Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai: how to choose one that is truly kind

• ✔No riding, no saddles and no shows or tricks.
• ✔No chains for long periods; elephants roam in natural areas.
• ✔Small visitor numbers and clear limits on contact.
• ✔Feeding and observing rather than performing.
• ✔Vet care and a rescue story the staff can explain.
• ✔Transparent information about the elephants' background.

Be cautious of anyone offering a bathing activity with an unnaturally large number of visitors, and any place that has newborn or baby elephants on display. These practices often involve abuse behind the scenes.

A good visit usually includes a half or full day, a briefing on the elephants' histories, time preparing food and watching them in a large natural area. Some sanctuaries allow walks alongside the herd. Be prepared for mud, humidity and mosquitoes, and bring a change of clothes.

• ✔Are the elephants ever ridden or chained?
• ✔How many visitors are there at one time?
• ✔Where do the elephants come from?
• ✔Are there vets on staff?
• ✔What happens to the money?

At a genuinely ethical sanctuary, activities focus on observing and supporting the elephants rather than interacting for fun. You might help prepare food such as bananas and sugar cane, walk alongside the herd at a respectful distance, watch them forage and bathe, and learn about their stories from the staff. Some sanctuaries limit contact further and use viewing platforms.

Be ready to follow the rules: keep your distance, avoid loud noises and do not touch elephants unless a staff member says it is safe. Most sanctuaries explain these rules in a short briefing at the start. This is a good time to ask questions, and a sign of a good place is that staff happily answer them.

Book in advance in the high season, from November to February, because the best sanctuaries have limited numbers. If you travel in the rainy season, the park is green and quiet, though the path may be muddy.

• ✔Transfers: usually 1 to 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, with hotel pickup.
• ✔What to wear: quick-drying clothes, closed shoes and a change of clothes.
• ✔What to bring: insect repellent, a hat and a towel.
• ✔Group size: look for small groups, with a guide per few guests.
• ✔Cost: prices are higher than at riding camps, which reflects the cost of care.

If you cannot find a sanctuary that meets your standards, there are other ways to enjoy Chiang Mai's nature. Doi Inthanon offers waterfalls and birdwatching, Mae Sa Valley has a botanical garden and a butterfly farm, and Chiang Dao has caves and trekking. A cooking class or a night market is a gentle alternative.

Whatever you choose, think about animal welfare. Avoid tiger selfie temples, monkey shows and similar attractions, as they often involve mistreatment. Learn more about the area in our Chiang Mai guide or read the solo travel in Southeast Asia guide.

Besides elephants, Chiang Mai has temples, night markets, a mountain, cooking classes and a relaxed atmosphere. See the best things to do in Chiang Mai or compare it with the beach resorts in our Phuket vs Krabi guide.