Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai - Ethical Elephant Encounters

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai – Journey with gentle giants in Thailand’s lush landscape

If you’re in Chiang Mai and looking for an unforgettable experience with Thailand’s gentle giants, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a must. Known for its ethical approach to elephant care, this sanctuary offers a unique blend of adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion. Feed, bathe, and walk alongside these incredible animals, guided by knowledgeable locals who share the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ stories. Dive into all the exciting activities and book your adventure today!

What to expect on an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary tour

A visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai promises an enriching day filled with engaging activities designed to offer insight into the lives of elephants while promoting sustainable tourism:

1/7

Round-trip transfers

Hassle-free transport to and from your hotel in Chiang Mai, all within 5km radius.

Guided experience

Knowledgeable guides accompany you, sharing stories about the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ well-being.

Hands-on elephant interactions

Get up close and personal as you feed, bathe, and play with the elephants.

Authentic Thai activities

Enjoy additional activities such as a trek, a cooking class, and waterfall visits.

Meals and refreshments

Delicious traditional Thai meals and refreshments are included.

Provided clothing

Traditional Karen tribe clothing is provided for immersive experiences.

Commitment to Ethics

Unlike many facilities, the sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ health and happiness above all, so you can interact with confidence.

Things to know before booking your Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai tour

No matter which tour you choose, each one includes convenient round-trip transfers, meals, and a professional guide to enhance your experience. All tours also feature essential elephant interactions like feeding, bathing, petting, and photo opportunities, making every option a memorable experience.
Choosing the right duration for your schedule and budget: Tours vary in length, allowing you to pick based on how much time you want to spend at the sanctuary:

- Half-day tour (3-6 hours)*: A quick but immersive experience that includes fundamental elephant interactions like feeding and bathing, perfect for those with tight schedules.

- Full-day tour (8-12 hours): This option offers a deeper dive, including extended interactions with the elephants, additional activities such as trekking and bathing, and extra meal options.

- Overnight tour (48 hours): For those who want the full experience, this includes a stay in an eco-lodge, multiple elephant encounters, a local waterfall visit, and all meals.

Pricing guide: Cost vs. Experience

- Yellow Category (฿1,699): The most budget-friendly option, offering all essential experiences in a shorter timeframe—ideal for a quick introduction.

- Green/Blue Category (฿2,300 - ฿2,600): These mid-range tours provide additional activities like jungle trekking and cultural engagements, offering greater value.

- Purple Category (฿2,600 - ฿2,900): With premium perks, these tours feature enhanced experiences such as handicraft sessions and personalized care.

- Pink Category (฿5,399): An overnight stay with a complete range of activities, including an eco-lodge stay and immersive interactions. Perfect for those wanting a deeper experience with added perks like multiple meals and extra time with the elephants.

Each pricing tier varies in terms of elephant interaction quantity, meal quality, and the availability of additional activities like trekking or cooking classes. Higher-priced tours generally include longer, more varied experiences for a comprehensive, ethical, and fulfilling adventure with Chiang Mai’s elephants.

Image gallery

Visitors feeding elephants with fresh bananas and corn.

Tourists bathing elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

Elephants walking in Chiang Mai forest during Gentle Giants & Gourmet Delights tour.

Plan your visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

The sanctuary offers two half-day tours daily:

Morning: 8am – 12pm
Afternoon: 1pm – 5pm
Full-day tours run from 8am – 5pm, while the overnight tour spans two days.

Best time to visit
Visit between November and February for cool, pleasant weather. Weekday mornings are quieter, offering a more serene experience.

Address: 119/10 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
Located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai city center, the sanctuary is situated in the scenic countryside. Private transport options are available, but most tours include transfers.

Return transfers
Round-trip transfers are available within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City, making travel easy and convenient.

Tourists in traditional Karen clothing standing with elephants

Large bags are not permitted and may be stored upon entry.
For safety, pregnant women and guests with severe medical conditions are advised to inform the sanctuary in advance.
Always follow guide instructions and respect the elephants’ space.

Tourists walking comfortably in sneakers on cobblestone streets in Rome, Italy.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, and an extra set of clothes.
Pack light—mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and waterproof gear are essentials.
Capture memories! Photography is encouraged, and guides can help take pictures for you.

