Premium Half-Day Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience Max9Guest
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 5 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit an elephant care facility from Chiang Mai and see the animals in a more ethical way in their natural habitat. Instead of riding them, you will observe rescued elephants as they roam around and take baths. Your transportation from Chiang Mai is included, and so is a delicious local lunch.
- Get seamless pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Chiang Mai
- Learn about elephants in Thailand in a more sustainable way
- Enjoy a scenic drive through northern Thailand's countryside
- Change into a uniform on site to protect the elephants and your clothes
What's Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Insurance
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We will pick up you at your hotel's lobby. As we do join tour so it's could be 2-3 hotels to pick up. Between 8-8:30 am. For morning pick up. and 12-12:30 pm. for afternoon pick you. Please be ready at the time that we mentioned. Thank you very much
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
William_H
This was such a lovely experience for us to meet some wonderful elephants and knowing that it’s up to the elephants on what they choose to do. Ford, our guide was fantastic and full of knowledge. We got picked up and dropped off by a wonderful driver Todd who was excellent again with vast local knowledge. We had to change our dates and it was absolutely no problem to do so . I would thoroughly recommend the experience.
Reviews
5.0
based on 411 reviews
Michael_P, Apr 2026
What a fantastic experience, Ford was an amazing and knowledgable guide. Baby Lucky the elephant was a great character and the pad thai was delicious.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Amandeep_G, Apr 2026
Good half day tour, Todd and Ford very friendly and informative, very caring of elephants. Would recommend
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
William_H, Mar 2026
This was such a lovely experience for us to meet some wonderful elephants and knowing that it’s up to the elephants on what they choose to do. Ford, our guide was fantastic and full of knowledge. We got picked up and dropped off by a wonderful driver Todd who was excellent again with vast local knowledge. We had to change our dates and it was absolutely no problem to do so . I would thoroughly recommend the experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Tess_S, Mar 2026
Great experience! You get to help feed the rescue elephants and make food for them. Also you learn a lot about Thailand’s elephants over time and it is very informative. Elephants were so cute. There was 2 adult rescue elephants and one baby.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Debra_I, Mar 2026
The host of the sanctuary was extremely knowledgeable. His Enghlush was very good. The elephants were entertaining and the whole experience is a must do.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Stuart_J, Mar 2026
This is such an amazing experience, Ford, who runs the conservancy is dedicated and knowledgeable. After serving us a lovely lunch of Pad Thai, he told us all about the work of the place, its 3 Elephants and how they are dedicated to looking after them. We got to feed the elephants, make some food balls for them and give them those too, then follow them to the river and watch them bathe. A great experience and one not to miss.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Helen_T, Mar 2026
We were picked up on time by a friendly driver and had lunch on arrival at Chiang mai Elephant Care. After our lunch we had a brief talk with Ford, our guide and then went off to feed the elephants. Lucky, the youngster was so excited and came running along to see us. We learned lots about the elephants from Ford including helping him prepare some fibrous balls for the elephants. After they ate these, we followed them along to the river and watched them enjoy cooling off. A really great day.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
David_W, Feb 2026
A great day out visiting this wonderful elephant sanctuary with our great guide Ford. Close up and personal with 3 lovely elephants including little 22 month old baby called Lucky, feeding them by hand and being so close to these wonderful animals and watching them play in the water. A great day was had.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Carol_L, Feb 2026
This was the best tour/experience I’ve done. It is so worth it to see these elephants up close. Also they had a baby elephant who was so cute and mischievous. Ford, the guide on the tour, was awesome and really cares for the well-being of the elephants. There are so many tour options out there but I wasn’t sure how well treated the elephants would be. Here, the elephants seem very happy and free and are not forced to do anything like bathing or drinking when they don’t feel like it. They also feed you a generous portion of veggie pad Thai for lunch at the end. I don’t think any other tour could be better because I have no suggestions for improvements. It was a perfect tour and I would do it again!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Pheng_K, Feb 2026
We had an incredible experience at Chiang Mai Elephant Care and I’m so glad we chose this sanctuary. Our guide, Ford, was fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, patient with questions, and genuinely passionate about educating visitors on elephant life, their behaviors, and the rescue stories behind each elephant. You can really tell the focus here is on care and respect for the animals.
