Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai

If you are planning to visit Chiang Mai and want to participate in a traditional activity in this destination, you cannot miss a visit to an elephant sanctuary. These places have earned a reputation for being respectful with these animals and have also become one of the most outstanding attractions, since you will not only be able to meet these friendly mammals but also interact with them.

In the sanctuaries of Chiang Mai you can spend a whole day with the elephants while learning about their behavior, feeding habits and life. Usually, the animals come to these sanctuaries after being rescued from illegal shelters or commercial exploitation sites. Therefore, touring these sites is one of the best activities you can do in Chiang Mai.

A traditional option

Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Chiang Mai

An excursion to visit Ran Tong, one of the most famous sanctuaries in the world.

You can visit this refuge located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and tour one of the most complete sanctuaries of this destination.

From $76 at Hellotickets

In these Ran Tong tours you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai in a complete experience that includes round trip transfers from the city center to the sanctuary, guided tour, proper clothing to interact with the animals, Thai lunch with fresh seasonal fruits and accident insurance.

Also, at Ran Tong you can choose from several different schedules and shifts, and you will have the opportunity to tour this site in the morning, in the afternoon or during a full day excursion.

Recommended if... you want to see one of the most visited sites in Chiang Mai and participate in a typical local experience.

You can access the elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai by purchasing tickets in advance online or on the official websites of the sanctuaries. You can also buy tickets at each site, but please note that the number of visitors is usually limited to avoid stressing the animals, so I advise you to make your reservation in advance.

At the sanctuaries, you can usually choose to buy tickets for a morning, afternoon or full-day tour. Please note that, as these sanctuaries are usually located outside the city, tickets usually include transportation to and from Chiang Mai, guided tour, appropriate clothing, lunch, food for the animals and accident insurance.

Ticket prices will depend on the sanctuary chosen, but are usually around 50 euros per person. If you decide to book a visit to the Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary, you will also find tickets with reduced prices for children, but you can also choose other sanctuaries.

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is renowned for its focus on conservation and the rescue of abused elephants. There you can observe and participate in responsible activities, such as feeding and bathing the mammals, and there are also activities for children. Entrance fees are around 60 euros per person and it is located just outside Chiang Mai.

Maerim

Maerim is another highlight and differs from the other lodges in that the site managers focus on providing a natural environment for the elephants and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Visitors can enjoy walks with the elephants, bathe them in the river and learn about the importance of elephant conservation. Tickets start at approximately 55 euros per person.

Patara

Patara is another respectable alternative, focused on rescued elephants and conservation education. There you can enjoy authentic experiences, such as feeding and walking with the elephants, while contributing to the cause of protecting them, as the ticket price of around 50 euros goes to this purpose.

Kanta

Kanta, located in Chiang Dao, is a refuge that stands out for offering close interactions with elephants in a natural environment. In addition to observation, there you can participate in various activities that promote understanding and respect for these animals, making the visit an educational and enriching experience, ideal for touring with children. Tickets cost around 48 euros per person.

Most sanctuaries offer three different shifts for visitors, covering tours during the morning, during the afternoon and also during the full day. Generally, morning shifts run from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, afternoon shifts from 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and full-day shifts from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, you should check the information on the website of each refuge.

During the time slot you choose, you will be able to participate in all the proposed activities with the assistance of a local expert guide, who will tell you about the history of each refuge, about their commitment to environmental and animal care and about the challenges these sites are currently facing. You may even have time to adopt and sponsor an elephant if you are so inclined.

Also, when purchasing your ticket, take into account which time slot best suits your travel plan. If you plan to visit the best temples in Chiang Mai, such as Wat Phra Singh, or visit other attractions in the city, you may want to book a morning or afternoon tour instead of a full-day itinerary.

All tickets to the Chiang Mai sanctuaries include the guided tour and the accompaniment of a professional expert who will assist you during the journey from the city center to the sanctuaries and also inside these sites, where you can participate in animal feeding activities and other interactive events. This is a condition to guarantee the safety of the visitors as well as the animals.

Likewise, these same guides will give you the necessary clothing that will identify you as a visitor inside the sanctuary and will tell you the history of each of these sites and their missions in the rescue and preservation of these mammals.

