Elephant Peace Project
Situated in the Mae Yao district outside Chiang Rai, this sanctuary offers visitors a genuinely ethical alternative to conventional elephant tourism. The project is run by a Karen family — a community with generations of deep-rooted mahout tradition — and centres on the welfare and natural behaviour of rescued elephants rather than performance or rides. This cultural dimension adds meaningful context to the visit, with guides sharing knowledge about both elephant care and the Karen people's historic relationship with these animals. Visitors can expect an unhurried, naturalistic experience that typically includes feeding and bathing the elephants, walking alongside them through spacious grounds, and learning about individual animals from knowledgeable hosts. The atmosphere is calm and personal rather than crowd-driven, and groups are kept small enough that the experience feels intimate. Standout hosts like Tanya have been highlighted by visitors for their fluency, warmth, and depth of knowledge, making the educational side of the day as engaging as the animal interactions themselves. Good to know: Advance booking through elephantpeaceproject.org is essential — the sanctuary does not keep elephants on-site for unannounced walk-ins, which reflects their genuine commitment to animal welfare. The sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, suiting both half-day and full-day itineraries. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection, as the experience is largely outdoors. The cooler months of November through February offer the most comfortable visiting conditions.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Elephant Peace Project, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This was one of those days that will be carved into my brain for the rest of my life. A true bucket list activity. I was looking to have a really good elephant experience but i wanted to do it with a group that was ethically sound. These guys really ticked that box. The elephants were freebto roam but allowed us to interact with them through out the session. We fed them, bathed them, walked with them, learned all about how elephants have been living with people in the area for 1000's of years and then had a wonderful dinner that overlooked the elephants as they fed in the pasture. This day exceeded my expectations and is an experience i will never forget.
This was an amazing experience for our family. My parents and my daughter truly loved spending time with the elephants. It was special to see a family that has been caring for these elephants for generations, with such dedication and awareness of their responsibility. We were surprised to learn how much elephants eat and how much daily support they require from their caretakers. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the work involved. I would highly recommend visiting and supporting their project. It’s a meaningful experience and a great way to contribute to their cause. Thanks Yaya and team! Wishing you all the best, we'll come back sometime!
So much fun!!! Feeding and bathing the elephants, enjoying the nature. The place is owned by karen family. To nowadays karen people are the most known mahouts - elephant caregivers and drivers. There’s a big difference between riding and driving elephants. There’s no riding here! Animals are free and walk literally right by and around you when the host is talking and answering questions. Elephant Peace Project is also an educational center and it has big plans on increasing awareness about karen culture and saving elephants of Thailand.
Location Info
69 หมู่ 10, Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 80 845 6889elephantpeaceproject.org/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 Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Monumental, modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue coloring & elaborate carvings.
Wat Rong Khun
Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Temple complex featuring a 9-floor pagoda with 12 surrounding structures & a giant Buddha.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
A working hillside tea plantation in Chiang Rai offering scenic terraces, tea tasting, food, and a shop.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)