The experience felt very natural and ethical. The elephants are not forced to perform or do anything, and you get to observe them roaming freely while learning about how they are cared for.
Some highlights:
- Feeding the elephants bananas (such a fun moment!)
- Helping make vitamin balls and feeding them ourselves
- Watching the elephants interact and move around naturally
- Meeting the adorable baby elephant named Lucky. He was so cute!
Lunch and water were provided, and we enjoyed delicious Pad Thai and fresh fruit, which was a nice touch after the activities.
The drive from the Old City took about 1.5 hours, but it honestly went by quickly because you get to see beautiful countryside views along the way — it added to the overall experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Sue_O, Feb 2026
SO MUCH BETTER than another circus performance.
The curator, Ford, truly cares about the treatment of the animals.
This place is not fancy, but we were fed lunch, provided water and restrooms…all of the basics.
These giant beasts are truly magnificent. Shown in their natural habitat and rescued from horrible lives, it is a testament to the kindness of these human beings.
Both Ford, the curator, and Todd, the driver, are very well educated and conversed well in English, as well as Thai.
The van was like new, unlike some tours we have been on in Thailand.
The group was small and friendships were formed.
The tour is interactive and informative. Once in a lifetime kind of thing.
The tour may not be suitable for ADA unless a motorized vehicle can be transported. The ride was about 1.5 hours and the mountain views are gorgeous!
The paths were bumpy as on any natural farm.
There will be long grass, so wear long pants, cinched at the bottom and bug spray as the bites are painful long-lasting.
All and all a wonderful adventure!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Martha_P, Jan 2026
Wonderful experience. I learned a great deal. The staff were knowledgeable and patient with all the questions. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Lorraine_W, Jan 2026
This was amazing. Up close and personal with the elephants. Our guide Ford was so knowledgeable and very passionate about the work he does and the welfare of the elephants
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Maya_A, Jan 2026
these people care so deeply about these elephants. they’re so loved and taken care of. this was such a fun and intimate experience i would suggest to anyone
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Gareth_W, Dec 2025
An amazing day! Tom was a fantastic guide. He looked after us really well. He was funny, caring and knowledgeable. His English was excellent. The experience with the elephants was hands on and close up. You get to feed them and make protein supplements for them. There were 2 female Asian elephants and one very cute baby! Lunch was good. Part two at the Sticky waterfall was fun. You wallk down steps and then climb up the waterfall which truly gives you a good grip. Tom guided us and supported us with this as well. Thanks for a fab day!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much, for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant
care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Paul_H, Nov 2025
We were surprised that it was a small group only on this trip. Our guide Tong was very nice and explained the activities well. The waterfall climbing was fun and there are 3 or 4 sections for those who just want to try it. Lunch at the elephant sanctuary was good. We spent a good deal of time hanging out with the elephants, watching them eat and play in the mud. We learned about the elephants role in local culture and made them medicine treats. Truly a great experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Inga_S, Nov 2025
An absolutely amazing experience getting so close to the elephants! What really stands out is that the elephants are treated ethically, have plenty of space, and are never forced to do anything — no bathing or riding. Truly unforgettable and highly recommended! 🌿🐘
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
John_E, Nov 2025
The guide and driver were very good and the baby elephant was really fun to interact with. Unfortunately there were only three elephants and we did not get to be in the water with them or wash them.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Kim_T, Oct 2025
Friendly guide, smooth ride in a comfy van, delicious pad thai meal and most importantly nothing felt forced on the elephants and we were able to feed them and touch them
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Deanne_Z, Oct 2025
