A Magical Stay at Chai Lai Orchid: Eco-Adventure in the Heart of Thailand

Chai Lai Orchid is a one-of-a-kind eco-lodge operated by the non-profit organization Daughters Rising. Every booking—whether it’s a stay, a jungle adventure, or an elephant experience—helps fund their mission to rescue elephants and combat the exploitation and trafficking of women. What makes this lodge truly stand out is its deep commitment to social impact. It employs local Karen women and elephant caretakers, creating jobs that give back directly to the surrounding community.

Karen woman showing us how to use a loom for weaving

If this sounds like something you’d love to be part of, I highly recommend booking one of the many unique options Chai Lai Orchid offers. You can choose to stay in a bamboo glamping bungalow along the river or on a peaceful hilltop, or simply visit for a day or half-day adventure. Whether you’re spending time with elephants, hiking through the jungle, or immersing yourself in Karen culture, every experience contributes to a meaningful cause.

My husband and I spent three nights in one of the Chai Lai River rooms—one of the more adventurous accommodations on the property. To reach it, we crossed a small river on foot (your bags are delivered separately), which only added to the sense of adventure. Our room was tucked right along the water, with beautiful views of the mountains. Chai Lai offers three lodging areas: the Garden Homestay, River View, and Mountain View near reception. Each location features its own scenic charm and cozy bamboo bungalows, complete with handmade bamboo furniture, mosquito nets, and open-air showers that let you feel fully connected to nature.

We especially loved starting and ending our days on the porch hammock of our bungalow, soaking in the view and decompressing after a busy start to our Thailand trip. Afternoons were often spent lounging in the river with a cold Chang Beer, truly enjoying the laid-back pace. Thanks to the open windows in our bungalow, the cool night breeze kept us comfortable while sleeping, and the beds were so cozy—I slept better here than anywhere else during our trip.

Evening from our bungalow porch

There’s also a fantastic café in the Mountain View area, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. One of the most unique offerings is Elephant Happy Hour, where you can enjoy your meal while feeding the elephants their favorite snacks. It’s absolutely magical to share a meal in the presence of these gentle giants. My favorite dish from the menu was the pineapple fried rice, served in a halved and hollowed-out pineapple—a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Overall, the food was delicious and diverse—we tried something new every day.

Cocktails at Chai Lai's cafe

Enjoying Chai Lai's Elephant Happy Hour

But the absolute highlight of our stay was the daily elephant breakfast. Each morning, the staff brought a fresh, delicious breakfast to our bungalow porch—and brought along the elephants so we could feed them their breakfast too! Watching the elephants eagerly approach and spending time with them up close was such a joyful way to start the day. The front desk checks in daily to get your breakfast preferences and delivery time, making it a smooth and personal experience.

Our guide taught us how they make a special treat for the elephants to help with their digestion

Even if you’re not able to stay overnight, Chai Lai Orchid offers a wide variety of day trips and adventures that are well worth your time. During our visit, we did the Private 1-Day Elephant Jungle Expedition, which was the highlight of our trip. We spent the day learning how to care for the elephants, feeding them, hiking with them through the jungle, and even bathing them in the river.

Our guide also led us on a jungle trek, where he built a fire by the river and cooked a full Thai lunch from scratch—it ended up being our favorite meal of the trip. After swimming and relaxing, we visited a local Karen village, met some of the residents, and learned more about their culture. The day wrapped up with a hike to a beautiful waterfall and a peaceful bamboo rafting trip down the river. It was an unforgettable day filled with adventure, connection, and natural beauty.

Chai Lai Orchid is truly a unique destination. I highly recommend making time to visit—ideally for at least a couple of nights—on your next trip to Thailand. Just keep in mind that this is a rustic eco-lodge. It’s not a large resort and doesn’t offer typical resort-style amenities. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who are excited about glamping, being close to nature, and supporting a meaningful cause. While the experience is more rugged, the incredible staff, the beautiful setting, and the chance to make a difference make it completely worthwhile.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Thailand page.