PON ELEPHANT THAILAND
Located on Kotchasarn Road in central Chiang Mai, Pon Elephant Thailand operates as a tour agency and visitor centre offering elephant encounters built around animal welfare rather than performance. Elephants are kept without chains and each is paired with a dedicated individual trainer, a distinction that separates this operation from less conscientious alternatives in the region. The experience draws visitors seeking meaningful wildlife interaction and consistently delivers on that promise through knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides who contextualise elephant behaviour, care routines, and conservation efforts throughout the visit. A typical session includes feeding and bathing the elephants in a setting that feels intimate and unhurried. Guides are regularly singled out in visitor accounts for their depth of knowledge and evident care for the animals, lending the programme an educational quality that goes beyond the purely recreational. The experience suits families, solo travellers, and couples equally well, and the open, free-roaming environment makes for a noticeably different atmosphere compared to more staged elephant attractions. Good to know: Pon Elephant Thailand is open every day of the week from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, giving travellers with varied schedules good flexibility when planning their visit. Comfortable clothing that can get wet is advisable, as bathing the elephants is a standard part of the programme. Booking in advance through the official website at ponelephantthailand.com is recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons, to secure a preferred time slot.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After PON ELEPHANT THAILAND, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Visiting the elephants in Chiang Mai was an experience I can hardly put into words, truly magical and beautiful. You can really see how much they care for the animals. They explain how the elephants are fed, how they sleep, and how they are treated with so much respect and love. Even though I only had half a day and needed to be at the airport for my 3:00 p.m. flight, the team made sure I could fully enjoy the experience without any stress or rushing, and without affecting the rest of the group. They were incredibly organized and kind. The driver even offered to take us directly to the airport afterward, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Half a day was enough to enjoy the experience calmly, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Chiang Mai.
Nowadays when you look for an activity, you read reviews & comments from people who attended it. Before doing it I could read lots of very positive reviews with a sense of an amazing experience. While doing the experience and living it, I can truly say they were all true and even more… having the moment with the elephants during the dinner with a small group of people and then being waken up in the morning by the elephants was fantastic, whatever your age you’ll feel like a kid. In addition to to this moment, the overall organization, the night, the employees, the accommodation and everything was perfect end to end. If you can make this experience, make it as it will remain in your memory for your life.
What an amazing experience! Our guide Suriya was excellent. He was a wealth of information and really seemed to love what he does. The elephants were able to freely move about (no chains whatsoever) and would obviously follow anything with food (who wouldn’t). No riding allowed which is great. Yes they move them into areas by using treats but it is these interactions that get more people interested in the species. Hopefully allowing the truly wild herds to flourish in the national parks. These elephants were descendants of or previously used in the Thai logging industry so they have interacted with humans for a very long time.
Location Info
PON ELEPHANT THAILAND 77/1 Kotchasarn Rd, ช้างคลาน Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 81 166 5189www.ponelephantthailand.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 PON ELEPHANT THAILAND
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We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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 Through Klook or GetYourGuide
These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. 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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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
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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)
Where to stay near PON ELEPHANT THAILAND
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.