I had an amazing stay at Chai Lai. Everyone in the staff were all so kind and helpful, and really made it a wonderfully relaxing stay. The grounds themselves are so serene, clean and with a country-like style. Beautiful views over the mountains from somewhat simple, but yet luxurious cottages. I mea, what else do you need when you have this scenery? There are some (very friendly) dogs walking around, a parrot came to sit on my shoulder as I attempted to take a picture, but the real attraction here is of course the elephants, who visits three times a day along with their care-takers, often walking just outside my cottage. You can pet and feed the elephants under the supervision of their very friendly and helpful care-takers, and take as many pictures as you like! I did a one-day tour that included walking and swimming with elephants, a trek in the jungle, swimming in waterfalls and riding down a river on a bamboo raft. An experience of a lifetime! Other days I did nothing, but taking in the scenery, reading, eating in the restaurant and letting the stress of the city slowly run off.
Oh, most importantly - Chai Lai is also a social organisation, giving money to a charity that trains young minority women to learn English, Thai and hospitality, thus making them less vulnerable to trafficking.
Stay a few nights here - you won't regret it!