FAQs

What types of tickets are available for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary?

Half-day, full-day, and overnight stay options, each with unique activities and levels of immersion.

What’s included in my ticket?

Tickets include round-trip transfers, meals, a professional guide, and all elephant interactions like feeding and bathing.

Are there discounts on tickets?

Yes, booking online gives you great discounts of up to 20%.

Do I need a ticket for just observing elephants?

Yes, all interactions at the sanctuary require a ticket, with options to fit varying schedules.

What’s the cancellation and refund policy?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled tour.

What are the tour timings?

Half-day tours run from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm; full-day tours from 8am-5pm. Overnight tours span two days.

Where is the sanctuary located?

Approximately one hour from Chiang Mai city center, in the scenic countryside.

Which experiences are best for families?

Families often enjoy the full-day tour for extended activities, while half-day options are ideal for younger children.

What experiences are recommended for couples?

Couples appreciate the overnight stay for a complete immersion with additional interactions and scenic settings.

Is the sanctuary wheelchair accessible?

Terrain may be challenging for wheelchair users; assistance is recommended for visitors with mobility needs.

When did Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai open?

The sanctuary was founded in 2014, with a focus on ethical treatment and conservation of elephants.

JohannMay, 2025

5/5

You could spend a lot of time with the elephants in a relaxed atmosphere.

MrApr, 2025

5/5

FILIPOct, 2024

5/5

arunaOct, 2024

2/5

The timing mentioned in the ticket was different i even had doubt and checked with the support team but they also gave me the wrong timings

MrsFeb, 2024

5/5

Awesome the guides were superb very helpful and knowledgeable and made everything fun

HemaAug, 2023

5/5

One of the most beautiful experience ever The team was just amazing.

For travelers who love combining nature, wildlife, and culture into one trip. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families!

Pick your ticket: Whether you want to feed elephants, spend a half-day or full-day learning about the rescue efforts, or observe them from a distance —we have the perfect ethical elephant encounter waiting for you!
Here's the scoop: Based on your ticket, enjoy convenient hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, savor a Thai lunch with fresh seasonal fruits, and the company of an English guide.
Feed-me Experience: Short on time? Feed elephants, make poop-paper, and bond—all with a mahout’s help! Upgrade for Rain Shower access.
Watch me experience: Slip into Karen clothing, roll up your sleeves, and help prepare food for your new elephant pals. Observe as they roam the jungle, and learn to brew artisanal drip coffee.
Half/full-day experience: Cover the elephants in mud, watch them frolic, walk them to the river, and enjoy an intimate swim and playful bathing session with them!
Experience the unique bond between the mahouts and gentle giants as you trek beside them in the jungle. Understand their behavior through ethical interaction, and learn their names!

Inclusions

Half-day/full-day tour of Elephant Sanctuary (as per option selected)
English-speaking guide
Elephant feeding
Interaction & mud spa with elephants (as per option selected)
Access to Elephant Rain Shower (as per option selected)
Bathe with elephants (as per option selected)
Elephant walk to the river (as per option selected)
Round-trip hotel transfer (as per option selected)
Lunch & snacks (as per option selected)
Traditional Karen clothing (as per option selected)
Access to the viewing platform (as per option selected)
Preparing elephant food (as per option selected)
Thai cooking and artisanal drip coffee demonstration (as per option selected)

Tip: Remember, elephants are emotional creatures, give them gentle pets and soothing words.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Your safety comes first so visitors with pregnant people and individuals with serious medical conditions are restricted from participating in this experience.
Unless your camera is waterproof, it is recommended not to use it during the mud activity or while bathing the elephants in the river.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Best suited for travelers who want a full immersion into elephant life. Also great for foodies interested in mastering Thai cooking!

Pick your adventure: Spend a full day bonding with the gentle giants, trek through the jungle alongside elephants, stay overnight at the sanctuary, or swing by Mama Noi’s in the afternoon to master the art of Thai cooking!
You’ll get: Based on your ticket type get hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, a cooking recipe book, and a delicious Thai lunch & dinner, a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you.
Animal lovers will love this ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants get a second chance. Don the traditional Karen clothing and play mahout for a day with a guide by your side!
Walk alongside the elephants through the lush jungle for about 1.5 hours. Snap some pics and watch as they casually wander, foraging and enjoying their stroll.
Spend 2 days and 1 night at the eco-lodge in the sanctuary and partake in activities such as preparing elephant food, mud spa with the elephant, bathing sessions, and more!
Swing by a local market and snag fresh goodies like eggplant and bitter melon. Cook local Thai recipes like Pad Thai with expert chefs at Mama Noi Thai Cooking Class.

