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We rescue elephants from circuses and poor conditions and give them a peaceful life without coercion. Every day we take care of them so that they feel safe and at home.
Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Free Ethical Elephant Guide:
How to Choose a Real Sanctuary
in Chiang Mai
Elephant
We rescue elephants from circuses and poor conditions and give them a peaceful life without coercion. Every day we take care of them so that they feel safe and at home.
Nature Sanctuary
Free Ethical Elephant Guide:
How to Choose a Real Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Sanctuary Chiang Mai
We rescue elephants from circuses and poor conditions and give them a peaceful life without coercion. Every day we take care of them so that they feel safe and at home.
Free Ethical Elephant Guide:
How to Choose a Real Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Our advantages
100% observation-only
No riding / No bathing
This format respects the animals and provides guests with a truly authentic experience.
English-speaking guides
Insurance & Transfer
Ethical verified experience
Our Programs
01/07
Half-Day Morning Elephant Observation
Spend your morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, where rescued elephants live freely in a natural environment. This observation focuses on respectful observation, gentle feeding, and learning about elephant behavior without riding or performances.
Your visit also includes time at a peaceful waterfall and a simple cultural activity, followed by a freshly prepared local meal. Round-trip transportation, an experienced guide, and complimentary photos are included to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
02/07
Half-Day Afternoon Elephant Observation
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon escape to an ethical elephant sanctuary just outside Chiang Mai. After a scenic hotel pickup, you’ll be welcomed with an introduction to the elephants and learn about their daily care before preparing nutritious food and hand-feeding the elephants in a natural, respectful setting.
Spend time observing the elephants as they roam, socialize, and relax in their surroundings. Refresh with herbal tea, enjoy a traditional Thai meal, and return comfortably to your hotel in the early evening with unforgettable memories of your visit.
03/07
Full Day Elephant Observation
Enjoy a meaningful full-day journey to an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, starting with a scenic hotel pickup through the countryside. After arrival, you’ll be welcomed and introduced to the elephants, learn about their care and daily routines, and take part in preparing nutritious food before enjoying hands-on feeding in a natural environment.
As the day continues, relax while observing the elephants roam and socialize freely. Savor a traditional Thai lunch, refresh at a peaceful waterfall, and join a cultural activity where you create a handmade souvenir before returning comfortably to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon with lasting memories.
04/07
Elephant Observation & Authentic Thai Cooking Class
Start your day at a local market selecting fresh ingredients, then enjoy a hands-on Thai cooking class guided by an expert chef, creating traditional dishes and tasting your culinary creation.
In the afternoon, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to feed and observe the elephants in their natural surroundings, relax by a waterfall, craft a Thai souvenir, and finish with a local meal before returning comfortably to Chiang Mai.
05/07
Elephant Observation & Bamboo Rafting
Spend a full day at a serene elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, starting with a scenic hotel pickup through lush countryside. Observe and learn about the elephants’ daily routines while feeding them and preparing healthy treats in a natural and respectful environment.
After your time with the elephants, relax by a waterfall and craft a small Thai souvenir before enjoying a peaceful bamboo rafting trip along the Wang River. The day ends with a comfortable return to Chiang Mai, leaving you with lasting memories of wildlife, nature, and local culture.
06/07
Elephant Observation & Doi Inthanon Hiking
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Chiang Mai to an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you’ll feed and observe the elephants while learning about their care and natural behaviors. Pause by a peaceful waterfall and create a small handmade Thai souvenir to remember your visit.
Continue the observation with a hike in Doi Inthanon National Park, exploring the Twin Pagodas, botanical gardens, and nature trails. The tour ends with a stop at a Karen Hill Tribe coffee farm before returning comfortably to Chiang Mai in the evening.
07/07
Golden Sunrise at Suthep Temple
Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, participating in a peaceful alms-giving ceremony before the crowds arrive. After a traditional Thai breakfast, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to feed and observe the elephants while learning about their daily routines and natural behavior.
Relax by a scenic waterfall and create a handmade Thai souvenir before enjoying a local lunch. The day concludes with a comfortable return to Chiang Mai, leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and wildlife.
Why Observation-Only Matters
Observation alone is the most gentle and honest way to get to know elephants. It keeps them calm and allows you to see the animals as they are in the wild.
You observe from the sidelines – and that’s what makes the encounter truly valuable: without interference, with respect for the boundaries and well-being of the elephants.
Meet Our Elephants
Mali
Rescued
Salvation story
Mali came to the reserve after several years in the tourism industry and took a long time to trust people. Now she calmly stays close to the herd and often chooses shady paths for walks first. Her favorite activity is to leisurely explore scents and “talk” softly with other elephants.
Age:
about 26 years
Gender:
female
Date of arrival at the reserve:
July 2021
Character:
calm, cautious, observant
Favorite activities:
walking in the shade, exploring scents, quiet communication with the herd
Interesting fact:
recognizes the caretakers by their voices and responds with short “purrs.”
Chang
Playful
Salvation story
Chang arrived with a weakened state and a cautious demeanor, but quickly adapted thanks to the support of older elephants. Today, he is curious and active: he loves to take dust baths and then carefully sprinkle himself with sand. Watching him is especially interesting at dawn when the herd goes out to feed.
Age:
about 18 years
Gender:
male
Date of arrival at the reserve:
March 2022
Character:
curious, active, friendly
Favorite activities:
dust baths, morning feedings, playing with peers
Interesting fact:
before each dust bath, he carefully selects the “perfect” sand with his trunk.
Suri
Senior
Salvation story
Suri is the senior matriarch respected in the herd for her calmness and experience. She likes to keep a small distance and observe, then gently guide the young ones if they get too playful. Suri often chooses the same routes — it’s easy to see her habits and character without any interference.
Age:
about 38 years
Gender:
female
Date of arrival at the reserve:
October 2019
Character:
balanced, wise, confident
Favorite activities:
calm walks along familiar routes, observing the young ones, resting in the shade
Interesting fact:
often “calms” the young ones by gently touching them with her trunk when they get too playful.
Reviews of our reserve
What’s Included
Briefing
briefing on rules for safe and ethical behavior
Comfort
elephant watching from comfortable points without contact
Professional guides
accompaniment by an experienced guide throughout the program
Pauses for photos
photo stops in permitted areas
Interesting
locations
visit to the reserve and observation route
Snacks during the adventure
water and light snacks (depending on the program)
Photo gallery
How to Book
Choose program
Fill form
Get confirmation in email & WhatsApps
Select a program and reserve a spot—get to know elephants in a caring and authentic way.
FAQ
How do I get to the elephant sanctuary?
Guests are collected from their accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 12-seat van. For the last ~10 minutes of the journey, you’ll transfer into a covered 4×4 truck to reach the camp.
Can I book a private transfer?
Yes — private transfers are available for your group for an additional fee depending on your chosen program.
Can I change my booking date or program?
Yes — changes can be made up to 24 hours before your visit with no extra charge. Price changes may apply if you upgrade your program (e.g., half day to full day).
Are child or group discounts available?
Yes — we offer special pricing for children, infants, and groups. Contact us for details.
Is safety equipment provided?
Life vests are available for all participants.
Can I bring cameras or GoPros?
Yes — but avoid using non-waterproof devices during water activities.
Walk With Us, Let’s Talk
Submit your request — we will help you choose a program and suggest the best options for your visit to ensure that your encounter with elephants is truly respectful and unforgettable. We will respond quickly and clarify all the details.