I absolutely loved this experience! I would highly recommend to everyone! And for anyone skeptical, don’t be. This sanctuary is exactly the way a sanctuary should be run. Elephants are not forced to do anything, there are some sanctuaries that ‘force’ the elephants to take baths with tourist multiple times a day, this place doesn’t do that. Elephants don’t normally take multiple baths per day everyday. Maybe when it’s hot and they want a cool down but that is not the case everyday. The guide told me that there is a chance that the elephants may want to go in the water that day but there is no guarantee which I really appreciate because I would only want to see elephants do what they want. The feedings are also very natural, they see you with the buckets and they come to you for treats, but they are not being forced to be fed. Everything is up to the animal. I was also very lucky, as of October 2025, they have a baby elephant that is absolutely a joy to meet and play with! Elephants are generally pretty social and the baby loves to play, the play was not forced. I was also extremely lucky in that, I went during low season a I was the only person that was on the tour, but they told me that that limit it during high season, they don’t want the elephants to be overwhelmed with too many tourist, so book early to secure your spot if you’re going during high season! I will be recommending this specific place to everyone I know
As a separate note, the lunch they provide was exceptional! The fruits were sweet be cold which helped cool me down! They provide clothing which I recommend to use, it’s optional, but the elephants are muddy and if the elephants choose to play with you, you will get dirty. They also provide boots which were also super helpful!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Galit_P, Jul 2025
Fantastic experience with the elephants. Got to feed them, observe them walking around and make medicine balls for them. Prepare to get muddy but fortunately they give you rubber boots to wear. We also did the sticky waterfall tour which was worthwhile.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Alicia_M, Apr 2025
This was a very humane place for the elephants. Informative and natural. Friendly staff and good lunch.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Bridget_A, Feb 2025
This tour was so special. The elephants are so well cared for and to spend quality time with them (especially baby Lucky) was a highlight of our entire trip! You will not be disappointed if you come here.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your feedback to our elephant care
program. We appreciated for your support to our elephants
David_W, Dec 2024
This was a nice low key visit with three elephants and a baby elephant which ran pretty much as advertised. Ford is a great host and clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about elephant welfare. The interaction with the elephants was ideal for our family and our impression was that the elephants were very well cared for and left alone to do their own (elephant) thing….
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you very much for your visited and support our elephants and leave us positive feedback.
Napalai_S, Nov 2024
Knowledgeable, professional and friendly tour guide, small group, my 9 yr old really enjoyed all activities. Elephants were treated well and baby one was super cute and energetic, non of them didn’t get forced to do anything to entertain the tourists.
Napalai
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you very much for your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program.
We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Gareth_L, Nov 2024
Great guide, lovely animals and even a meal of pad Thai included. Never thought I'd get so close to an elephant.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for your support to our elephants and leave us your positive feedback.
Nial_J, Oct 2024
Ford is amazing! It is a very special experience and the new baby is super cute! I highly recommend this!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you very much your visit and leave us your positive feedback to our elephant care
program.
We appreciated for your support to our elephants
Ross_P, Jul 2024
A great experience with these great creatures. Super friendly and greedy 😂😂. I'd love to have these elephants back home.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you very much sharing your experience with our elephant and leave us positive feedback.
Dalia_F, May 2024
Todd and Ford were amazing tour guides. Todd drove from the city to the sanctuary while informing me on all of the amazing Chiang Mai local traditions, and he brought me some very delicious pad thai to eat along with some lovely fruit. Ford educated me on elephant care taking and took lots of great pictures for me. The sanctuary is cozy and beautiful. It was very apparent that the elephants are well taken care of. Thank you Todd and Ford!
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you very much for your positive feedback to our elephant care program and our service.
We glad to hearing that you enjoyed with place.
Rodney_G, May 2024
Lots of interactions with elephants both feeding & washing. Joyful animals who seem to be well looked after
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you very much for your positive feedback and sharing your experience with our elephant care program.
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