Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find answers to your questions here, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Elephants
How many elephants are in the village?
There are currently 8 elephants in and around the village of Huay Pakkoot, with roughly 60 owned by the village in total. We hope to bring all the elephants back to the forest someday soon, with your help and support.
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Can I choose which elephant I see?
The elephants can often be very far away from the village, so staff will let you know which elephant hikes are happening each day. This discussion is between the mahouts and the Foundation staff each week.
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Why does the foundation mainly support Bull Elephants?
Bull elephants are less wanted by tourist camps and sanctuaries due to their often-times unpredictable nature and the amount of food they eat everyday. At the Foundation we find ways to support both the elephants and the mahouts during these times, and in keeping the elephants fed.
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Do the elephants wear chains?
The elephants wear a single chain around one ankle in order to be tied at night. This; prevents the elephants from wandering off into any danger ie. pesticides, prevents the elephants from eating farmer's corn/ crops and therefore their income and livelihood, and also to keep tourists and locals safe at night, without elephants wandering into the village. The elephants are off chain all times their mahouts are present during the day.
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How do the elephants get food?
The elephants forage for their own food during the day at their own leisure, as well as being supported by their mahouts to ensure they have a balanced diet.
Accommodation
What is the accommodation like?
The accommodations are all homestay-run. Sometimes this means you will be staying in a family's home, other times you will be in a separate building depending on availability. All the income from staying in one of our homestays goes directly to the village either way.
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Is there Wifi?
There is currently no Wifi in the village, although we hope to change this soon! There is, however, great cell reception with most SIM cards, including 5G.
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Are the rooms private or hostel style?
All the rooms are private, you do not need to share with strangers.
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Are the families staying in the homestay too?
Depending on which Homestay you are in, the families may also be living there. This is all dependent on availability, although if you have a preference please let us know.
Transport
Can I arrange my own transport?
Of course! If you are planning on finding your own way to the village please include this in your booking details and we will remove the taxi costs.
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How long is the drive from Chiang Mai to the village?
The drive is roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, although if you travel with us we will stop at various tourist destinations along the way, including a waterfall and Mae Chaem town for lunch.
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How much does the taxi service cost?
The taxi service is 8000baht for a return trip Chiang Mai to Huay Pakkoot Village and back. If you are planning on being picked up or dropped off elsewhere, contact us directly for our taxi price lists.
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