Picture this: It’s 5 PM, and you’re at the top of a mountain in a remote village in Northern Thailand, enjoying happy hour with a family of elephants and fellow travelers. The sun is setting behind the hills, and every moment feels surreal. During my two-day stay at Chai Lai Orchid, an eco-lodge in Chiang Mai, this became my reality. The best part? My stay directly supported the Karen indigenous community and efforts to combat human trafficking.
Elephant Conservation at Chai Lai Orchid
Chai Lai Orchid is more than just an eco-lodge—it’s a sanctuary run by the indigenous Karen people, who deeply care for their elephant families. The elephants here are either rescued from abusive “sanctuaries” or have always belonged to the indigenous families. What I loved most is that Chai Lai never buys or sells their elephants, ensuring that elephant families stay together. I had the honor of meeting Sevoy, a gentle 65-year-old elephant with a warm spirit, during a mini photo session under the guidance of her mahout (elephant caretaker).
It was truly heartwarming to witness elephants being cared for as part of the community rather than as a tourist attraction. My photographer, James de la Cloche, who has worked closely with this community for years, captured stunning moments of my time with Sevoy. His deep connection with both the elephants and the people radiated through every photo. Chai Lai isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place where you feel a part of something bigger.
Learn more about Chai Lai’s holistic approach to elephant care.
Supporting Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts
As a traveler who values responsible tourism and supporting local communities, Chai Lai Orchid was the perfect fit. The proceeds from your stay go to Daughters Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking by empowering ethnic minority women through education and employment. I had the privilege of meeting a mother-daughter duo who were talented weavers, and they patiently taught me some of their intricate techniques (mad respect to anyone with that skill!).
While I initially planned to spend four days at Chai Lai, the unpredictable weather had other plans. After two days of non-stop rain in the remote mountains, I had to move to the city for better access to communication and resources. As a solo traveler, it was important for me to stay connected with family. I spent the rest of my time in Chiang Mai eating everything in sight with the couple from New Jersey I met at Chai Lai. But even though I left earlier than expected, I carried with me a deep appreciation for the experience at Chai Lai and a desire to return.
Reflections on Thailand
After returning home, the question I was asked most often was: Why Thailand? Initially, my answer was, “I’m not even sure—something just led me to choose it.” Besides the practical reason of it being one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (Black-women-approved!), I knew I wanted to get as far away as possible and surround myself with the things that bring me joy.
Thailand had mountains, elephants, and lush greenery, which felt like the perfect escape.
As I spent two weeks in Thailand eating my weight in delicious food, falling deeper in love with the landscapes, and meeting incredible people who have become a part of my life’s story—even if temporarily—my answer to Why Thailand? became clearer: freedom and surrender.
I experienced the freedom to explore the wonders that came my way, the freedom to do exactly what I wanted, and the surrender to the unfamiliarity of a new country and new people, trusting that everything would work out.
Thailand has stolen a piece of my heart, and I know this is just the beginning of my journey there. My time in Bangkok, for instance, deserves its own blog post—it was an entirely different adventure with so much to share. But for now, I hope this story inspires you to consider visiting (or revisiting) Thailand and experiencing the warmth, culture, and adventures that make this country so special.
One of my most treasured memories from this trip was meeting a fellow traveler who happened to be from my hometown in the U.S. We’ve stayed friends ever since. This is one of the true gifts of solo travel—it pushes you out of your comfort zone and into the arms of unexpected friendships.
Have you been to Chiang Mai or visited an elephant sanctuary? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.
Until next time,
Thelma
