Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, TH
Explore the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and enjoy bamboo rafting on the Wang River on a day trip from Chang Mai. Interact with the elephants, feed them, and walk with them in the forest.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
English
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai offers a deeply meaningful and ethical elephant experience in the heart of northern Thailand’s lush landscapes.
Nestled just 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, near the scenic mountains of Inthanon National Park, the sanctuary provides a true haven for rescued elephants — where they roam freely, no chains, no riding, no performances, live naturally, and are treated with respect.
Your experience begins with wearing traditional Mo Hom clothing and learning about the elephants’ individual stories and behaviors. Hand-feed the elephants, walk with them through the forest, and observe their playful moments in the river and mud baths — all guided by expert caretakers focused on elephant welfare.
The day’s journey continues with a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure along the peaceful Wang River. Glide through lush jungle scenery guided by experienced local raft masters — a perfect moment to reflect and reconnect with nature.
After rafting, return to the sanctuary for more time with the elephants, including observing their natural bathing rituals (weather permitting). Change into fresh attire, carrying with you the essence of the sanctuary and serenity of the river.
As you journey back to Chiang Mai, the joy and peace of this magical day will remain in your heart.
This full-day program includes transportation from Chiang Mai, a delicious Authentic Pad Thai prepared with local ingredients, and enriching activities that directly support ethical elephant care. Join this heartwarming experience and make a difference in the lives of these incredible animals.
Full-day Program:
Time Session: 08:00-17:00
Duration: 9-10 hours
Itinerary:
- Pick up from Chiang Mai hotel
- Scenic drive through rural landscapes: rivers, rice fields, banana plantations
- Welcome briefing & change into traditional northern clothing
- Feed and walk with elephants through the tropical forest
- Enjoy a delicious local meal
- Short drive (approx. 15 minutes) to bamboo rafting release point
- Bamboo Rafting: Glide through the peaceful Wang River, surrounded by jungle beauty, guided by a local raft master
- Return to the Elephant Sanctuary to enjoy more time with the elephants
- Walk with the elephants to the river and observe their bathing rituals (weather permitting)
- Change clothes and say goodbye to the elephants
- Return to Chiang Mai (1.5-hour drive)
- If the weather is too cold and the elephants don’t want to get into the river, we will not force them.
- The duration includes transportation time, which may vary depending on local traffic.
-The voucher time shows whether your trip is in the morning or afternoon. Exact pickup time may vary by hotel and will be confirmed one day before the trip.
- Thank you for understanding and supporting ethical elephant care!
- If it rains and the water level is too high to go rafting, an on-site refund of 200 THB per person will be provided
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Traditional northern clothing for the visit
Meal
Bamboo rafting with a river guide
Time with elephants in their natural habitat
Personal expenses
Tips
All activities with elephants are based on animal welfare and do not involve forcing the animals.
If the weather is too cold, elephants will not be bathed as their comfort and preferences are prioritized.
If it rains and the water level is too high to go rafting, an on-site refund of 200 THB per person will be provided
Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or wet, and bring a change of clothes for after the activities.
Un’esperienza incredibile! Gli elefanti vivono in un ambiente verde e spazioso, liberi di muoversi e spostarsi come vogliono. Abbiamo fatto il bagno con loro senza invadere troppo i loro spazi e dato loro da mangiare. La guida Lulú molto simpatico! Consigliatissimo
L’attività è stata carina, però ci è dispiaciuto per gli elefanti… eravamo un gruppo numeroso di 30 persone a cibare e a essere vicini a 4/5 elefanti… dalla descrizione etica che facevano credevo sarebbe stato qualcosa di più rispettoso. Comunque una bella gita
Bien todo bien
Very enjoyable day of river rafting and elephant encounters.
Me encantó visitar a los elefantes, están libres y bien cuidados, una experiencia muy bonita para conectar con ellos.
C’était vraiment super! Le personnel était d’une gentillesse et notre guide Tukta était géniale. C’est un lieu magnifique avec des gens qui donnent de l’amour aux éléphants. Le rafting était super chouette et détente. J’aurais aimé quand même passer un peu plus de temps la bas surtout que le trajet est quand même long. Expérience incroyable je recommande!!!
c’était bien
Our guide, Tuctuc(nickname) did a wonderful job going through each stage of the tour. She made you feel like you were an old friend. Her knowledge of these elephants was amazing! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who loves elephants, as I do.
Really enjoyable day with the elephants. The bamboo rafting was also awesome fun. Kids had an absolutely magical day.