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.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After PON ELEPHANT THAILAND, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
Thank you Pon Elephant for this beautiful trip, stopping in different sites and being able to share some time, feed and bath the elefants. Amy was our guide, and she was Really nice and took care of us the whole time! Another good thing is the transport, the van used was really confortable and a small group, not like in other trips I have been to.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,165 reviews on Google.
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PON ELEPHANT THAILAND: Frequently Asked Questions
Is PON ELEPHANT THAILAND worth visiting?
PON ELEPHANT THAILAND holds a 4.8★ rating from 1,165 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of PON ELEPHANT THAILAND?
PON ELEPHANT THAILAND is typically open 06:30-21:00 — 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 PON ELEPHANT THAILAND?
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 PON ELEPHANT THAILAND located?
PON ELEPHANT THAILAND is at PON ELEPHANT THAILAND 77/1 Kotchasarn Rd, ช้างคลาน Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
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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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.
Nearby Places
BK Elephant Thailand
Ethical elephant sanctuary in central Chiang Mai offering hands-on rescue animal experiences.
Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre
Hands-on Thai cooking classes in central Chiang Mai, from 2-hour express sessions to full-day courses.
Toto's Elephant Sanctuary
Ethical elephant sanctuary offering immersive jungle walks, feeding, and conservation education in Chiang Mai.
Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours
Guided bicycle tours exploring Chiang Mai's temples, villages, and countryside with knowledgeable local guides.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
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Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near PON ELEPHANT THAILAND
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)