Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
- Mountain view
- Shower
- Balcony
Hotel · Chiang Mai · Chiang Mai Province
Chai Lai Orchid
A jungle retreat in the Mae Wang valley where elephants wander past your balcony and breakfast comes with a view.
- Elephants visit during breakfast and happy hour
- Outdoor bathrooms and mountain-view balconies
- Riverside location with hiking and waterfall access
8.7
Great
814 reviews
Booking.com 8.7 · 814 reviews
About
Chai Lai Orchid
Chai Lai Orchid is a 3-star jungle lodge in the Mae Wang valley, about 55 km from Chiang Mai airport. It sits beside a river with mountain views, and the property is home to rescued elephants that wander freely around the grounds.
Rooms range from a King Room with balcony to a Quadruple Room with mountain view. The lodge offers Thai massages, yoga classes, canoeing, and guided hikes to a secluded waterfall, plus a restaurant serving local and international dishes.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Concierge desk
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Elephants at breakfast — Rescued elephants wander the grounds and regularly appear during breakfast and happy hour — a genuinely memorable experience.
- Outstanding staff — Guests consistently praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the team, from check-in to activity guidance.
- Nature immersion — Set beside the Mae Wang river with mountain views, jungle surroundings, and easy access to hikes and a secluded waterfall.
- Comfortable rooms — King and Quadruple rooms feature balconies, mountain views, and amenities like kettles and seating areas.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Bathrooms feel dated — Some guests note the bathrooms could use modernisation — this is a common minor complaint.
- Remote location — The lodge is about 55 km from Chiang Mai airport, so it’s a long transfer and you’ll need to plan for transport and supplies.
- Check-in window is narrow — Check-in is only between 14:00 and 21:00, which can be tricky given the remote location and travel time from the airport or city.
- Not for short stays — Given the journey from Chiang Mai, a one-night visit feels rushed; you'll want at least two nights to fully enjoy the jungle and activities.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
King Room
- 1 King-size bed
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Room & Comfort
- Non-smoking rooms
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Electric kettle
- Free toiletries
- Parquet floor
- Dining table
- AM/FM alarm clock
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Coffee shop
- In-room breakfast
- Outdoor dining area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Outdoor & Wellness
- Garden area
- Sun terrace
- Sun loungers
- BBQ facilities
- Garden furniture
- Open-air bath
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Yoga class
Services
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Concierge desk
- 24-hour security
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Paid airport shuttle
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Activities
- Canoeing
- Hiking
Family
- Cots
- Pets allowed
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.7/10 from 814 reviews
Booking.com · 8.7 · 814 reviews
8.7Verified guest“The elephants strolling by during breakfast felt magical. My room had a lovely outdoor bathroom and the jungle atmosphere was perfect — I felt pampered yet close to nature.”
8.7Verified guest“Exceptionally comfortable rooms with a kettle, dining area and sitting area. Hypoallergenic pillows and a very comfy bed.”
8.7Verified guest“There were plenty of different choices for breakfast.”
8.7Verified guest“The staff were super friendly and incredibly nice. A huge variety of options and fantastic food. The area is stunning, right by the river and mountains, just a 10-minute walk to the chained elephants.”
8.7Verified guest“Having elephants come to visit during breakfast was a magical experience.”
8.7Verified guest“A wonderful adventure for our family. We learned ancient jungle survival skills from our guide and immersed ourselves in nature. The elephants roaming around, especially during happy hour at our balcony room, was a highlight.”
04 — Location
Getting around Chiang Mai
The property sits in Chiang Mai.
Mae Wang River: The property sits beside the Mae Wang river — guests can swim, canoe, or just enjoy the sound of the water. A short hike leads to a secluded waterfall.
Karen Elephant Habitat: A 3 km walk from the lodge, this is where the elephants are based. Guests can walk there in about 10 minutes to see the elephants up close.
Chiang Mai: The nearest city, about 55 km away. You’ll need to arrange a shuttle or drive, but the lodge can organise transfers.
M.5 Mae Win Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, 50360, Thailand
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-21:00
- Check-out
- By 06:00-11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Allowed
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
Do elephants really come to the hotel?
Yes. According to guest reviews, elephants wander the grounds and regularly appear during breakfast and happy hour. They are part of the Karen Elephant Habitat located about 3 km away.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 21:00, and check-out is from 06:00 to 11:00.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on site.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the property allows pets.
Is there an airport shuttle?
Yes, the hotel offers a paid airport shuttle service from Chiang Mai airport, which is about 55 km away.
What activities are available at the hotel?
Guests can enjoy canoeing, hiking, yoga classes, and various massages (back, head, foot, full body). The hotel also organises tours and ticket assistance.
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The bottom line
For travellers who want a genuine jungle escape with elephants, mountain views, and warm hospitality, Chai Lai Orchid is a standout. It’s remote, so plan your logistics, but the experience is worth the trip.
8.7Based on 814 guest reviews and an 8.7 rating.
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