Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour

Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary and Waterfall Group Tour offers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and engage in ethical elephant care. Visitors can walk alongside these gentle giants, bathe and feed them, and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch amidst the scenic countryside. The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfall, providing a refreshing conclusion to the day’s activities. With a focus on responsible tourism, this tour presents an opportunity to connect with Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

Key Points

• This Chiang Mai group tour provides an opportunity to visit a sanctuary that rescues elephants from the tourism industry and observe them in their natural habitat.
• The tour includes an 80-minute scenic drive, a traditional Thai lunch, and a visit to a picturesque waterfall, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Visitors can actively participate in bathing and feeding the elephants, fostering a deeper appreciation for their well-being and unique behaviors.
• The sanctuary focuses on ethical treatment, with no elephant riding or unnatural performances allowed, ensuring a responsible and educational experience.
• Knowledgeable guides share information about the elephants’ histories and care needs, enhancing the overall understanding and appreciation for these magnificent animals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The activity on offer is a Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour. Priced from €40.63 per person, the 7-hour experience includes an 80-minute scenic drive to the sanctuary.

An opportunity to meet rescued elephants, learn about their care, feed, touch, and walk with them, and participate in bathing them in the river is provided. A traditional Thai lunch with seasonal fruits and desserts is included.

Visitors can interact with rescued elephants, learn about their care, and participate in bathing them in the river. A traditional Thai lunch is also included.

Afterward, guests will hike to the nearby Mae Wang Waterfall before returning. The tour includes hotel transfers, an English guide, and necessary equipment.

Certain guests aren’t suited for this activity.

Ethical Elephant Care

A key focus of this tour is the ethical care and treatment of the elephants. The sanctuary rescues elephants from the tourism industry and provides them with a natural environment to roam freely.

Visitors won’t witness any elephant riding or unnatural performances. Instead, the experience allows travelers to observe the elephants in their habitat, feed them, and assist with bathing.

The guides are knowledgeable about the elephants’ histories and care needs. This ethical approach ensures the well-being of the animals while offering an authentic, responsible encounter for travelers seeking a meaningful connection with these magnificent creatures.

Walking With Elephants

What better way to experience the majesty of these elephants than by walking alongside them through their natural habitat?

The Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary tour offers this incredible opportunity. Guests can:

1. Stroll with the gentle giants as they roam the lush, verdant grounds.

2. Observe their intricate social interactions and witness their strong family bonds.

3. Marvel at their immense size and graceful movements up close.

4. Gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their well-being in this ethical sanctuary.

This intimate encounter allows visitors to connect with the elephants in a truly memorable way.

Bathing and Feeding Elephants

Bathing and feeding the elephants is another highlight of the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary tour. Visitors can wade into the river alongside the gentle giants and help scrub their leathery skin.

It’s a thrilling chance to interact with these majestic creatures up-close. Next, participants get to hand-feed the elephants a variety of fruits and vegetables, watching as the animals use their trunks to delicately pluck the treats from outstretched palms.

This hands-on engagement fosters a deep appreciation for the elephants’ unique behaviors and personalities. It’s an unforgettable, ethical wildlife experience.

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Scenic Surroundings

As the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary tour winds its way through the picturesque countryside, visitors are treated to a stunning panorama of the region’s natural beauty.

The scenic route features:

1. Lush green rice fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

2. Towering mountains capped with a dusting of clouds, providing a serene backdrop.

3. Traditional Thai villages with thatched-roof houses and colorful markets.

4. Ornate Buddhist temples nestled amidst the rolling hills, their golden spires shimmering in the sunlight.

This breathtaking journey sets the stage for an unforgettable encounter with the majestic elephants.

Refreshing Waterfall Experience

After the engaging interaction with the elephants, the tour takes a refreshing turn as visitors embark on a short hike to the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfall. The waterfall, nestled amidst lush greenery, offers a serene respite from the day’s activities. Guests can marvel at the cascading waters, feel the mist on their skin, and bask in the tranquil atmosphere. The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to relax and unwind before the return journey. The waterfall visit provides a well-rounded conclusion to the ethical elephant encounter, leaving participants with a lasting impression of Chiang Mai’s natural beauty.

| Waterfall Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Height | Impressive cascading waters |

| Surroundings | Lush, verdant greenery |

| Atmosphere | Serene and tranquil |

| Experience | Refreshing mist and relaxation |

| The Sum Up | Well-rounded tour experience |

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. These include:

1. Complimentary hotel transfers to and from the elephant sanctuary.

2. An English-speaking guide who provides in-depth information about the elephants and their care.

3. Refreshing drinking water, a delicious Thai lunch, and food for the elephants.

4. Towels and a change of clothes for the elephant bathing activity.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues or heart problems.

Guests are advised to bring appropriate attire, sun protection, and insect repellent for a memorable and ethical encounter with the elephants.

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about this Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary tour?

Based on over 4,900 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 4.9/5 rating. Customers praise the positive interaction with the rescued elephants and the knowledgeable guides.

They highlight the tour’s ethical practices, with no elephant riding or forced performances. Reviewers also appreciate the full day experience, allowing ample time to observe, feed, and bathe the elephants.

The scenic drive, traditional Thai lunch, and refreshing waterfall visit further enhance the well-rounded tour.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Elephants?

While the tour provides food for the elephants, it’s best to refrain from bringing your own. The guide’s expertise ensures the appropriate diet and experience for the elephants’ well-being during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There’s a minimum age requirement of 2 years old for this tour. Children under 2 are not permitted to join the tour due to safety concerns.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos or Videos?

The tour allows guests to take photos and videos throughout the experience, except when bathing the elephants for the elephants’ comfort and safety. Visitors are encouraged to capture the memorable moments with the rescued elephants in their natural habitat.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Sanctuary After the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow participants to extend their stay at the sanctuary after the scheduled activities. The program has a fixed itinerary and duration, so visitors must depart with the group at the end of the tour.

How Large Are the Group Sizes for This Tour?

The tour groups are typically small, with an average size of 8-12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with the elephants. The group size is kept manageable to ensure an ethical and enjoyable tour.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour offers an immersive experience where visitors can interact with rescued elephants and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. With ethical elephant care, scenic drives, a traditional Thai lunch, and a refreshing waterfall visit, this tour provides a well-rounded and responsible way to connect with Thailand’s iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: