Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
No riding, no shows, just a day feeding and bathing rescued elephants in the Mae Rim hills.
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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See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
No riding here, and no performances. That's the whole point. The rescued elephants live in a natural setting about 30 kilometers 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, with feeding, bathing, walking alongside the herd in small groups, with guides filling in the background on behavior, 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.
This placeMaerim 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
See pricesExperience hints
Pair your visit. After Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
31, Tambon Ki Lek, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
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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 center).
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