One of the key elements of travelling to Thailand is experiencing its natural beauty and wildlife. The country is rich in flora and fauna, and most visitors enjoy interactions with exotic Asian creatures, particularly elephants. Thailand is home to over 3000 elephants and the country proudly boasts of some of the finest Elephant sanctuaries which are quite popular with tourists. Sadly though! Most visitors are unaware that they can become the targets of fraudsters who mistreat elephants while presenting their elephant attractions as moral recreational parks. Elephant cruelty has been reported in Thailand since a few years ago with the elephant sanctuary controversy sparking nationwide campaigns asking for the closure on elephant nature parks.

There are, however, ethical elephant reserves that serve as centres for the rescue and protection of elephants. The Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is one such spot where you can go and interact with rescued elephants. Here is an overview of this sanctuary for elephants and what you can expect as visitors.

Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect from mosquitoes and other insects. Quick-dry, wick and synthetic fabrics are ideal.
• Bring insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, as well as sun protection like wide-brimmed hats, UV blocking sunglasses, and waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Carry portable rain protection like compact ponchos and umbrellas in your daypack, as the weather can be unpredictable.
• Respect all park rules and signage, especially about not riding, bathing, or having direct contact with elephants.
• Capture memories without flash or selfie stick photography which can startle these sensitive animals. The sounds also distress them.
• Purchase the park’s homemade sustainable products like woven scarves, jewelry, coffee, and tea to support their conservation efforts.

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai was founded in the 1990s and is Thailand’s best-known and genuine elephant conservation initiative, under the able guidance of its founder Lek Chailert. After seeing the mistreatment and abandonment of elephants by teak loggers and poachers, Chailert embarked on a quest to guarantee that these gentle giants had a home where they were cared for and loved. Chailert established the Elephant Nature Park with aid on some property near Chiang Mai that was located on the border of a the rainforest and initially sheltered 34 rescued elephants. Since then, the Elephant Nature Park has advanced greatly and herds of elephants has emerged.

The sanctuary specialises in elephant health, survival, and rehabilitation and has received numerous accolades for its achievements. In addition to learning about these magnificent animals, you can engage closely with rescued elephants at Elephant Nature Park. There are no elephant rides or performances featuring tricks or acrobatics by elephants at this attraction. Visitors are welcome to the park and can volunteer to help take care of the elephants since its only goal is to protect them via awareness and education. Elephant Nature Park is the best elephant sanctuary in Thailand that suits all age groups. For all those who enjoy animals and elephants, and has a Thailand visa this is one of the must things to do in Chiang Mai.

Experiences to enjoy at Elephant Nature Park

• One day tours – Visitors can explore this gorgeous haven for a day with serene drives through lush countryside, and then meet elephants, know about their environment, behaviour and how they are taken care in a spacious outdoor habitat. Herds can be seen ambling around freely and taking river baths. You can participate in feeding, playing and petting them. The tours also include a delectable lunch.
• Overnight experience – If you are looking for an immersive experience, stay back for a sleepover! With the overnight tour, you can stay for a night and enjoy the rural, refreshing ambience accentuated by elephant herds strolling along. All meals and accommodation will be provided by the park when you book this tour. However, it is essential that you pre-book in advance as there can be availability issues. Also, only one night stay is allowed for visitors, if you prefer to spend more days here, then become a volunteer!

If you are looking for an immersive experience, stay back for a sleepover! With the overnight tour, you can stay for a night and enjoy the rural, refreshing ambience accentuated by elephant herds strolling along. All meals and accommodation will be provided by the park when you book this tour. However, it is essential that you pre-book in advance as there can be availability issues. Also, only one night stay is allowed for visitors, if you prefer to spend more days here, then become a volunteer! You can extend your trip to Art in Paradise at Chiang Mai.

What to carry and wear on a Thai Elephant Sanctuary trip?

The Elephant Nature Park advises guests to bring lightweight luggage. Each person is limited to one small-sized day bag and one carry-on baggage. It is advisable to wear loose, light clothing and bring apparel that you can layer in case it gets cool at night because Chiang Mai is a tropical mountainous area. Additionally, some necessary items to bring for this journey are insect and mosquito repellents, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and rain gear. Carry cash because this is a rural location and people here prefer to be paid in cash when making purchases.

How to reach Chiang Mai elephant nature park?

Elephant Nature Park is located in Mae Taeng District in Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand, approximately 60 kilometres from Chiang Mai City. From Chiang Mai airport, this attraction is 2 hours away by car. For those planning a single day visit, it is best to reach Chiang Mai a day before and then visit the sanctuary; there are fine resort and hotels located nearby the park such as Royal Ping Garden & Resort, Coffee Hill & Resort to name a few where you can stay for a day before visiting the park. The best time to visit the park would be around November till January when the weather is pleasant for outdoor excursions and there are no rains.

Admission Prices

One day experience in Elephant nature park tickets costs about 2500 Thai Baht per person and 1250 Thai Baht per child under 11 years of age. One-day excursions come in a variety of options and activities that will vary the ticket price.
The cost of an overnight stay for one night and two days is approximately 5800 Thai Baht for adults and 2900 Thai Baht for children under the age of 11.

Now that you know more about this Thai tourist destination, if you are considering visiting Chiang Mai and have a Thailand tourist visa, we strongly suggest adding a stop here in your travel schedule. If you have never been to this country before, do check out our Thailand itinerary for first-time visitors.

Hotels near the Elephant Nature Park

Some top-rated eco-friendly hotels close to the sanctuary worth booking in advance are:

• Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – Luxurious 5-star resort nestled in rice paddies and mountains
• Maetaeng River Hill Resort – Family-friendly green hotel surrounded by lush greenery
• Rimping Village Hotel – Charming Thai-style bungalows with a gorgeous pool and spa
• Chiang Mai Mountain Retreat & Spa – Secluded villa resort with breathtaking mountain views
• Coffee Hill Boutique Resort- Quiet Balinese-style cottages on a peaceful coffee plantation

Best Time to Visit the Elephant Nature Park, Thailand

The ideal months to visit Elephant Nature Park are during the dry winter months from November to January. Temperatures average a comfortable 75-86°F offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Humidity is lower and rainfall is less frequent, especially in December which is peak tourist season. If planning in advance, be sure to book tours and hotels a few months in advance since it gets busy.

Lunch and Relax

A delicious multi-course vegetarian lunch featuring authentic Thai cuisine is provided using fresh local produce and ingredients during the day tours. Menu items include flavorful curries, stir fried noodles, savory rice dishes and tropical fruit platters. After filling up, visitors can kick off their shoes, relax in the open-air seating pavilions and observe elephants contentedly roaming in their lush natural habitat while listening to the peaceful sounds of nature.