Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour

Discover the captivating Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program, an ethical eco-adventure that lets you connect with these majestic creatures. For just $23.65 per person, you’ll embark on a 5-hour journey, immersed in the elephants’ natural habitat. Engage in hands-on activities like washing and feeding, while learning about their conservation from knowledgeable guides. With hassle-free transportation and the opportunity to swim with the elephants, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the true highlight? Ensuring the well-being of these gentle giants remains the top priority.

Key Points

• The half-day tour is priced from $23.65 per person and includes ethical interactions with elephants, such as washing, feeding, and learning about their habitats and behaviors.
• The 5-hour experience offers a nature walk led by knowledgeable rangers to observe elephants in their natural settings and an opportunity to swim and bathe with them.
• Hotel pickup is available, with drivers arriving 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time and waiting no longer than 5 minutes after.
• Individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or animal allergies should avoid the tour, and participants must bring necessary items like change of clothes, camera, and insect repellent.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 525 reviews, with positive feedback on the close interaction, knowledgeable guides, and helpfulness with children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Pon Elephant Sanctuary offers a half-day tour south of Chiang Mai, priced from $23.65 per person.

The 5-hour experience allows visitors to interact ethically with the elephants, including washing, feeding, and learning about their habitats and behaviors. Guests can also enjoy a nature walk with knowledgeable rangers and the opportunity to swim and bathe with the elephants.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. Hotel pickup is optional, with drivers waiting no more than 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

Activities and Experience

Visitors to the Pon Elephant Sanctuary can engage in ethical interactions with the elephants.

They’ll get to wash, feed, and learn about the elephants’ habitats, biology, and behavior. The tour includes a nature walk led by knowledgeable rangers, where guests can observe the elephants in their natural setting.

Visitors can feed the elephants Napier grass, sugarcane, and bananas. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to swim and bathe with the elephants in a natural environment.

The activities may vary, as they’re based on the elephants’ preferences and well-being.

Transportation and Meeting Information

Guests can opt for hotel pickup, with drivers arriving 5-10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

However, drivers will only wait up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time before departing.

The meeting point varies based on the booking option, with the Pon Elephant Thailand Park being available for those not requiring transportation.

• Optional hotel pickup service available

• Drivers arrive 5-10 minutes before scheduled time

• Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after pickup time

• Meeting point varies based on booking

• Pon Elephant Thailand Park accessible without transfer

Important Information and Restrictions

Individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or animal allergies should avoid this tour.

Participants must bring a change of clothes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and insect repellent. Weapons, alcohol, and feeding the animals are prohibited.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other events. Visitors should be ready 5-10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, as drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes.

The meeting point varies based on the booking option, but the Pon Elephant Thailand Park is available without the need for transfer.

Interaction with the elephants is based on the animals’ choices, and activities may change.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Pon Elephant Sanctuary tour has earned an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 525 reviews.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides, rating them 4.9/5, and the overall value for money at 4.8/5. The transportation has also received high marks at 4.8/5.

Highlighted reviews include:

• "Enjoyed close interaction with elephants, worth the travel." – Sandra, Germany

• "Knowledgeable guides, well-treated elephants, recommend mosquito repellent." – Fiona, Thailand

• "Kind guide, helpful with children." – Alex, France

The tour’s high ratings and positive reviews indicate an exceptional experience for visitors.

Exploring the Pon Elephant Sanctuary

Although the Pon Elephant Sanctuary is located just south of Chiang Mai, visitors embark on an immersive half-day tour that transports them into the elephants’ natural habitat.

The experience begins with an ethical interaction, allowing guests to wash, feed, and learn about the elephants’ biology and behavior.

Afterward, a nature walk with knowledgeable rangers reveals the elephants’ lush environment.

The highlight is the opportunity to swim and bathe with the gentle giants in a serene, natural setting.

Throughout the tour, the activities are tailored to the elephants’ preferences, ensuring a truly rewarding and responsible encounter.

Ethical Practices and Animal Welfare

At the Pon Elephant Sanctuary, the well-being of the elephants is the top priority. The sanctuary follows strict ethical guidelines to ensure the elephants’ safety and comfort.

Some of the key practices include:

• Allowing the elephants to choose their own level of interaction with visitors

• Providing a natural habitat with ample space for the elephants to roam

• Feeding the elephants a diet of nutritious, locally-sourced foods

• Implementing a comprehensive healthcare program to monitor the elephants’ physical and mental health

• Employing knowledgeable guides to educate visitors on elephant behavior and conservation

Planning Your Elephant Encounter in Chiang Mai

Visiting the elephants at the Pon Sanctuary is an unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with these magnificent creatures in an ethical and responsible manner.

The half-day tour offers a range of activities, including washing, feeding, and learning about the elephants’ habitats, biology, and behavior. You’ll also enjoy a nature walk led by knowledgeable rangers and have the opportunity to swim and bathe with the elephants in a natural setting.

The tour is priced at $23.65 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours, with optional hotel pickup available.

Advance booking and payment are recommended to secure your spot.

Since You Asked

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Sanctuary?

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the dry season, typically from November to April. This allows for more comfortable temperatures and better conditions for interacting with the elephants.

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Elephants?

The tour does not allow visitors to bring their own food for the elephants. However, the sanctuary provides appropriate Napier grass, sugarcane, and bananas for feeding the elephants during the hands-on interaction portion of the tour.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point Without Hotel Pickup?

The meeting point can be accessed directly at the Pon Elephant Thailand Park without the need for hotel pickup. Guests should make their own way to the park and arrive a few minutes before the scheduled tour time.

Is the Tour Guided in Multiple Languages?

The tour is guided in multiple languages. According to the information provided, the knowledgeable rangers who lead the nature walk and interact with the elephants are able to communicate with guests in different languages.

What Happens if the Weather Is Unfavorable on the Day?

The itinerary may change due to unfavorable weather or other events. In such cases, the tour operator will work to provide an alternative experience that aligns with the tour’s overall objectives while ensuring the safety and comfort of participants.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program offers an unforgettable half-day tour, where visitors can engage in ethical interactions with these majestic creatures. Led by knowledgeable rangers, the tour includes activities such as washing, feeding, and swimming with the elephants, all while ensuring their well-being remains the top priority. With hassle-free transportation and an affordable price, this tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Chiang Mai’s elephants in their natural habitat.

You can check availability for your dates here: