Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
No riding here, and no performances. That's the whole point. The rescued elephants live in a natural setting about 30 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, and the day is built around them rather than around photo ops. If you've been put off elephant tourism by the sad stuff you've read, this is the sort of place that exists as an answer to it.
Days are structured but not rushed: feeding, bathing, walking alongside the herd in small groups, with guides filling in the background on behaviour, individual personalities and why wild elephant numbers are where they are. It works for a wide spread of ages and fitness levels, since nothing asks much of you physically. Mornings are the better bet, both for the cooler air and because the elephants are livelier before the heat sets in.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
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.
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maerim Elephant Sanctuary worth visiting?
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary holds a 4.8★ rating from 1,962 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Maerim Elephant Sanctuary?
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary is typically open 08:30-17:00 — 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 Maerim Elephant 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 Maerim Elephant Sanctuary located?
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary is at 31, Tambon Ki Lek, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
31, Tambon Ki Lek, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand+66 99 243 9111www.maerimelephantsanctuary.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 Maerim Elephant 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.
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 Maerim Elephant 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)