Half-Day Visit: Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Tour
Spend a Wonderful Half-Day Making Friends with Asian Elephants.
Spend a meaningful half-day with elephants in their natural jungle habitat — one of the most popular ethical elephant tours in Chiang Mai.
Walk alongside the herd, hand-feed them fresh fruit, and join them for a mud spa and river swim in the heart of the jungle. Your professional guide and mahout will share each elephant’s name, history, and natural behaviours as you spend time together in their space.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is Thailand’s ACES Gold-certified ethical elephant sanctuary — no riding, no performance, just elephants living as elephants.
The Chiang Mai Half-Day Program includes a traditional Thai buffet and round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city centre. Family-friendly. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
What’s included?
- Food & drinks
- Round-Trip Transfer to/from your Accommodation in Chiang Mai
- English-Speaking Tour Guide
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Drinking Water
- Elephant Food
- Insurance (Require Passport Number)
Important Notes:
- A free pick-up service is available within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old Town. For locations beyond this area, a surcharge will apply.
- Interactive Experience: Be prepared for a hands-on experience, as this program includes feeding activity. These engaging activities help foster a memorable connection with the elephants.
- Health & Safety: All interactions are conducted under the guidance of our experienced handlers to ensure safety for both the elephants and participants.
- Environmental Respect: While engaging in bathing and mud spa activities, we maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental respect to ensure that our impact is positive and ethical.
What do I need to bring?
- Hat
- Bathing Suit
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Towel
- Personal Medication
- Change of Clothes
- Walking Shoes
- Copy of Passport Photo Page (or Passport Number)
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 2 days or less before the event
- Convenient Hotel Pickup: Relax as our comfortable transport picks you up directly from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai.
- Scenic Journey South: Enjoy a beautiful 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai, traveling through scenic rolling hills, lush forests, and local farming areas.
- Sanctuary Arrival & Welcome: Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, meet your passionate guide, and change into traditional Karen clothing to protect your clothes.
- Educational Briefing: Learn fascinating facts about Asian elephant behaviors, anatomy, and the unique history of our resident herd.
- Meet & Feed the Herd: Meet the elephants! Hand-feed them fresh fruits, interact with them in their natural environment, and capture incredible photos.
- Therapeutic Mud Spa: Get hands-on and messy! Join the elephants in a playful mud spa to help protect their skin from the sun and insects.
- River Bathing & Wash: Walk down with the elephants to a natural river. Help splash, brush, and bathe them in the refreshing water.
- Traditional Buffet & Farewell: Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared traditional Thai meal before saying a heartwarming final goodbye to your big friends.
- Return Journey: Leave the sanctuary and enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour drive back through the countryside.
- Safe Hotel Drop-off: Arrive safely back at your hotel or accommodation to complete your unforgettable adventure.
1. Free Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
- Service Area: Complimentary round-trip transfer is available for hotels located within a 5-kilometer radius of Chiang Mai Old Town.
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Pick-up Schedule:
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Morning Trip: 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM
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Afternoon Trip: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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⚠️ Important Note: This is a joint transfer service. Please be ready at your hotel lobby at the start of the scheduled time. Out of respect for other guests on the schedule, the driver cannot wait past the departure window.
2. Meeting Points (For Guests Traveling on Their Own)
Please arrive at your chosen meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
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📍 Point 1: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS Office Thapae Road)
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Time: Morning Trip: 06:30 AM | Afternoon Trip: 11:30 AM
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Note: ❌ No parking available.
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📍 Point 2: PTT Station Nam Phrae
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Time: Morning Trip: 07:20 AM | Afternoon Trip: 12:20 PM
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Note: This location is strictly for transferring to the EJS vehicle. ❌ Not recommended if you are driving a personal vehicle, as long-term parking is not available.
- View on Google Maps
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📍 Point 3: Wat Sop Win (Sop Win Temple)
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Time: Morning Trip: 08:15 AM | Afternoon Trip: 13:15 PM (1:15 PM)
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Note: ⭐ Highly recommended if you are traveling with a personal or rental vehicle (parking space available).
- View on Google Maps
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FAQ
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Contact Information
chiang mai
Address: 119/10 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Monday-Sunday 7 AM - 9 PM
pattaya
Address: Office 3, 347 Pattaya 3rd Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Monday-Sunday 8 AM - 6 PM
samui
Address: Soi Maenam 1, Maenam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330
Monday-Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM