While elephant riding was all the rage in Thailand for a spell, these days tourists are becoming more interested in the wellbeing of these spectacular creatures and are instead opting to visit sanctuaries.

These shelters are essential in ensuring that elephants across the country are allowed to spend their final years free from the cruelty of the logging and tourist trades. There is an abundance of elephant sanctuary day trips from Chiang Mai to choose from, where you can learn how to nurture these historically ill-treated beings.

Here's all you need to know about elephant sanctuaries, one of the most exciting day trips from Chiang Mai.

How to get to an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai?

There are numerous elephant sanctuaries located in the countryside surrounding the city of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. The majority of them tend to be around 50 kilometers from the city center in various directions.

From Chiang Mai to an elephant sanctuary by car

The easiest way to make the jaunt to an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai is to drive. These elephant havens are usually located outside the city center, where there is more lush greenery for the animals to roam freely. Most sanctuaries are within an hour’s drive of Chiang Mai and are easy to navigate to.

Guided tour to an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai

Alternatively, make the journey to an elephant sanctuary via a guided excursion and allow your tour operator to take care of the arrangements. You’ll benefit from a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service from accommodations around the city center.

You can expect your trip to last between 5 and 10 hours, depending on any additional destinations, while day tours start between 7 AM and 8 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

The majority of elephant sanctuary day tours leave Chiang Mai early in the morning and head directly to the main destination. When you reach your chosen elephant park, you’ll be guided around the premises, learning about the creature’s habits and how the sanctuary caters to their needs.

You’ll usually create a healthy snack for the mammals, which you can often then feed them by hand. Some excursions allow you to bathe with the elephants, while others give you time to simply watch their blissful interactions as they enjoy their newfound freedom.

You’ll stay at your sanctuary until lunchtime, when you’ll dine on a freshly prepared vegetarian meal together with your group. From there, you may return directly to Chiang Mai city center.

Alternatively, some elephant sanctuary day trips journey on to explore other destinations, such as national parks or ancient temples.

What kinds of tours are available to go to elephant sanctuaries?

There are many different elephant sanctuary day tours available to visit the most esteemed retreats in this corner of Thailand. Whether learning about the spectacular mammals is the sole purpose of your excursion or you wish to visit other destinations en route, you’ll find the right trip for you.

Guided tour to an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai

Elephant sanctuary day tours differ depending on which site you visit. You’ll be able to choose from different retreats for these gentle giants, where you can watch how they interact with each other as they spend the remainder of their days in paradise. Generally, you’ll learn about how the creatures are cared for and spend some time preparing a tasty meal for them.

You’ll have the opportunity to feed the elephants directly from your hand and admire their ginormous features up close. Avoid being splashed as the elephants enjoy a mud bath and watch how playful, and sociable they naturally become around each other. Before returning to Chiang Mai, you’ll be provided with a nourishing meal to enjoy as you bond with your group over your shared experience.

Private tour to an elephant sanctuary plus Doi Suthep Temple from Chiang Mai

On this private elephant sanctuary day tour, you’ll have the opportunity to become a caretaker for the day. You’ll discover how elephants have been taken advantage of by humans in different trades for centuries, which will enable you to understand how important sanctuaries are in providing a safe space for the animals. Bond with the elephants by bathing with them in the river after feeding them snacks you have prepared yourself.

Continue on your excursion to Doi Suthep Temple, which is located on an almost 1,700-meter mountain. Here, you’ll find a peaceful haven filled with pristine gardens and colorful Buddhist shrines. You can admire the glistening gold exterior of the temple and look out across the hilly terrain of the Chiang Mai region from this high vantage point.

Day trip to an elephant sanctuary plus Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai

Another option is to combine your elephant sanctuary day trip with a visit to the Doi Inthanon National Park. After spending time observing a herd of elephants as they go about their daily rituals, you’ll continue on your excursion to the national park. Be awed by the mighty mountain of the same name before visiting the twin pagodas.

These two architectural masterpieces were built in the 20th century. One was constructed in honor of the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th birthday in 1987 while the other was erected in 1995 to celebrate Queen Sikrit’s 50th birthday. Wander through a typical Thai produce market before hiking the most striking nature trail in the park — Kew Mae Pan. End your day trip by meeting the ancient Karen tribe and tasting their locally-brewed coffee.

