Chiang Mai: Half-Day Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting

Chiang Mai’s natural wonders await. This half-day tour combines an elephant sanctuary visit with thrilling bamboo rafting – an ethical, unforgettable experience. Travelers will enjoy the lives of these gentle giants, feeding and bathing them, while also navigating scenic waterways. At just $53.32 per person, it’s a chance to embrace conservation efforts and explore Chiang Mai’s lush landscapes. What more could you want from a day in northern Thailand?

Key Points

• This half-day tour in Chiang Mai offers an immersive experience at an elephant sanctuary and a thrilling bamboo rafting adventure, priced at $53.32 per person.
• The tour includes transportation, feeding and bathing elephants, a vegetarian lunch, and bamboo rafting on the Wang River, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes.
• The elephant sanctuary emphasizes ethical treatment and the well-being of the animals, with activities adjusted based on weather conditions to prioritize their needs.
• The scenic 1.5-hour drive to the sanctuary features majestic mountains, winding rivers, lush rice and corn fields, and verdant banana plantations.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments, and certain prohibitions apply to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and elephants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This half-day tour in Chiang Mai offers visitors the opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary and enjoy bamboo rafting.

Priced from $53.32 per person, the 10-hour experience includes transportation, a visit to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, interaction with the elephants, a local vegetarian lunch, and bamboo rafting on the Wang River.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is also available, making it a convenient and flexible booking process.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from Chiang Mai, followed by a 1.5-hour van ride to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.

The tour begins with pickup from Chiang Mai, followed by a 1.5-hour van ride to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.

At the sanctuary, visitors can:

• Feed, walk, and bathe the elephants in the river

• Enjoy a local vegetarian Pad Thai and fruit meal

• Set out on a bamboo rafting adventure down the Wang River

• Admire the scenic landscapes of mountains, rivers, rice and corn fields, and banana plantations during the return van ride.

Interaction With Elephants

Visitors are able to interact with the elephants in a variety of ways at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. They can feed the elephants fruits and vegetables, walk alongside them, and even bathe them in the river.

These activities allow guests to observe the elephants’ natural behaviors and get up close with these magnificent creatures. The sanctuary emphasizes ethical treatment, ensuring the elephants’ comfort and wellbeing throughout the experience.

Activities are adjusted based on weather conditions to prioritize the elephants’ needs. Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants and the importance of conservation efforts.

Scenic Drive and Landscapes

As guests depart Chiang Mai, they embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the region’s diverse landscapes.

The route takes them through:

• Majestic mountains, their peaks rising in the distance

• Winding rivers, their waters reflecting the sky

• Lush rice and corn fields, their crops swaying in the breeze

• Verdant banana plantations, their lush foliage casting gentle shadows

This visual feast sets the stage for the immersive elephant encounter and bamboo rafting adventure that await.

The journey itself becomes an integral part of the overall experience, whetting the appetite for the exciting activities to come.

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Ethical Treatment of Elephants

Although the sanctuary places a strong emphasis on the ethical treatment of elephants, visitors can rest assured that no force is involved in the interactions.

The elephants are free to roam and partake in the activities at their own will. Their comfort and well-being are the top priorities. The activities are adjusted based on weather conditions to ensure the elephants don’t experience any distress.

Visitors are briefed on proper etiquette and instructed not to disturb the elephants. This commitment to animal welfare sets the sanctuary apart, providing an authentic, enriching experience for travelers seeking an ethical elephant encounter.

Important Considerations

Certain physical limitations apply to this activity, as it may not be suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back problems or mobility impairments.

Participants should come prepared with:

• Hat, swimwear, and a change of clothes

• Towel, sandals, sunscreen, and water

• Comfortable clothing and insect repellent

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited, as is feeding the animals.

These restrictions ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and the elephants.

With the proper precautions, guests can fully enjoy this immersive and ethical elephant encounter.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

The half-day elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting experience in Chiang Mai has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

With an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 32 reviews, travelers have consistently praised the activity’s guides, transportation, and exceptional value for money.

Highlights include the ethical treatment of the elephants, the enjoyable interaction with the animals in their natural habitat, and the fun of bamboo rafting.

Travelers emphasize the experience as a must-do activity, offering an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Thailand’s iconic elephants.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting with the pickup in Chiang Mai, participants embark on a 1.5-hour scenic drive through the region’s lush landscapes, including mountains, rivers, rice and corn fields, and banana plantations.

A 1.5-hour scenic drive through the region’s lush landscapes, including mountains, rivers, rice and corn fields, and banana plantations.

At the sanctuary, they’ll:

• Interact with elephants by feeding, walking, and bathing them in the river.

• Enjoy a local vegetarian meal of Pad Thai and fresh fruit.

• Engage in the thrilling activity of bamboo rafting on the Wang River.

Return to Chiang Mai after the day’s adventures, arriving back around 6:30 PM.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The minimum group size is not specified. The tour allows for individual bookings, so there’s no minimum group requirement. Travelers can book their spots without needing to coordinate with others.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

No, the itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-set package tour with specific activities. However, some elements like the elephant interaction can be adjusted based on the weather and the elephants’ comfort level.

Are Professional Photographs Taken During the Tour?

Yes, professional photos are taken during the tour. These photos can be purchased as an optional add-on to capture your memorable experience interacting with the elephants and enjoying the bamboo rafting activity.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a local vegetarian meal and bottled water. Bringing outside food or drinks is not allowed to maintain the sanctuary’s standards and ensure a safe, high-quality experience for all.

Are the Elephants Rescue Animals or Born in Captivity?

The elephants at the sanctuary are rescued animals rather than ones born in captivity. The sanctuary focuses on providing ethical care and a natural environment for the elephants, avoiding any forced interactions.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai half-day tour offers an immersive experience that combines the beauty of the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and the thrill of bamboo rafting. At $53.32 per person, this 10-hour journey provides an ethical encounter with elephants, a scenic drive, and a local vegetarian meal, making it a must-try for those seeking a memorable and eco-friendly adventure in Chiang Mai.

You can check availability for your dates here: