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Activities & Tours
Chiang Rai

Elephant Peace Project

4.8(300 reviews)

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.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Elephant Peace Project, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

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.

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.

Came by and Elephants weren't there, cause I didn't book it online, which is pretty good and shows the elephants get their space. They told me to come back and I just joined another group. Very lovely people and respectful treatment with the elephants, way better than a lot out there. Main focus is the bond between elephant and human and not the money. Such a good experience

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 300 reviews on Google.

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Elephant Peace Project: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elephant Peace Project worth visiting?

Elephant Peace Project holds a 4.8★ rating from 300 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Elephant Peace Project?

Elephant Peace Project is typically open 09:00-17:00 — 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 Elephant Peace Project?

The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Elephant Peace Project located?

Elephant Peace Project is at 69 หมู่ 10, Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.

Location Info

69 หมู่ 10, Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 80 845 6889elephantpeaceproject.org/
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–17:00

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

Moderate

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)

Where to stay near Elephant Peace Project

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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

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Doi Bo Viewpoint
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Doi Bo Viewpoint

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XMXX+PMG, Mae Yao, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

A remote hilltop viewpoint near Chiang Rai offering panoramic views, accessible only by 4x4 or confident motorcyclists.

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