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Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

With kids in Chiang Mai

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

In a nutshell

A visit to an elephant sanctuary where the animals are not ridden, with time to feed and walk alongside them.

Rating & popularity

#3 of 6

in our Chiang Mai guide

Visit duration

6 h

Usually no booking needed

Tourist load through the year

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Best months: Oct

A visit to an elephant sanctuary where the animals are not ridden, with time to feed and walk alongside them.

Know before you go

Choose a sanctuary that does not allow riding. Wear old clothes and bring insect repellent.

What to book

A half-day or full-day visit with hotel transfer.

What to check before you pay

  • Check the age guidance and whether children get a reduced price.
  • Look at the duration – under three hours is the sweet spot.
  • Check for stroller access and whether there are toilet stops.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary tours & tickets

Related tours, tickets & activities

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour (opens in a new tab)

1,747 8 h

Experience a day of fun and adventure in Chiang Mai with a tour that includes a waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and bamboo rafting. Your day begins at Bau Tong Waterfall where it allows visitors to climb barefoot—an exciting and rare experiences. Take in the serene natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and refreshing mountain air. Next, visit Elephant Sanctuary, a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in a natural forest environment. Here, you’ll quietly observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily routines in peace. We respect their freedom by avoiding any riding or direct interaction, choosing instead to walk alongside them and witness their lives in a natural and ethical setting. The final, enjoy a scenic bamboo rafting experience as you float down the river, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil beauty.

from$54.68

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience Half-day Tour (opens in a new tab)

21 5 h

Experience a meaningful half-day at an ethical elephant sanctuary in a peaceful natural environment. Observe rescued elephants as they live freely in their natural surroundings and learn about their care, history, and conservation from knowledgeable local staff. Enjoy a delicious Thai meal and join a hands-on workshop to make your own traditional Thai herbal inhaler to take home as a souvenir. This is more than a tour—it's an opportunity to learn about elephant welfare while experiencing authentic Thai culture. What to Bring: * Hat * Change of clothes * Flip-flops or sandals * Biodegradable sunscreen * Biodegradable insect repellent * Personal medication * Camera (recommended)

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Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve Ethical Sanctuary (opens in a new tab)

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Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve an Accredited, Sustainable, Award-winning, and Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket. We are completely hand - off elephant sanctuary, which means our visitors are prohibited from touching, feeding or bathing the elephants. Only the mahout ( the elephant 's caretaker) and the vet are allowed to touch the elephants, feed wash, administer veterinary care etc. Our goal is to set up a sanctuary that is truly a safe haven for elephants, where these beautiful social mammals can interact and behave naturally. This also include Thai cooking class demo.

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Chiang Mai Half Day Elephant Sanctuary Observation and Waterfall (opens in a new tab)

125 6 h – 7 h

• Start your journey to the ethical Adventures in Joy Elephant Sanctuary: Dive into our responsible tourism with Elephant Observation programs! • Fun Interactions: Change into traditional Karen clothing, Learn, prepare elephants food and observe our gentle giants on their completely natural behavior while maintaining safe distance. • Elephant Paradise: Refresh yourself with herbal tea and take a break at the waterfall. All this in paradise located in lush forests and surrounded by serene rivers, our sanctuary ensures elephants thrive with a year-round food supply. • Engaging to the core of the culture: Learn how to craft your own Thai cultural handmade souvenir as a memorable gift.

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Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting (opens in a new tab)

47 9 h

We pride ourselves on being a highly ethical elephant sanctuary. Our elephants have been rescued from unethical parks and attractions where they have been chained, caged and ridden. Here we provide our elephants with the love and care they need, maintaining and sustaining peaceful, respectful interactions between humans and animals. We allow our elephants to roam freely in our park and we stand firmly against the use of cages, chains and elephant riding. Our establishment is owned and managed by the Karen Hill Tribe and our Karen guides and Mahouts (Elephant keepers) provide insightful understandings into the park, the elephants and local history.

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Prices and availability are confirmed with our booking partner when you book.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: other ways to book

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