Inclusions

Full-day guided tour of Elephant Sanctuary
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel transfers
Coffee, tea & snacks
Lunch, dinner, breakfast (as per option selected)
Drinking water
Elephant feeding & interaction
Mud spa with elephants
Traditional Karen clothing
Bathe with the elephants
2 day, 1 night stay in an eco-lodge (asper option selected)
Jungle walk with elephants (as per option selected)
Half-day Mama Noi cooking class (as per option selected)
Local market (not for afternoon class) and farm tour
English-speaking chef (as per option selected)
Complimentary recipe book (as per option selected)

Tip: Be patient with the elephants, respect their space, and follow your guide's instructions while interacting for the best experience.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Your safety comes first so visitors with pregnant people and individuals with serious medical conditions are restricted from participating in this experience.
Unless your camera is waterproof, it is recommended not to use it during the mud activity or while bathing the elephants in the river.
Children below 10 years old are only visitors and cannot participate in the cooking class.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ideal for families, honeymooners, and friends, this 2-day, 1-night adventure offers hotel transfers, delicious meals, and a cozy stay!

What you'll do: Spend 2 days & 1 night in Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where rivers flow deep and elephants are your neighbors! Explore several sanctuary spots, each with its own lovable herd of gentle giants.
You’ll get: Hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks, drinking water, and a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you
What's more: In this ethical experience, feed and slather the elephants in mud, interact with them, snap photos, and learn all about elephant care and rehabilitation from the guide.
Walk with the gentle giants through lush fields of lemongrass and bamboo, help the mahouts with morning chores, and meet friendly locals along the way!
Trek through the jungle to discover a new family of elephants, then delight in a mouthwatering feast of traditional Thai food!

Inclusions

Overnight visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Round-trip hotel transfers
English-speaking tour guide
2 day, 1 night stay in an eco-lodge
4 meals: lunch & dinner (day 1), breakfast & lunch (day 2)
Drinking water
Coffee, tea & snacks
Elephant food
Accident insurance coverage
Photography service

Tip: Don't forget to avail the free photography service throughout your stay. Photos can be availed through the sanctuary's Facebook page.
You'll be staying in resort-style shared accommodation, complete with basic bedding, pedestal fans, and electrical outlets. Bathrooms and showers are available in every room.
There is limited mobile network service, and there is no Wi-Fi.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, have any kind of food allergy, or any other specific dietary requirements, please inform the venue of this prior to the day of your visit.
Guests who are pregnant, wheelchair users, or individuals with any other medical conditions are required to inform Elephant Jungle Sanctuary prior to their visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

JohannMay, 2025

5/5

You could spend a lot of time with the elephants in a relaxed atmosphere.

MrApr, 2025

5/5

FILIPOct, 2024

5/5

arunaOct, 2024

2/5

The timing mentioned in the ticket was different i even had doubt and checked with the support team but they also gave me the wrong timings

MrsFeb, 2024

5/5

Awesome the guides were superb very helpful and knowledgeable and made everything fun

HemaAug, 2023

5/5

One of the most beautiful experience ever The team was just amazing.

For travelers who love combining nature, wildlife, and culture into one trip. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families!

Pick your ticket: Whether you want to feed elephants, spend a half-day or full-day learning about the rescue efforts, or observe them from a distance —we have the perfect ethical elephant encounter waiting for you!
Here's the scoop: Based on your ticket, enjoy convenient hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, savor a Thai lunch with fresh seasonal fruits, and the company of an English guide.
Feed-me Experience: Short on time? Feed elephants, make poop-paper, and bond—all with a mahout’s help! Upgrade for Rain Shower access.
Watch me experience: Slip into Karen clothing, roll up your sleeves, and help prepare food for your new elephant pals. Observe as they roam the jungle, and learn to brew artisanal drip coffee.
Half/full-day experience: Cover the elephants in mud, watch them frolic, walk them to the river, and enjoy an intimate swim and playful bathing session with them!
Experience the unique bond between the mahouts and gentle giants as you trek beside them in the jungle. Understand their behavior through ethical interaction, and learn their names!

