Yoga & Cultural Retreat with Elephants
Yoga & Cultural Retreat with Elephants
Up to 14 in group
November 30 - December 6, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Escape the noise of the outside world and step into a realm of pure, grounded magic. This soul-stirring retreat invites you to spend seven unforgettable days immersed in the serene cloud forests of Northern Thailand, nestled atop a mountain in a remote Karen hill tribe village.
- Each day unfolds with a spiritually enriching rhythm — from sunrise yoga and mindfulness meditations to sunset sound healing and nourishing wellbeing practices. You’ll move gently with nature’s flow, surrounded by misty peaks and ancient trees.
- This sacred mountaintop sanctuary is also home to a family of majestic elephants, living freely in their natural habitat. Guided by skilled and compassionate mahouts, you’ll trek through the jungle to observe these gentle giants and learn about their deep, symbiotic bond with the land and local community.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Karen people through hands-on experiences in traditional crafts like basket weaving and fabric making. Your stay in a welcoming family homestay allows for authentic connection, offering insight into a way of life that is simple, rooted, and deeply respectful of nature.
- This once-in-a-lifetime journey is designed to awaken your senses, open your heart, and stir your spirit. Reconnect with yourself and others in the most meaningful of ways — guided by ancient wisdom, wild beauty, and the profound peace of presence.
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
Disconnect to Reconnect: A Transformative 7-Day, 6-Night Retreat in a Remote Karen Hill Tribe Village
Escape the noise of the outside world and step into a realm of pure, grounded magic. This soul-stirring retreat invites you to spend seven unforgettable days immersed in the serene cloud forests of Northern Thailand, nestled atop a mountain in a remote Karen hill tribe village.
Each day unfolds with a spiritually enriching rhythm — from sunrise yoga and mindfulness meditations to sunset sound healing and nourishing wellbeing practices. You’ll move gently with nature’s flow, surrounded by misty peaks and ancient trees.
This sacred mountaintop sanctuary is also home to a family of majestic elephants, living freely in their natural habitat. Guided by skilled and compassionate mahouts, you’ll trek through the jungle to observe these gentle giants and learn about their deep, symbiotic bond with the land and local community.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Karen people through hands-on experiences in traditional crafts like basket weaving and fabric making. Your stay in a welcoming family homestay allows for authentic connection, offering insight into a way of life that is simple, rooted, and deeply respectful of nature.
This once-in-a-lifetime journey is designed to awaken your senses, open your heart, and stir your spirit. Reconnect with yourself and others in the most meaningful of ways — guided by ancient wisdom, wild beauty, and the profound peace of presence.
Escape the noise of the outside world and step into a realm of pure, grounded magic. This soul-stirring retreat invites you to spend seven unforgettable days immersed in the serene cloud forests of Northern Thailand, nestled atop a mountain in a remote Karen hill tribe village.
Each day unfolds with a spiritually enriching rhythm — from sunrise yoga and mindfulness meditations to sunset sound healing and nourishing wellbeing practices. You’ll move gently with nature’s flow, surrounded by misty peaks and ancient trees.
This sacred mountaintop sanctuary is also home to a family of majestic elephants, living freely in their natural habitat. Guided by skilled and compassionate mahouts, you’ll trek through the jungle to observe these gentle giants and learn about their deep, symbiotic bond with the land and local community.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Karen people through hands-on experiences in traditional crafts like basket weaving and fabric making. Your stay in a welcoming family homestay allows for authentic connection, offering insight into a way of life that is simple, rooted, and deeply respectful of nature.
This once-in-a-lifetime journey is designed to awaken your senses, open your heart, and stir your spirit. Reconnect with yourself and others in the most meaningful of ways — guided by ancient wisdom, wild beauty, and the profound peace of presence.
Schedule
Start the day at sunrise with a guided meditation and energizing yoga practice overlooking the mountains—an intentional and grounding way to welcome a day of wonder and connection.
Afterwards, enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea alongside a nourishing home-cooked Karen breakfast, lovingly prepared by our hosts. Then we’ll set out on our adventure.
Accompanied by the Mahouts, we’ll journey deep into the forest to seek out the elephants who roam freely through these sacred lands. Along the way, you’ll witness the deep, respectful bond between the Mahouts and the elephants, and gain insight into how these gentle giants live in harmony with the forest and the local communities who call it home.
Upon returning to the village, there will be time to rest and reflect before we gather once more for a serene sunset meditation at an ancient Buddhist temple—a sacred space to reconnect with stillness.
As evening falls, we’ll share another hearty, home-cooked meal to nourish the body and soul. The night ends with the option to join fireside conversations under the stars—an invitation to connect, share stories, or simply enjoy the quiet comfort of community.
Afterwards, enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea alongside a nourishing home-cooked Karen breakfast, lovingly prepared by our hosts. Then we’ll set out on our adventure.
Accompanied by the Mahouts, we’ll journey deep into the forest to seek out the elephants who roam freely through these sacred lands. Along the way, you’ll witness the deep, respectful bond between the Mahouts and the elephants, and gain insight into how these gentle giants live in harmony with the forest and the local communities who call it home.
Upon returning to the village, there will be time to rest and reflect before we gather once more for a serene sunset meditation at an ancient Buddhist temple—a sacred space to reconnect with stillness.
