Elephant Sanctuary Thailand
This well-regarded sanctuary operates from a convenient city-centre location on Intha Warorot Road, offering travellers a responsible alternative to traditional elephant tourism. The focus is firmly on animal welfare and conservation, with each elephant introduced to visitors along with its individual rescue story. Staff lead informative sessions on elephant biology and sanctuary operations before guests spend time feeding and walking alongside the animals in a setting designed to reflect their natural needs.
Visitors consistently highlight the warmth and knowledge of the guides, the structured yet relaxed pace of the experience, and the genuine care shown toward the animals. The program includes shade breaks, drinking water, and a buffet meal, with lockers and showers available on site. Tours typically involve close contact with the elephants, so participants should expect to get wet or muddy at times — this is considered a highlight by most guests rather than an inconvenience.
Book tours & tickets in Chiang Mai
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Elephant Sanctuary Thailand — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Elephant Sanctuary Thailand, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We were absolutely delighted to see how well these graceful giants were cared for. It is clear that the keepers are dedicated to their ethical care. We enjoyed feeding and walking with the elephants. And then we got to give them mud baths and rise them off after. This is an experience we will never forget!
Fantastic time. The Sanctuary staff is friendly, fun, and very knowledgeable. Started with entertaing lesson about elephants and the park's history. Each elephant was introduced with it's background. Then we hand fed the elephants before going on easy stroll around the park which included tge elephants in the mud. We ended up back at base camp where we were able to get on a shallow pool of clean water with the elephants for a cool down. The facilities included nice showers, restrooms, shirts, hats, and even a nice lunch. Definitely worth the time to visit. Thank you for the adventure and knowledge gained.
We’re so happy to see this wonderful sanctuary. From the moment we stepped out of the van , we were greeted by warm welcome from the staff and all the way to our departure. It’s a stone throw away from the bustling busy Bangkok and definitely see the landscape change the closes you get to the park. Absolute blasts to be up close and personal with these gentle giants 🐘🐘🐘🐘.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 199 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.
Elephant Sanctuary Thailand: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant Sanctuary Thailand worth visiting?
Elephant Sanctuary Thailand holds a 4.8★ rating from 199 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Elephant Sanctuary Thailand?
Elephant Sanctuary Thailand is typically open 08:00-18:00 — 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 Elephant Sanctuary Thailand?
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 Sanctuary Thailand located?
Elephant Sanctuary Thailand is at 93 Intha Warorot Road, 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
93 Intha Warorot Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 66 003 1440elephantsanctuarythailand.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 Sanctuary Thailand
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.
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
Chiang Mai Thailand Tour Center
A well-regarded Chiang Mai travel agency organising guided tours, hotel pickups, and day trips across northern Thailand.
Sabai Tour Chiang Mai
Friendly Chiang Mai tour agency offering elephant sanctuaries, trekking, ziplining, and cultural tours with personalised service.
CHIANG MAI J.M. CULTURE TOUR
A highly regarded cultural tour operator in Chiang Mai's historic old city, open daily from early morning.
Passionfood Thai Cooking School Chiang Mai
A Northern Thai cooking class that teaches regional recipes, not the same four dishes everyone else cooks.
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 Elephant Sanctuary Thailand
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)