Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
A Karen-run sanctuary near Doi Inthanon, 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, where nobody rides, commands or bathes the elephants. Half days from ฿1,600.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 09:00–19:00
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
- Address
- 11 Soi Sri Poom 6, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Phone
- +66 91 854 6886
Full opening hours
Is this your business?Feature it
Tours that include Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy.
Tours hereEthical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See prices
Day toursChiang Mai day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesOutdoorsOutdoor and adventure trips in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary keeps its herd in the foothills near Doi Inthanon National Park, about 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, with Karen guides leading the visits. The address on Soi Sri Poom is the booking office inside the Old City moat, not the sanctuary. The rules are stricter than most. There's no riding, no controlled walking, no mandatory bathing and no commands, so the elephants graze, play and mud-bathe on their own while you watch.
What you do is prepare their food, roll herbal vitamin balls, help plant habitat and cook your own Pad Thai for lunch. The half day, morning or afternoon, is ฿1,600 for adults and ฿1,100 for children aged four to eight, and full days that add bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River or the Sticky Waterfall start at ฿1,800. Every tour includes hotel transfers, Karen clothing, lunch, accident insurance and photos sent within 72 hours.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Tours that include Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy.
Tours hereEthical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesDay toursChiang Mai day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesOutdoorsOutdoor and adventure trips in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesStay within reach of Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
SponsoredSearch Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big BoyOpens Booking.com with your dates
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minZabb E Lee Thai Cooking SchoolActivities & Tours · 30 m · 5.0★
- 1 minMing Muang MarketMarkets & Shopping · 30 m · 4.1★
- 1 minAroy DeeRestaurants & Food · 60 m · 4.5★
- 1 minGrazie Thai Local Food - Wan Ton NoodleRestaurants & Food · 70 m · 4.6★
- 1 minNOISENightlife & Bars · 90 m · 4.7★
- 2 minTHE HOUSE by GingerRestaurants & Food · 120 m · 4.3★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
11 Soi Sri Poom 6, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore activities & tours nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy.
Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School
Thai Farm Cooking School
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
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.
Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy worth visiting?
Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy holds a 4.9★ rating from 447 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy?
Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy is typically open 09:00–19:00 — 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 Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy?
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 Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy located?
Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy is at 11 Soi Sri Poom 6, 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).
Also popular in Chiang Mai
Han Teung Chiangmai
Wat Lok Moli
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Cozy Massage and Spa Nimman 15 Chiangmai
Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Elephant Steps Chiang Rai - Ethical elephant sanctuary
Bangkok Ethical Elephant Tour (Living Green Elephant Sanctuary)