As evening falls, we’ll share another hearty, home-cooked meal to nourish the body and soul. The night ends with the option to join fireside conversations under the stars—an invitation to connect, share stories, or simply enjoy the quiet comfort of community.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Directions
Book your flights to Mae Sot Airport (IATA: MAQ), a regional airport located in Tambon Tha Sai Luat, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak Province, in northern Thailand.
Travel to Mae Sot, Thailand
Traveling to and from Mae Sot is incredibly easy, and there are multiple travel styles to choose from. Mae Sot is accessible from both Chiang Mai and Bangkok, with easy flight connections both on land and from the beaches in southern Thailand.
Fly to Mae Sot
Nok Air provides between 4/5 direct flights from Bangkok daily.
If this is the option of travel for you, please try to arrive in Mae Sot by lunchtime on Day 1.
Please do not book a flight any earlier than 11:00 am on the day of your departure, as our team will need time to transport you back to Mae Sot airport.
An 11:00 am flight will give you plenty of time to connect with further flights traveling within Thailand.
VIP Bus to Mae Sot
Green Bus Thailand provides 2 buses from Chiang Mai to Mae Sot daily (8:30 am and 1:00 pm). This journey takes approximately 6/7 hours through beautiful Thai countryside and includes a 20-minute rest stop.
...
The Teak Hotel
Nights 1 and 6 will be spent at the Teak Hotel in Mae Sot. A private hotel room for these two nights is included in your fee. The Teak Hotel is a 4-star hotel, complete with a swimming pool, gym, and buffet breakfast (veg & non-veg) which is available to indulge in on Day 2 (before we depart for the village) and on departure Day 7 before check out.
Day 1 - Meeting:
We will meet at the Teak Hotel at 5 pm on Day 1 of your trip, before heading to dinner (included) together at the Mahouts Elephant Foundation quarters in Mae Sot.
Day 7 - Departing:
Check out is on Day 7 after breakfast (included). You are welcome to depart at any time.
Travel to Mae Sot, Thailand
Traveling to and from Mae Sot is incredibly easy, and there are multiple travel styles to choose from. Mae Sot is accessible from both Chiang Mai and Bangkok, with easy flight connections both on land and from the beaches in southern Thailand.
Fly to Mae Sot
Nok Air provides between 4/5 direct flights from Bangkok daily.
If this is the option of travel for you, please try to arrive in Mae Sot by lunchtime on Day 1.
Please do not book a flight any earlier than 11:00 am on the day of your departure, as our team will need time to transport you back to Mae Sot airport.
An 11:00 am flight will give you plenty of time to connect with further flights traveling within Thailand.
VIP Bus to Mae Sot
Green Bus Thailand provides 2 buses from Chiang Mai to Mae Sot daily (8:30 am and 1:00 pm). This journey takes approximately 6/7 hours through beautiful Thai countryside and includes a 20-minute rest stop.
...
The Teak Hotel
Nights 1 and 6 will be spent at the Teak Hotel in Mae Sot. A private hotel room for these two nights is included in your fee. The Teak Hotel is a 4-star hotel, complete with a swimming pool, gym, and buffet breakfast (veg & non-veg) which is available to indulge in on Day 2 (before we depart for the village) and on departure Day 7 before check out.
Day 1 - Meeting:
We will meet at the Teak Hotel at 5 pm on Day 1 of your trip, before heading to dinner (included) together at the Mahouts Elephant Foundation quarters in Mae Sot.
Day 7 - Departing:
Check out is on Day 7 after breakfast (included). You are welcome to depart at any time.
Accommodation
our host family will provide you with bedding and a mosquito net. The Karen sleep on the floor and this is what is also provided for you, with the addition of a small mattress for additional comfort. Bathrooms are clean and accessible with Asian style squat toilets or a western toilet and either traditional bucket shower – which are both refreshing and bracing depending on the time of year! - or in some households, you may even have a hot shower!
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Village Homestay (included in retreat fee)
Staying with a host family is both welcoming and comfortable. Placing you in the very heart of village life, leaving you with a real sense of community living. Each homestay is different, but all host stunning views and friendly smiling faces – all of which will be eager to learn more about you, your family and your country, making you feel right at home in no time.
Staying with a host family is both welcoming and comfortable. Placing you in the very heart of village life, leaving you with a real sense of community living. Each homestay is different, but all host stunning views and friendly smiling faces – all of which will be eager to learn more about you, your family and your country, making you feel right at home in no time.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Your host family will cook for you throughout the duration of your stay, providing you with delicious vegetarian traditional Karen dishes to share.
What's Included
- 4 nights accommodation in authentic village homestay
- 2 nights accommodation in 4 Star hotel with swimming pool at start and finish
- 3 daily delicious and nutritious homecooked meals and packed lunches
- Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day (kettle available to use)
- Daily sunrise/sunset meditation classes
- Daily yoga classes, plus sunrise pranayama and Qi Gong
- Daily sunset temple visit
- Daily jungle treks to observe elephants in their natural environment
- Transportation during the retreat
- Herbal nature walk & talk with village elder
- Traditional 'Welcome' Ceremony with village elders
- Authentic village craft workshops
- Nature hikes with a trusted guide
- Evening campfires
- Pre and post retreat support from our team
- Shopping opportunity for local crafts
- Bed linen and yoga mats provided
- Luggage storage at joining hotel in Mae Sot
What's Not Included
- Flights costs
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee
- Towels (during nights at village homestay)
- Optional farewell dinner on night 6
- Optional donation to Mahouts Elephant Foundation
- Airport transfer
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