Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
Located in the Chiang Mai region, this sanctuary offers travellers 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, behaviours, 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.
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Experience hints
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.
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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: March – May (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 centre).
Location Info
136 8 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 86 911 1274chiangmaielephantsanctuary.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
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.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
BaanThai Cookery School
Hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai offering market tours, cultural insights, and multi-course meals.
Hug Me On Tour
A warmly run tour agency in Chiang Mai's old city, known for personalised day trips and expert local knowledge.
Joy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai
A no-touch elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai where ethical wildlife observation meets genuine conservation education.
Wild Adventures Chiang Mai
Outdoor adventure tours and activities based in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic old city.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)