Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
BBQ facilities
Express check-in/check-out
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Amazing views
Unique experiences with elephants
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Food quality concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
7.3
The presence of rats, broken mosquito nets, and bugs on the bed detracted from the cleanliness.
Service
10
General positive service experience mentioned, particularly regarding the interaction with elephants and the helpfulness of staff.
Location
9.77
The scenic view and beautiful surroundings contributed to a very positive locational experience.
Room Quality
7.81
Accommodation described as rustic and not typical, felt like fancier camping to some.
Amenities
9.26
The unique experience of breakfast with elephants and available happy hour contribute to a good quality of amenities.
Value for Money
9.29
While some food was considered expensive and tasteless, the overall experiences and context of the stay provided decent value.
Food and Beverage
7.75
Food was mentioned as expensive and tasteless, impacting the overall satisfaction.
Overall Experience
10
Overall experience described as magical and a highlight of the trip, reflecting high satisfaction.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-12 00:14

Property Description

Serene Oasis in Chiang Mai

Nestled in Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid provides a tranquil escape with its lush garden, complimentary parking, and inviting terrace. Indulge in delectable meals at the on-site restaurant and enjoy the convenience of free WiFi and attentive concierge service.

Scenic Views and Comfortable Stay

Each room at Chai Lai Orchid boasts a charming balcony overlooking the garden, along with a well-appointed private bathroom and cozy bed linens. Wake up to stunning mountain vistas right from your window, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Convenient Amenities and Services

With a bar for unwinding and a paid airport shuttle for easy travel access, Chai Lai Orchid goes above and beyond to cater to your needs. Experience a blend of comfort and convenience during your stay at this 3-star retreat.

Book now for a memorable getaway at Chai Lai Orchid!

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 765 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.3
Service: 10
Location: 9.77
Room Quality: 7.81
Amenities: 9.26
Value for Money: 9.29
Food and Beverage: 7.75
Overall Experience: 10
K
Kim • couple • de
10
Elefanten Resort mit traumhafter Kulisse
Pros:

Das Frühstück war absolute Klasse und der Blick auf die Berge war traumhaft. Morgens konnte man mit den Elefanten frühstücken und nachmittags um drei gab es eine Happy Hour wo zwei Cocktails 200 Bht gekostet haben. Außerdem konnte man Bananen kaufen, um die Elefanten zu füttern !
Eine liebevolle Unterkunft, in der die gesamten Einnahmen in soziale Projekte einfließen ! Einfall toll.

2025-09-17 • via Nuitee
W
Werner • family_with_children • de
4
a one day trip for activities is recommended but not to stay here.
Pros:

Elephants and Nature

Cons:

We can stay in the nature with secure and cleanliness but not at Chai lai. Many rats were running the whole night in and around the room. Dogs were also barking the whole night. The mosquito nest is broken. Insects and bugs were on the bed. Both doors from sleeping room and bathroom cannot be closed properly. Food is expensive and tasteless.

2025-09-14 • via Nuitee
I
Izumi • family_with_children • jp
10
2025-09-13 • via Nuitee
P
Philippa • couple • gb
10
Just book it, we promise its worth it!
Pros:

This was the highlight of our trip to Thailand! Don't hesitate, just book it - you wont regret it. It felt so surreal and like a bucket list moment. There were many times where we were lost for words. This was an incredible stay. The elephants are treated super well from what we could see and the fact that this is a social enterprise helping the local community makes it all the better.

Some top tips - bring bug spray, eye mask and ear plugs (lots of nature noises over night, so if you are a light sleeper this will be essential for you!). Also, try not to be on your phone too much and just enjoy the moment and be present - we noticed a lot of people focusing on getting the perfect photo and not just soaking it all in.

Cons:

Not a negative by any means, more just for other travellers to be mindful of beforehand. The accommodation is rustic and not what we are used to! It kind of felt like fancier camping. Once you get used to it, its magical.

2025-09-12 • via Nuitee
S
Shiva • couple • in
8
One of a kind stay.loved our time here
Pros:

Our stay at Chai Lai Orchid was great in many ways. The elephant experience was the undeniable highlight — feeding, interacting, and watching these gentle giants in a natural setting felt special

The food was delicious, and the staff, though limited during certain hours, were kind and helpful when available. The overall eco-conscious, nature-immersed vibe is truly unique and unlike a typical resort.

