PON ELEPHANT THAILAND
Located on Kotchasarn Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, Pon Elephant Thailand operates as a tour agency and visitor centre offering responsible elephant experiences for travellers seeking meaningful wildlife interaction. The programme focuses on animal welfare, with elephants roaming freely without chains and each animal paired with a dedicated individual trainer — details that set the operation apart from less scrupulous alternatives in the region. Visitors can expect a structured yet intimate experience that includes feeding and bathing the elephants, guided by knowledgeable staff who explain elephant behaviour, care routines, and conservation context. Guides are consistently praised in visitor accounts for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely educational rather than purely commercial. The setting suits families, solo travellers, and couples alike, and the experience is frequently described as one of the more memorable activities available in Chiang Mai. Good to know: Pon Elephant Thailand operates every day of the week from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, offering considerable flexibility for travellers with varied itineraries. Comfortable clothing that can get wet is strongly advisable, as bathing activities are a standard part of the programme. Booking in advance through the official website at ponelephantthailand.com is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods, 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/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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.
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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)