• Elephant Sanctuaries

Elephant Nature Park
The sanctuary has pioneered ethical elephant tourism in Thailand and has become the model for responsible elephant experiences across Southeast Asia. In park, 60 km north of Chiang Mai, Elephants with large enclosures, natural behavior opportunities, and lifetime care. Riding or Elephants performances are prohibited.
Day visits include observing elephants in their enclosures, feeding fruits and vegetables, watching elephants bathe in the river, learning about elephant behavior and conservation, and walking alongside elephants as they roam freely.
Organized day visits include transportation from Chiang Mai, lunch, and full-day access. Overnight stays and volunteer programs are available.

Other Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai include:

  • Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
    With multiple locations around Chiang Mai offering half-day and full-day programs with rescued elephants, hands-on interaction including mud bathing and river bathing with elephants.
  • Patara Elephant Farm
    Offering programs including feeding, bathing, and walking with elephants through forest.

Avoid operations offering elephant rides, performances, or where elephants are chained or confined in small spaces. The growing awareness of elephant welfare has improved standards significantly, but exploitative operations still exist.

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