As a general rule, elephant sanctuaries are open to audiences of all ages and this is why it is one of the best tours in Chiang Mai. Also, children under 12 years of age accompanied by a responsible adult usually have access to reduced rates, making this refuge one of the best activities to do with the family.

On the other hand, keep in mind that during these experiences you will be assisted by expert local guides, so it is also an accessible activity for those who are afraid of large animals in general or elephants in particular, as they can overcome their fears with all the guarantees of safety.

The answer will depend on the sanctuary you choose to visit, although all tickets include transfers from the city center to the sanctuary entrance. This is because these sites are located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, away from the city center.

Ran Tong, for example, is about 50 kilometers away from Chiang Mai and the sanctuary entrance fees include round-trip transfers by private bus from the city center, so you will not need to organize your itinerary or worry about transportation, since you will have access to a shared bus with air conditioning and with all the amenities to enjoy the tour.

However, as you will also be able to buy tickets at the entrance of the sanctuaries, keep in mind that you will be able to arrive by car or cab. Also, consider that the visiting hours of the sanctuaries end around 7 p.m., when night falls, to ensure the safety of visitors, so it is also an alternative compatible with some of the best night activities in Chiang Mai.

On the other hand, the shrines can only be reached by private transport, as the regular buses do not reach the outskirts of the city or the circuit of the main Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai.

The elephant sanctuaries are suitable for all ages and the proof of this is that, if you plan to buy tickets for the Ran Tong sanctuary or for the rest of the sanctuaries, you can get tickets at reduced rates for children under 12 years old. In addition, in these experiences the little ones will be able to interact with the animals, which they will love and will add a playful touch to the visit.

On the other hand, keep in mind that the activities of this site are designed for the whole family and include team experiences, as is the case of feeding, bathing elephants and also instances of play. Visiting this sanctuary as a family, therefore, will not only be a fun experience, but will also foster team spirit between adults and children.

During your tour of the Chiang Mai elephant sanctuaries you can choose the activities you wish to participate in, but generally you will be offered to interact with the animals to feed them, bathe them, play with them and also to learn their stories, as each of the specimens is individualized.

Also, during these tours you will be able to live an experience that goes beyond the animals, as you will learn about the history of the local tribes, which are part of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and occupy the rural areas surrounding the city. One of the most among these tribal societies is the Karen, who are famous for their giraffe-necked women.

This is why I advise you not to miss the guided tours of the elephant sanctuaries, nor fail to participate in the activities proposed by the expert local guides.

Activities included in Chiang Mai sanctuary entrance fees

• Guided tour of the sanctuaries
• Feeding of the animals
• Bathing of the animals
• Typical Thai lunch and bottled water
• Roundtrip transportation from the center of Chiang Mai
• Learn about the history of the local tribes
• Travel insurance

As a general rule, the morning and afternoon shifts at the sanctuaries last approximately 6 hours each, which is enough time to do all the activities offered by each sanctuary. However, if you opt for the full-day alternative, the duration of the experience will be approximately 9 hours, including transfers to and from the center of Chiang Mai.

Please note that the entrance fees usually include transfers to and from the shrine, so unless you are on your own and want to leave early, the duration of these activities is fixed.

However, if you opt for the single-shift alternatives you can easily combine these activities with some of the best Chiang Mai tours, which will take you to discover one of the ancient capitals of the Kingdom of Siam.

Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries offer a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to interact ethically and respectfully with these animals. To make the most of your visit, it is crucial to follow some practical advice, such as booking in advance, as the sanctuaries limit the number of visitors to ensure the tranquility and well-being of the elephants.

Once you have arrived at the sanctuary of your choice, it is essential to respect the rules set by the keepers. Avoid getting too close to the elephants without proper supervision and follow the directions on how to interact with them in a safe and non-intrusive manner. Also, remember that elephants are wild and sensitive animals, so it is important to remain calm and not make unnecessary noise so as not to cause them stress.

On the other hand, opt for comfortable clothing that can get dirty, as you are likely to be involved in activities such as feeding the elephants or participating in their daily care. Also, don't forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as you will be outdoors in a natural environment. By following these tips, your experience at the Chiang Mai sanctuaries will be a memorable one, and you will be able to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Chiang Mai.

Also, if you are planning a short 3-day stay in Chiang Mai or even less, consider choosing the morning or afternoon shift options offered by these lodges, which is faster and will allow you to combine this activity with the best guided tours in the city.