Inclusions

Half-day/full-day tour of Elephant Sanctuary (as per option selected)
English-speaking guide
Elephant feeding
Interaction & mud spa with elephants (as per option selected)
Access to Elephant Rain Shower (as per option selected)
Bathe with elephants (as per option selected)
Elephant walk to the river (as per option selected)
Round-trip hotel transfer (as per option selected)
Lunch & snacks (as per option selected)
Traditional Karen clothing (as per option selected)
Access to the viewing platform (as per option selected)
Preparing elephant food (as per option selected)
Thai cooking and artisanal drip coffee demonstration (as per option selected)

Tip: Remember, elephants are emotional creatures, give them gentle pets and soothing words.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Your safety comes first so visitors with pregnant people and individuals with serious medical conditions are restricted from participating in this experience.
Unless your camera is waterproof, it is recommended not to use it during the mud activity or while bathing the elephants in the river.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Best suited for travelers who want a full immersion into elephant life. Also great for foodies interested in mastering Thai cooking!

Pick your adventure: Spend a full day bonding with the gentle giants, trek through the jungle alongside elephants, stay overnight at the sanctuary, or swing by Mama Noi’s in the afternoon to master the art of Thai cooking!
You’ll get: Based on your ticket type get hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, a cooking recipe book, and a delicious Thai lunch & dinner, a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you.
Animal lovers will love this ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants get a second chance. Don the traditional Karen clothing and play mahout for a day with a guide by your side!
Walk alongside the elephants through the lush jungle for about 1.5 hours. Snap some pics and watch as they casually wander, foraging and enjoying their stroll.
Spend 2 days and 1 night at the eco-lodge in the sanctuary and partake in activities such as preparing elephant food, mud spa with the elephant, bathing sessions, and more!
Swing by a local market and snag fresh goodies like eggplant and bitter melon. Cook local Thai recipes like Pad Thai with expert chefs at Mama Noi Thai Cooking Class.

Inclusions

Full-day guided tour of Elephant Sanctuary
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel transfers
Coffee, tea & snacks
Lunch, dinner, breakfast (as per option selected)
Drinking water
Elephant feeding & interaction
Mud spa with elephants
Traditional Karen clothing
Bathe with the elephants
2 day, 1 night stay in an eco-lodge (asper option selected)
Jungle walk with elephants (as per option selected)
Half-day Mama Noi cooking class (as per option selected)
Local market (not for afternoon class) and farm tour
English-speaking chef (as per option selected)
Complimentary recipe book (as per option selected)

Tip: Be patient with the elephants, respect their space, and follow your guide's instructions while interacting for the best experience.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Your safety comes first so visitors with pregnant people and individuals with serious medical conditions are restricted from participating in this experience.
Unless your camera is waterproof, it is recommended not to use it during the mud activity or while bathing the elephants in the river.
Children below 10 years old are only visitors and cannot participate in the cooking class.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience in Chiang Mai

For travelers who love combining nature, wildlife, and culture into one trip. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families!

Pick your ticket: Whether you want to feed elephants, spend a half-day or full-day learning about the rescue efforts, or observe them from a distance —we have the perfect ethical elephant encounter waiting for you!
Here's the scoop: Based on your ticket, enjoy convenient hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, savor a Thai lunch with fresh seasonal fruits, and the company of an English guide.
Feed-me Experience: Short on time? Feed elephants, make poop-paper, and bond—all with a mahout’s help! Upgrade for Rain Shower access.
Watch me experience: Slip into Karen clothing, roll up your sleeves, and help prepare food for your new elephant pals. Observe as they roam the jungle, and learn to brew artisanal drip coffee.
Half/full-day experience: Cover the elephants in mud, watch them frolic, walk them to the river, and enjoy an intimate swim and playful bathing session with them!
Experience the unique bond between the mahouts and gentle giants as you trek beside them in the jungle. Understand their behavior through ethical interaction, and learn their names!

