Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)
Located on Rachadamnoen Road in central Chiang Mai, this sanctuary office serves as the booking and departure point for one of the region's well-regarded ethical elephant experiences. Rather than the performance-based encounters common in traditional elephant camps, the sanctuary prioritises animal welfare, giving visitors the chance to observe rescued elephants in naturalistic environments where authentic behaviour is encouraged. The focus is on education and conservation as much as interaction, making it a meaningful choice for travellers who want their tourism to support responsible practices.
Visitors can expect a guided, hands-on experience that typically includes feeding and bathing elephants under close supervision. The atmosphere is unhurried and educational, with guides on hand to explain the background of individual elephants and the sanctuary's rehabilitation work. The central location makes it straightforward to reach from most parts of Chiang Mai, and the office operates seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexibility for different itineraries.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai), round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
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Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) worth visiting?
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) holds a 4.8★ rating from 709 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)?
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) 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 Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)?
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 Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) located?
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) is at 8 Rachadamnoen 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
8 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 65 945 1911livinggreenelephantsanctuary.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 Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)
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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

Sukjai Home Cooking School
A hands-on Thai cooking school in central Chiang Mai teaching authentic recipes and techniques with experienced local cooks.

Wild Adventures Chiang Mai
Outdoor adventure tours and activities based in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic old city.

Thailand Mountain Trail
Guided multi-day treks and day hikes into northern Thailand's mountains, forests, and hill tribe villages.

Joy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai
A no-touch elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai where ethical wildlife observation meets genuine conservation education.
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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 Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)
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)