However, we do feel the need to share a few concerns:
• The presence of many stray dogs roaming freely around guests without any clear assurance of vaccination or health monitoring can feel unsettling to some — especially in a jungle setup where you expect a bit more regulation or communication. When we raised this with the staff they said they come from the village but that sounded not convincing as the property should ensure that they are not near the guests all the time while they are eating at the cafe. We did not sign up for being harassed during our meals.
• Our bamboo cottage lacked proper coverage, and we encountered a mysterious animal inside our room at night (possibly a cat or mongoose). It shook us up, and a simple physical barrier or strategic sealing of the structure could easily avoid such incidents.

While some may enjoy the “deep nature” aspect, not all guests sign up for late-night animal encounters or safety worries regarding numerous strays. A little more clarity, security, and basic preventive measures would go a long way in elevating the experience.

That said, we left with lasting memories and great photos. A truly offbeat stay, but definitely should do something about keeping the dogs away from the guests while they are eating.

Cons:

However, we do feel the need to share a few concerns:
• The presence of many stray dogs roaming freely around guests without any clear assurance of vaccination or health monitoring can feel unsettling to some — especially in a jungle setup where you expect a bit more regulation or communication. When we raised this with the staff they said they come from the village but that sounded not convincing as the property should ensure that they are not near the guests all the time while they are eating at the cafe. We did not sign up for being harassed during our meals.
• Our bamboo cottage lacked proper coverage, and we encountered a mysterious animal inside our room at night (possibly a cat or mongoose). It shook us up, and a simple physical barrier or strategic sealing of the structure could easily avoid such incidents.

While some may enjoy the “deep nature” aspect, not all guests sign up for late-night animal encounters or safety worries regarding numerous strays. A little more clarity, security, and basic preventive measures would go a long way in elevating the experience.

That said, we left with lasting memories and great photos. A truly offbeat stay, but definitely should do something about keeping the dogs away from the guests while they are eating.

2025-09-11 • via Nuitee
M
Maeva • family_with_children • lu
6
Ok pour la journee pas la nuit
Pros:

Les éléphants et le petit resto en plein air

Cons:

Le logement, aucune porte ne ferment, très bel endroit pour la journee mais la nuit est très compliquee. Chiens qui aboient, ultra bruyant

2025-09-10 • via Nuitee
V
Vitoria • couple • au
10
Magical
Pros:

amazing beautiful experience!!! From the elephants to cocktail happy hour during sunset, Chai Lai is great!! It definitely is a eco lodge, no fancy rooms, but makes you feel so close to nature! Everything was clean, staff was very friendly and helpful! Elephants look so happy 🫶🏼 highly recommended!

Cons:

Nothing!

2025-09-10 • via Nuitee
S
Sahim • family_with_children • de
8
Eigentlich ein einzigartiges Erlebnis
Pros:

Frühstück mit den Elefanten am Bungalow war ein einmaliges Erlebnis .Die Einnahmen werden anscheinend auch für gute Zwecke genutzt wie zB ein Kinderheim der vor Ort ist

Cons:

Beim Füttern der Elefanten wirkten sie oft gestresst ist ja auch normal da jeder unbedingt Fotos machen wollten und sie reichlich zu füttern was man auch kaufen muss . Haben es immer aus unserer Bungalow aus besichtigt

2025-09-05 • via Nuitee
C
Claudia • extended_group • hk
8
2025-09-04 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • at
2
Pros:

Das Essen war sehr lecker und auch preislich voll in Ordnung & die Quadtour durch den Dschungel kann ich auch nur empfehlen. Das Personal war auch sehr nett.

Cons:

Was man wissen muss, die Hütten sind überall offen, bedeutet man hat die ganze Nacht Tiere in der Hütte. Wir hatten leider einige Mäuse/Ratten in der Nacht zu Besuch, die sehr laut waren. Durch die Bilder ist nicht offensichtlich, dass man die Hütte nicht vollständig schließen kann. Zudem sehen die Hütten schon heruntergekommen aus.

Ich hatte das Gefühl, dass die Elefanten dort nicht gut behandelt werden. Es ist alles auf die Touristen ausgelegt, das Tierwohl steht nicht an erster Stelle. Zudem ist es fragwürdig, warum in einem Sanctuary Nachwuchs gezüchtet wird.