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. - 6 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Day Trips

Elephant Interaction Experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

Best suited for travelers who want a full immersion into elephant life. Also great for foodies interested in mastering Thai cooking!

Pick your adventure: Spend a full day bonding with the gentle giants, trek through the jungle alongside elephants, stay overnight at the sanctuary, or swing by Mama Noi’s in the afternoon to master the art of Thai cooking!
You’ll get: Based on your ticket type get hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, a cooking recipe book, and a delicious Thai lunch & dinner, a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you.
Animal lovers will love this ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants get a second chance. Don the traditional Karen clothing and play mahout for a day with a guide by your side!
Walk alongside the elephants through the lush jungle for about 1.5 hours. Snap some pics and watch as they casually wander, foraging and enjoying their stroll.
Spend 2 days and 1 night at the eco-lodge in the sanctuary and partake in activities such as preparing elephant food, mud spa with the elephant, bathing sessions, and more!
Swing by a local market and snag fresh goodies like eggplant and bitter melon. Cook local Thai recipes like Pad Thai with expert chefs at Mama Noi Thai Cooking Class.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr. - 48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Tickets

From Chiang Mai: Overnight Stay Package (2D1N) at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary with Hotel Transfers

Ideal for families, honeymooners, and friends, this 2-day, 1-night adventure offers hotel transfers, delicious meals, and a cozy stay!

What you'll do: Spend 2 days & 1 night in Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where rivers flow deep and elephants are your neighbors! Explore several sanctuary spots, each with its own lovable herd of gentle giants.
You’ll get: Hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks, drinking water, and a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you
What's more: In this ethical experience, feed and slather the elephants in mud, interact with them, snap photos, and learn all about elephant care and rehabilitation from the guide.
Walk with the gentle giants through lush fields of lemongrass and bamboo, help the mahouts with morning chores, and meet friendly locals along the way!
Trek through the jungle to discover a new family of elephants, then delight in a mouthwatering feast of traditional Thai food!

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Ideal for families, honeymooners, and friends, this 2-day, 1-night adventure offers hotel transfers, delicious meals, and a cozy stay!

What you'll do: Spend 2 days & 1 night in Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where rivers flow deep and elephants are your neighbors! Explore several sanctuary spots, each with its own lovable herd of gentle giants.
You’ll get: Hotel transfers from Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks, drinking water, and a night in a 4-bed dorm room as the elephants wander the forest around you
What's more: In this ethical experience, feed and slather the elephants in mud, interact with them, snap photos, and learn all about elephant care and rehabilitation from the guide.
Walk with the gentle giants through lush fields of lemongrass and bamboo, help the mahouts with morning chores, and meet friendly locals along the way!
Trek through the jungle to discover a new family of elephants, then delight in a mouthwatering feast of traditional Thai food!

Inclusions

Overnight visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Round-trip hotel transfers
English-speaking tour guide
2 day, 1 night stay in an eco-lodge
4 meals: lunch & dinner (day 1), breakfast & lunch (day 2)
Drinking water
Coffee, tea & snacks
Elephant food
Accident insurance coverage
Photography service

Tip: Don't forget to avail the free photography service throughout your stay. Photos can be availed through the sanctuary's Facebook page.
You'll be staying in resort-style shared accommodation, complete with basic bedding, pedestal fans, and electrical outlets. Bathrooms and showers are available in every room.
There is limited mobile network service, and there is no Wi-Fi.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, have any kind of food allergy, or any other specific dietary requirements, please inform the venue of this prior to the day of your visit.
Guests who are pregnant, wheelchair users, or individuals with any other medical conditions are required to inform Elephant Jungle Sanctuary prior to their visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai tickets

Top things to do in Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai – Journey with gentle giants in Thailand’s lush landscape

What to expect on an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary tour

Round-trip transfers

Guided experience

Hands-on elephant interactions

Authentic Thai activities

Meals and refreshments

Provided clothing

Commitment to Ethics

Things to know before booking your Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai tour

Image gallery

Plan your visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

FAQs

Get Help 24/7

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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience in Chiang Mai

Elephant Interaction Experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

From Chiang Mai: Overnight Stay Package (2D1N) at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary with Hotel Transfers