Best Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
As someone who once rode an elephant many years ago in South Africa before I knew better, I can attest that visiting an elephant sanctuary is far more fulfilling than riding on an elephants backs.
PRIOR TO VISITING AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN CHIANG MAI
Many organizations and tourists are now standing up and putting their foot down against the cruelty of riding elephants. The movement is leading towards caring for the elephants, feeding, bathing and hugging them.
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia takes time because I wanted to visit every city. When I sit down and list out my non-negotiable cities Chiang Mai is near the top of my list.
THE BEST ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN CHIANG MAI
There are a number of Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand. Some sanctuaries unfortunately still allow tourists to ride the elephants, but my plan is to only visit an ethical sanctuary.
After spending a few hours searching online I decide on the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai. I booked a half-day tour. The tour truck arrives to my hotel at 7:00am and drives about 50 km outside of Chiang Mai.
The morning of my half-day tour I was very excited to see the elephants roam in their natural environment. I was the last pick up stop before heading to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary so the truck was full. Once I arrived, guided down through the mountain and over a stream before getting to the camp. At camp we were instructed to put on a special shirt. This shirt is not only protect our clothing when we interact with the elephants, but to also make the elephants more comfortable. By wearing the colorful shirts the elephants recognize us and they are more relaxed.
Before meeting the elephants, our guide explained the operation and how the flow of the day will go.
We were told that a lot of riding tours don’t take good care of the elephants. They abuse them with hooks, chain them down and limit their food supply. The elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary eat 500 kg of food per day, but a lot of camps would often only feed them 200kg. I love animals and very sad to hear about this treatment by some camps. But I love that The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. They have been slowly buying back the elephants that were mistreated and giving them a better life. The guides at The Elephant Sanctuary are awesome. It is clear that they have the elephant’s best interest at heart. With the money the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary raises from tour visits, they contribute to the elephant welfare, by rescuing them, feeding them and providing veterinary care.
Each sanctuary has their own tour packages. The packages vary by half-a-day up to 7 days. With only a few days in Chiang Mai I opted for the half-day package.
THE VISIT TO THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN CHIANG MAI
Once the briefing by the guide was done, the elephants came strutting into the camp. I quickly grabbed a few bananas and started feeding them. To see these gentle giants up close is amazing. The elephants ate up everything I had in hand and my guide would refill my stash so I could feed more.
After about an hour of interacting with about seven adult elephants plus a baby, the guides lead us down to the stream to give the elephants a bath.
After bathing the elephants it was time for lunch. I followed the group and made my way back to the lodge where a buffet was laid out for us. we all grabbed a cushion in the lodge and ate on the floor. The views from the top are absolutely stunning!
Visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. and I highly recommend this camp. I thank the elephants for sharing their space with me and creating this incredible experience. Before you visit Chiang Mai please do your research about ethical treatment of Elephants and go to a sanctuary that values these gentle giants – please don’t ride the elephants!
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28 Comments
Catherine
How incredible to see the elephants up close! Looks like you had a great experience.
explorethe6
I had a blast 🙂
Kara (@ChelseaMamma)
Oooo I love elephants but don;t like to see them as tourist attractions
Eli, The Partying Traveler
Ooh I wish I read this when I was in Chiangmai. I went to an elephant sanctuary but by the end I wasn’t sure just how reputable they really were.
explorethe6
No worries, feel free to bookmark 🙂
Polly Amora
I’ve been traveling for awhile but anything that involve animals, I try to avoid it. Chang Mai though, I might consider visiting it since it doesn’t involve riding elephants or having them do animal shows. It makes me happy that the elephants are being taken care of and it looks like they’re enjoying too. <3
explorethe6
Yes, I was also happy to see them being taken care of so well
alexandra cook
looks like a fun adventure and an enjoyable place to visit, I would really want to go here
explorethe6
I had a blast! 🙂
Rose A (@mail4rosey)
Everything would be amazing. The bath time though is so unique. What a great sanctuary to visit.
explorethe6
It was such a great experience
IG:Suetanyamchorgh (@suetanyamchorgh)
I’ve been trying to add some new places to my travel list. CHIANG MAI is definitely going on it.
explorethe6
Awesome!!! Safe Travel on your next adventure
Elizabeth Keene
I’m so happy to hear that they take care of the elephants very well. It’s heartbreaking to hear about certain wild animals in enclosures that do nothing but harm them.
explorethe6
Yes, absolutely! I was so pleased to find one that does not abuse the elephants 🙂
Yeah Lifestyle
We stopped visiting Elephant sanctuaries when we travel as we learnt that many of these places abuse the animals. I am so glad that these ones you have featured in Chiang Mai don’t do that.
explorethe6
Yes, the only reason I picked this sanctuary was because they do not abuse the elephants.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Wow! This place is beyond beautiful! I want to see those elephants, too!
Chad
I’be been to Chiang Mai a few years ago, gorgeous place and I would love to go again. Amazing place.
explorethe6
Agree 100% It is a really nice place
Kalyan Panja
After reading about so many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, I would love to visit one during my next trip.
explorethe6
I would highly recommend adding it to your next trip 🙂
Hannah Swancott
Oh wow! The elephant sanctuary looks amazing 💗
explorethe6
It was amazing!
Norma
That’s an amazing experience. I wish I could visit an elephant sanctuary. It’s great to see them so close and even be able to touch them.
explorethe6
It was a great experience 🙂
kumamonjeng
I went to an elephant camp in Chiang Rai few years ago and it was an unforgettable experience. Sadly, I did ride on the elephants as I did not read much what should and should not do. Anyway, that’s the only time I ever ride on an elephant. I really hope to see they are being well treated with love and care. And please do not chain them or ask them to do elephant show.
explorethe6
Agree 100%! Elephant shows are the worst :(.