2025-09-01 • via Nuitee
A
Augustin • couple • fr
9
2025-08-26 • via Nuitee
R
Romina • family_with_children • it
4
Pessima
Pros:

Il contatto con gli elefanti

Cons:

Camere sporche non si chiudono nemmeno le porte camere aperte sopra piene di insetti sanguisughe insetti volanti cani che abbaiavano e correvano tutta la notte

2025-08-23 • via Nuitee
A
Ana • couple • es
7
Pros:

Se ve que los elefantes están bien cuidados, la happy hour que hacen para ver a los elefantes y darles de comer la recomiendo mucho. El sitio es increíble de bonito.

Cons:

La cabaña no es como las fotografías que hay en booking. Nos alojamos en una cabaña que entendemos que estas en medio de la naturaleza, pero nos defecó un animal encima de la cama que por suerte la mayor parte se quedó en la mosquitera. Por la mañana nos dimos cuenta que además había un pequeño avispero dentro de la habitación y había una avispa grande entrando y saliendo. Tambien nos dimos cuenta de que una de las almohadas tenia moho por debajo de la sabana.

Recomiendo ir a pasar el día al santuario y la clase de cocina que estuvo genial, pero no recomiendo la estancia por la noche a no ser que seas muy de naturaleza y no te importen este tipo de cosas.

2025-08-21 • via Nuitee
R
Roderick • family_with_children • es
9
Amazing
Pros:

It was a fantastic experience. The room was rustic and open to nature (windows without glass, etc ) which we liked. I must say that the publicity photos are misleading as I had read in other reviews. They depict a more luxurious or exclusive accommodation which is not true. In our case, we are happy to not be in a fancy place because we love rustic and close-to-nature places, but I could understand why other guests may be disappointed when they first see their room. We were also quite impressed to discover that there was hot water in the shower because many jungle or remote country villas don't. . We also loved the constant interaction with elephants and the politeness of the staff.

Cons:

Why not a 10? Because despite having a huge spacious room, the only piece of furniture was a bed. There was so much room to place a table or some shelves or a wardrobe so as not to have to put all our clothes on the floor or in our suitcases considering that insects and animals have free entry to the room. I had also read on the official website that rooms were thoroughly furnished which is not at all true. Anyway, I honestly hope no one is put off by this because it's really worth staying at and living the experience.

2025-08-19 • via Nuitee
G
giorgi • solo_traveller • ge
10
Pros:

Amazing place , what an experience

Cons:

Could be cleaner

2025-08-19 • via Nuitee
E
Enzo • extended_group • fr
10
2025-08-19 • via Nuitee
S
Stefania • couple • it
9
Immersi nella foresta
Pros:

Il villaggio è molto curato, le attività molto interessanti, personale cordiale e disponibile. La location è suggestiva e gli elefanti sono davvero trattati benissimo.

Cons:

Purtroppo dalle immagini delle stanze non si vede realmente le condizioni. Era tutto molto ordinato e pulito quando siamo arrivati, ma il bungalow è aperto sia sul soffitto, bagno e pavimento. Quindi bisogna essere preparati e disponibili a dormire come in tenda, il letto aveva una tenda per le zanzare

2025-08-16 • via Nuitee
• family_with_children • gb
10
Perfect in everyway. You will feel the Chiang Mai magic and it will never leave you.
Pros:

This place is MAGICAL! You are in the jungle so you are going to be staying with bugs and it is going to be noisy but it is stunning and you will make memories to last a lifetime here.
We did the jungle trek and Tip was our guide. He was wonderful and the trek was one of the best days of our lives!

Cons:

Get to bed early because the jungle wakes up around 2 am and it is loud!
We expected this and it made me wake up for the most incredible sunrises.

2025-08-16 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • family_with_children • es
9
Una experiencia unica e inolvidable
Pros:

La interaccion con los elefantes y saber que en un sitio que destina parte de sus ganancias a ayudar a la gente joven de la zona y al cuidado de los elefantes

Cons:

Al llegar en la recepcion no nos dieron mucha informacion

2025-08-15 • via Nuitee
J
José Ramón • family_with_children • es
10
2025-08-14 • via Nuitee