Elephant Pride Sanctuary
Situated in Chiang Mai's Chang Khlan area, this small-scale sanctuary offers visitors the chance to spend time with rescued elephants in an environment centred on animal welfare rather than performance or entertainment. Guests consistently describe the experience as deeply personal, with host Chanchai and his family extending a warm, family-style welcome that includes a home-cooked meal as part of the visit. The emphasis here is on observing and following elephants in a natural setting rather than riding or staged interaction, which appeals strongly to travellers seeking a more thoughtful alternative to conventional elephant tourism.
The sanctuary currently cares for a small number of elephants, which means group sizes stay intimate and the experience feels unhurried. Full-day private tours are available and are a popular choice for those wanting deeper engagement. The grounds combine elements of a nature preserve and park setting, and the atmosphere is consistently described by visitors as peaceful and genuinely respectful of the animals.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Elephant Pride Sanctuary, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
What an experience! My son and I will remember this experience for our lifetimes.. to experience the elephants in such a wonderful and peaceful environment for them was just amazing. It is encouraging to know the elephants are in such good hands! The food was an added bonus. Hope to visit again .. thank you 🙏
A wonderful experience. Chanchai and his family welcomed us like kings. The meal was delicious, and everyone did their best to make us feel comfortable. The elephants seemed happy; we followed them in their daily routine, and it was very pleasant to watch them live without necessarily interacting with them. We washed them with mud and then rinsed them in the river. It was an incredibly enriching experience for my husband, my 2-year-old baby, and myself. Thank you for everything — we will never forget this moment 🙏
This is not a sanctuary. A sanctuary is q place where animals can move freely. This place has 2 elephants only as january 2026, the babies you see in other pictures are not there anymore, almost for sure to domesticate them. The 2 elephants that are there are 100% domesticated, like a pet, they do what they are made to. We paid 2800baths per person (78€) - extremely expensive to see the new modern slavery. They make everythibg extremely slow so you can be there 5-6 hours basically feeding them. They made the elephants and the group go up to a mountain hill, (spend time). Then they make the animals to get into a cold pod that they dont want to get in, later to a cold river they dont want to get in. Incredible that people can enjoy doing this. Yes is very impressive to see these animals this close, to touch their skin. But is just not right. Is not right they are trapped without possibily to move freely, they are in a very small place. The old elephant got hurt, i saw it ; they were very discrete and nobody got aware. But obviusly she is too old to go up&down and doing things she doesnt want to. Paying 76€ to go and see this and only 2 elephants, no wasnt what i expected. I expected to go to a real sanctuary. Dont really understand how we tourists can support this and give 5 star reviews to this type of places. I would have pay the same to go to a place where i can’t touch them, feed them, bath them. Just to see them move happy and free. Guides and people there are very nice but is just not right.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 284 reviews on Google.
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Elephant Pride Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant Pride Sanctuary worth visiting?
Elephant Pride Sanctuary holds a 4.9★ rating from 284 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Elephant Pride Sanctuary?
Elephant Pride Sanctuary is typically open 07:30-23:30 — 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 Elephant Pride 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 Elephant Pride Sanctuary located?
Elephant Pride Sanctuary is at 198/521 Tambon Chang Khlan, อำเภอเมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
198/521 Tambon Chang Khlan, อำเภอเมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 82 226 5957elephantpridesanctuarys.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 Elephant Pride 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
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Chiang Mai Hill-tribe Coffee Tour, Chiang Mai sustainable Tour.
Immersive full-day coffee farm tours into Chiang Mai's hill-tribe communities, blending culture and sustainability.
Mae Kha Rakaeng Bridge
A canal-side bridge in Chiang Mai where locals gather, with street food stalls and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Blue Tao Elephant Village
Ethical elephant encounters and guided Chiang Mai tours led by knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
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Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Elephant Pride 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)