back at the main house. The curry was prepared right in front of us over an open fire. We saw how every ingredient was prepped and at the end we were handed a sample. If only I could recreate it at home even half as well!
Afterwards we returned to the camp and were dropped off at our tents. I had no idea what to expect from a luxury glamping tent but whatever I imagined was completely wrong because I was blown away by the setup. Once we settled in and unpacked a little we made our way down to the main house for the evening activities. We were in tent three which is one of the furthest from the main house. At any time you can call reception and they will send a buggy to pick you up which is a welcome relief in the Thai heat.
Evening Activities
The evening begins with Happy Hour which is a full hour of complimentary drinks including beer and a small selection of cocktails. It is the perfect time to watch the sun set over the Ping River. It really is such a beautiful spot for a sundowner. If beer or the complimentary cocktails are not your thing you can purchase other drinks from the very extensive bar menu.
Next was a cooking demonstration where we learned how to prepare Pad Thai. They showed us the ingredients and every step of the process before giving us a sample to try. We also watched a short documentary about elephants in Thailand and the conservation work being done by The Bush Camp and their sister resort Elephant Hills to protect wildlife and support local communities. A group of children from a nearby school also came by to perform traditional Thai dances for us. They were so passionate and talented. A few even tried to teach me some moves which was very sweet although it was definitely best left to the professionals.
The evening finished with a wonderful buffet dinner offering both western dishes and local specialties. I was again given a sheet outlining what I could safely eat from the buffet and was also served several individual gluten free dishes. I felt so well looked after.
What To Pack For Today
Wear comfortable clothing like a T shirt and shorts along with closed toed shoes. You can manage with flip flops but if it has rained the ground gets slippery so I would recommend something sturdier. My Tropic Feel shoes have survived many adventures and double as water shoes which is ideal. Bring sunscreen and plenty of bug spray because as you can imagine being around animals invites a lot of insects.
Day 2
I am not kidding when I say that I slept like an absolute rock in that luxury glamping tent. I clocked a very respectable ten hours on the first night and I stand by my new belief that air conditioning is the greatest gift to mankind. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and the whole set up created the perfect sleep environment.
Breakfast is served at the main house from eight in the morning, and the first activities kick off just after nine. The buffet spread was just as impressive as the night before. Fresh juices, yoghurts, porridge, piles of tropical fruit, fried rice, Thai specialties and a handful of western comforts like bacon and baked beans. Tea and coffee are available all day which is very useful for those of us who consider caffeine a personality trait.
Elephants and the surprise I never saw coming
For our first activity of the day we hopped back into the safari trucks. I have fully committed to calling them safari trucks now because it makes me feel like I am in an episode of a nature documentary. A short drive took us to another area of the camp where yes more elephants were waiting for us.
We started with something I absolutely did not have on my travel bingo card. We were shown how elephant dung can be recycled into paper. Elephant poop paper. Never thought I would write those words but here we are. The process was surprisingly fascinating and honestly quite fun. After leaving our creations out to dry we got to decorate some previously made sheets with paints and pastels. It is definitely one of the more unique souvenirs I have ever brought home.
We sampled a few traditional Thai teas and watched members of the Karen Hill Tribe prepare coconut pancakes for us. Then it was feeding time again and this round included a baby elephant. My heart simply disintegrated. This little one was clearly the star of the show and feeding him was pure joy.
We then watched the elephants head into the ponds for bath time and it was hilarious. They play exactly like dogs splashing around and flinging water everywhere with their trunks. I could have happily watched them all day.
After the experience we headed back to our tents to freshen up before lunch. Another impressive buffet and then a fully free afternoon to enjoy the camp. We ended up with the entire infinity pool to ourselves which felt like a scene from a dream.
What to pack for today’s activities
Comfortable clothes such as shorts and a T shirt or long trousers if you want extra mosquito protection. Mosquitoes love elephants just as much as we do so be prepared. Closed toed shoes or flip flops are fine. Bring hand sanitiser, sunscreen, bug spray, water and of course your camera.
Evening Activities
The second evening followed the same comforting rhythm as the first and began with the legendary happy hour. The cooking demonstration this time featured Thai papaya salad and yes, we were handed samples again which is always the correct approach to a food demo. A different group of school children came to perform and we watched a new documentary so it never feels repetitive.
Since a large group was checking out that day we were served a huge set menu for dinner with a variety of dishes to try. I only wish I could have eaten more because everything was so delicious. With full bellies we waddled back to our tent of dreams for another marathon sleep.
Day 3 and Departure
Our last morning arrived far too quickly. We grabbed breakfast at the main house as usual before meeting Fah for our final activity. We were the only guests staying for the two night program at the time which meant a completely private morning with our guide. A very welcome surprise.
