Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
A hands-on sanctuary in Mae Rim, about 45 minutes from Chiang Mai, with half days from ฿1,600 that include feeding, a mud spa and bathing.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:30–17:00
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
- Phone
- +66 99 243 9111
Full opening hours
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Maerim Elephant Sanctuary is a hands-on sanctuary in the Mae Rim hills, about 45 minutes north of Chiang Mai, founded by Busabong "Pui" Kuetkong after she saw elephants suffering in logging and tourism. There's no riding, no shows and no chains. Visits run on contact, though. You feed the elephants from your own basket of bananas, give them a mud spa and bathe with them.
The half day, morning or afternoon, is ฿1,600 for adults and ฿800 for children under seven, with hotel transfers. The full day is ฿2,000 and adds a jungle walk along a stream, a noodle-soup cooking class and lunch. If you'd rather keep your distance, the one-hour Greet & Feed at ฿800 skips the water entirely, though you arrive under your own steam. World Animal Protection advises against bathing with elephants, so that short visit is the closest this place gets to a hands-off one.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Tours that include Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.
Tours hereMaerim Elephant Sanctuary: 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
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Experience hints
31, Tambon Ki Lek, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
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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.
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: Mid-February – April (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 center).
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