Guest User
January 28, 2026
ENGAGEMENT + AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE My fiancée Katie and I stayed at Chai Lai Orchid from December 14th–16th, 2025, and it was truly one of the most magical experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by our guide, Nui. He immediately took our bags, welcomed us with fresh fruit and cold drinks, and made us feel completely at ease after arriving in the blazing heat. Once we had settled in, Nui explained the plan for the day in detail. He was incredibly informative, helpful, and spoke excellent English, making everything easy to understand. From the very beginning, he made us feel genuinely welcome. Shortly after arriving on our first day, Nui took Katie and me away from the rest of the group for a private journey through the hills to meet the elephants. Along the way, we were joined by four or five very friendly and energetic dogs, which we absolutely loved as huge dog people, it felt like a little piece of home we didn’t realize we were missing. After about a half-hour walk through stunning scenery, we arrived to meet the elephants. We were introduced to each one, including an adorable two-year-old baby elephant. We then prepared treats for them, which was a very hands-on and special experience. Once the elephants were gathered, we hand fed each one the treats we had made, along with buckets of sugar cane. It was unforgettable. It was clear how well cared for and respected the elephants were. Their handlers were calm, gentle, and deeply attentive, which made the experience even more meaningful. After feeding, we walked to a nearby river where we were able to wash the elephants in the water, something we had never done before and will never forget. Following a short break, Nui suggested we cook lunch over an open fire using bamboo as a steaming pot. We made a local soup, cooked chicken breasts on sticks over the fire, and enjoyed rice and fresh fruit. It was incredibly hands-on, authentic, and absolutely delicious. Later that day, Nui took us on a long jungle trek that led to a breathtaking waterfall. Swimming and sitting beneath it was exhilarating and truly awe-inspiring. As the day came to a close, Nui brought us to our accommodation and it completely blew us away. It was, without question, the most beautiful place we have ever stayed. The views, the setting, and the accommodation itself felt unreal. We felt incredibly lucky and grateful to be there. Words truly don’t do it justice. That evening, we met the rest of the group who had arrived at the same time. We shared food and drinks, and as the night went on, Nui and some of the other guides joined us for card games and tequila slammers. It was a night full of laughter, great music, amazing people, and unforgettable vibes. Throughout the entire trip, Nui made us feel as though we were the only guests there. Every experience felt personal, thoughtful, and effortless. We felt genuinely cared for at every moment, as though nothing was ever too much
