Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
If you only do one animal thing in Chiang Mai, make it one where nobody rides anything. That's the pitch here: no shows, no saddles, no elephants doing tricks for a camera. The day is built around feeding and watching the animals behave more or less as they would anyway, with guides filling in the background on conservation and how elephant tourism in Thailand got to where it is.
It suits travellers who've read enough about the industry to feel uneasy about the alternatives and want the encounter without the guilt. It's hands-on rather than hands-off, so expect to be fed instructions, get muddy, and spend a good stretch of the day outdoors. If you're after a slick, air-conditioned attraction, this isn't it.
The office sits on Soi Sri Poom 6 inside the old city moat, which makes pickup straightforward from most Chiang Mai accommodation.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
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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: March – May (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 centre).
Location Info
11 Soi Sri Poom 6, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 91 854 6886www.bigboyelephantsanctuary.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 Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
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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.
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Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
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Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
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Where to stay near Ethical elephant sanctuary chiangmai by Big Boy
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)