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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

An ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai offering hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a responsible setting.

4.5(335)
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Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 06:00–22:00

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday06:00–22:00
Tuesday06:00–22:00
Wednesday06:00–22:00
Thursday06:00–22:00
Friday06:00–22:00
Saturday06:00–22:00
Sunday06:00–22:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Located in the Chiang Mai region, this sanctuary offers travelers a genuine, ethical alternative to traditional elephant tourism in Thailand. With a clear focus on animal welfare and conservation, the facility houses rescued elephants in a naturalistic environment where riding and performance-based activities have no place. Repeat visitors and first-timers alike consistently note how authentic and unhurried the experience feels, with staff who are knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about the animals in their care.

A typical visit includes feeding the elephants, observing or joining them during mudding sessions, and learning about their individual histories, behaviors, and dietary needs. The sanctuary currently cares for several elephants, including young ones, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see different life stages up close. Hotel pick-up is available, though the journey from central Chiang Mai takes approximately two hours, making for a full-day commitment that most visitors find well worthwhile.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

We returned here after 9 years and we don't regret at all that we didn't try another sanctuary. Everything here is authentic and pleasant. At this time, they have 2 young elephants (1 of them is pregnant :) ) and 1 older. The guide speaks very good English. We spend the whole day doing activities with the elephants, feeding, mud-painting, swimming, walking and relaxing by the waterfall. There is enough time for everything and we can fully enjoy each activity. No tourist scam. It is a village-run sanctuary, the proceeds go back to the village. If there will be the opportuniny, we will come here again.

A wonderful and truly ethical elephant sanctuary experience. No riding, and the elephants are clearly well cared for. We fed them, learned about their diet and behavior, and joined them during mudding and bathing — such a special and memorable day. Our guide Sag was amazing: very kind, funny, and informative, with a great sense of humor. He made the tour even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a respectful and meaningful elephant experience. 🐘💚

We stayed for 1 night and had a great stay. Staff were very accommodating to food allergies. Got to feed and interact with the Elephants and they seem very well taken care of. There is a lot of interaction with them including bathing and feeding and they encourage you to touch them which may upset some. Also there was an abundance of dogs, we are not scared of dogs but if you are maybe consider booking somewhere else (all the dogs were very nice)

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 335 reviews on Google.

136 8 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

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Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary worth visiting?

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary holds a 4.5★ rating from 335 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary?

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary is typically open 06:00–22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).

Where is Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary located?

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary is at 136 8 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).

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