Day tour to an elephant sanctuary plus waterfall trip and bamboo rafting from Chiang Mai

This adventurous outing begins by traveling to the Mae Wang Waterfall, where you can listen to streams of water gushing down several layers of rocks into its plunge basin. Refresh yourself by taking a dip in these cool waters before continuing on to an elephant sanctuary with a commitment to ethical practices.

These gentle creatures will leave a lasting impression on you after watching, feeding and bathing them over the course of several hours. Finally, hop on a bamboo raft and work your way down the meandering Mae Wang River before returning to Chiang Mai.

How much does a day trip to an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai cost?

Basic elephant sanctuary day trips include round-trip transportation, lunch and a guide to expand your knowledge of the world’s largest land mammal. For this, you can expect to pay between US$60 and US$80 per person, depending on the sanctuary you visit, and the size of your group.

Elephant sanctuary excursions that pay a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park also fall within this range, as well as waterfall and bamboo rafting adventures.

Private elephant sanctuary day tours that also travel to Doi Suthep Temple cost approximately US$130 per person.

What will you see and do?

The exploitation of elephants by humans can be dated back to the rule of Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C. During this period, the large mammals were trained to aid in wars because of their considerable strength and endurance over long stretches of time.

In Thailand, elephants were used in the logging industry for many centuries, helping the local people to haul incredibly heavy loads through the forests. More recently, they have been taken advantage of in the name of tourism, with many companies offering elephant rides.

While this may seem like a harmless activity, riding puts strain on the elephant’s back and can cause lasting harm to its spine. These creatures have also been hunted and traded throughout history.

Logging was banned in the 20th century, however, a number of elephants are still used for this purpose illegally. Elephant protection laws were also passed in 2010 banning certain tourism acts, such as teaching the animals to perform tricks for visitors in exchange for money. While these laws are making it harder to take advantage of the wild mammals, there are still over 3,000 captive elephants in the country.

Elephants are believed to be sacred in Buddhism — the main religion in Thailand. Despite this, elephants have been tortured into obedience by using a sharp bullhook. This practice is used in order to “crush the creature's spirit” and make them comply easily with their trainer.

There are many who believe these magnificent creatures don’t deserve this cruel fate and as such, there are a considerable number of elephant sanctuaries that have popped up both around Chiang Mai, and across Thailand as a whole. These sites rescue elephant’s from lives of hardship and allow them to live out the rest of their days in peace.

While numerous elephant parks claim to be “sanctuaries,” there are many that still allow elephant riding and use bullhooks in order to make a larger profit. When deciding which sanctuary to visit, you should choose the most ethical one possible. These true refuges prohibit riding and many also ban bathing with the beings, in an effort to eliminate undue stress to the animals.

Instead, you’ll learn about their natural habitats, how you can care for an elephant and have the opportunity to watch them from a comfortable distance. Interaction with the creatures is never guaranteed, as the elephants can decide whether or not to be sociable with visitors.

What are the opening times?

Each sanctuary has its own opening times and seasons. You should check your chosen site’s operating hours before making the journey to an elephant sanctuary.

When is the best time to visit an elephant sanctuary?

You can plan your elephant sanctuary day trip at any time of year. However, most people agree that the best weather in northern Thailand is between October and February, when the temperatures range from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.

February to April marks the annual burning season across northern Thailand, which leaves a thick haze across Chiang Mai and the surrounding region. The air quality is poor during these months, so opt for a different season for your visit if possible.

Elephants tend to be more active during the early morning than throughout the heat of the day, so travel to your sanctuary early if you can.

Are there any tours to elephant sanctuaries from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Thailand:

Travel tips

When choosing an elephant sanctuary, ensure that the company prohibits riding.
If your sanctuary allows bathing with the elephants, ensure you bring a swimsuit and spare towel with you on your excursion.
Most elephant sanctuary day trips include a fresh vegetarian lunch. If you have any additional dietary requirements, inform your tour operator upon booking.
Elephants are placid and peaceful beings. However, like any wild animal, they can be unpredictable. Listen to your guide’s advice and always allow the animal to come to you before touching it.

Elephant Sanctuaries: Day Trips and Tours from Chiang Mai