On our little safari ride we stopped at a beautiful viewpoint that offered panoramic views over the Ping River. Fah taught us about the surrounding land and how different areas are used before we continued on to meet the elephants.
Our task of the day was to prepare their supplements which help them get all the vitamins and minerals they need. We mixed mashed banana, pumpkin and chopped grass into a very sticky concoction that we rolled into balls before feeding them. We also spoiled them with chopped pineapple and bananas. Watching them crunch through their favourite treats was the cutest thing.
We then learned how the team estimates each elephant’s weight using a formula based on a measurement of their chest. It sounds simple but the results are surprisingly accurate. We watched the elephants splash around in the water one last time before returning to camp for another delicious lunch by the pool. Afterward it was time to make our way back to Chiang Mai.
Since it was just the two of us heading back we were told we could leave early after lunch which worked perfectly because our flight to Bangkok was later that evening. The drive to the airport takes around two to two and a half hours, so it is important to check the Bush Camp transfer page when planning your flights. You can also arrange a private driver if your timing falls outside the recommended slots.
What to pack for today’s activities
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitiser, a camera and whatever patience you need for mixing giant elephant supplement balls.
Glamping Tents
The glamping tents at The Bush Camp truly exceeded every expectation. They have taken the idea of luxury camping and run with it in the best possible way. There is electricity, hot and cold water and air conditioning positioned above the bed, making sleep an absolute dream.
Each tent sits on a raised platform with a wooden terrace at the entrance. Inside it feels more like a boutique hotel room than a tent. There is proper furniture, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a safety box, a hair dryer and plenty of hooks for clothes. Complimentary bottled water is provided and the glass bottles are washed and reused which I love.
The bathroom is separated from the bedroom with a tent curtain that seals with Velcro and includes a shower, double vanities and a toilet. Shampoo, conditioner and toiletries are fully stocked. It is the kind of set up that makes you forget you are technically still in the jungle.
Food and Drink
The food at The Bush Camp was genuinely outstanding. Every meal had such a huge variety of dishes from local Thai favourites to familiar western comfort foods. There was always a salad bar, fresh fruit and a dessert table. Cold filtered water and fruit infused water were available all day.
I must highlight the ice cream. Complimentary. Self serve. Fully accessorised with sauces and toppings. The kind of thing that would have been dangerous for me had I not been severely lactose intolerant. Even then I considered it.
With my gluten free diet I was incredibly well taken care of. At every meal I was handed a card showing exactly what I could safely eat and the kitchen always made individual dishes just for me. Even the set menus came with several gluten free options. I honestly felt like royalty.
The bar at the main house is open all day until late and the cocktail list is extensive. Drinks can be added to your room and paid at checkout. It is important to note that all final payments must be made in cash. Cards are not accepted at the camp. The driver will stop at an ATM on the way if needed.
Facilities
The infinity pool is easily one of the highlights of the camp. It overlooks the Ping River and the surrounding landscape and it is almost impossible to climb out once you settle into the moulded seating ledge. There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas around the pool and towels are provided.
There is also a small boutique souvenir shop near the bar with a great selection of gifts and handmade items from the Karen tribe. Expect mugs, elephant trousers, key rings, T shirts, decor pieces and more.
Activities
There are activities throughout the day which are thoughtfully spaced out and never feel rushed. Everything is close by which means more time with the elephants and less time getting to them. You can read about each activity in the earlier sections of this guide.
Service
The service at The Bush Camp was exceptional. Every single staff member, from the guides to the mahouts to the housekeeping team, was friendly, warm and genuinely happy to help. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and The Bush Camp demonstrates exactly why. We felt taken care of from the moment we arrived until the moment we left.
A huge thank you to Fah and the entire team who made the experience unforgettable. Their passion for ethical wildlife encounters and community support is truly inspiring.
Closing Remarks
After visiting Elephant Hills further south in Thailand and absolutely loving it I knew I had to experience The Bush Camp as well. Part of me was a little nervous that it might not live up to the magic of its sister resort. I could not have been more wrong.
Both camps are completely unique. They offer different landscapes, activities and settings, yet they share the same heart. The same commitment to ethical elephant care, the same dedication to the local community and the same warm atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home.
It feels like I have stumbled upon one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. As much as I want to keep it all to myself it only feels right to share it. The Bush Camp and Elephant Hills are truly special places and their work has earned them the 2024 Responsible Thailand Awards for Animal Welfare. If you ever have the chance to visit either camp or even both I cannot recommend it enough. You will not regret it.
If you want to read about my full experience at Elephant Hills you can find my guide right here.
You can find out more about my recent stay at Elephant Hills on my “Thailand 4.0” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.
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