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 can't miss a visit to an elephant sanctuary. These sanctuaries have earned a reputation for being respectful of these animals and have also become one of the most popular attractions, as you can not only meet these cute mammals but also interact with them.

At the Chiang Mai sanctuaries you can spend a whole day with the elephants while learning about their behaviour, feeding habits and life. The animals usually arrive at these sanctuaries after being rescued from illegal sanctuaries 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 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 £61 at Hellotickets

On 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 transfers to and from the city centre to the sanctuary, guided tour, proper clothing for interacting with the animals, Thai lunch with fresh seasonal fruits and accident insurance.

At Ran Tong you can also choose from several different times 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 visit 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 sanctuaries' official websites. 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 it is advisable to book in advance.

At the sanctuaries, you can usually choose to buy tickets for a morning, afternoon or full-day visit. Please note that as these sanctuaries are usually located outside the city, tickets usually include transport 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 generally around 50 Euros per person. If you choose to book a visit to the Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary, you will also find reduced-price tickets for children, although other sanctuaries are also available.

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is renowned for its focus on conservation and the rescue of abused elephants. Here 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 elephant walks, bathe 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, focusing on rescued elephants and conservation education. Here you can enjoy authentic experiences, such as feeding and walking with the elephants, while contributing to the cause of protecting them, as ticket prices of around 50 euros go towards 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 of the sanctuaries offer three different shifts for visitors, covering morning, afternoon and full-day tours. Generally, morning shifts run from 07:00 to 13:00, afternoon shifts from 13:30 to 19:00 and full-day shifts from 07:30 to 16:30. 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 an expert local 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're so inclined.

Also, when purchasing your ticket, consider which time slot best suits your travel plans. If you plan to visit Chiang Mai's best temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, or tour other attractions in the city, you may want to book a morning or afternoon slot rather than a full-day itinerary.

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

Also, it is these same guides who will give you the necessary clothes that will identify you as a visitor inside the sanctuary and who 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. Children under the age of 12 accompanied by a responsible adult often get a reduced rate, making it one of the best family activities to do.

On the other hand, bear 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 will be able to 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 centre to the sanctuary entrance. This is because these sites are located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, away from the city centre.

Ran Tong, for example, is about 50 kilometres from Chiang Mai and the sanctuary entrance fees include return transfers by private bus from the city centre, so you don't need to organise your itinerary or worry about transport, as you'll have access to a shared air-conditioned bus with all the amenities you need to enjoy the journey.

However, as you can also buy tickets at the entrances to the shrines, bear in mind that you can get there by car or taxi. Also, bear in mind that the visiting hours of the shrines end around 7pm, when night falls, to ensure the safety of visitors, so it is also an alternative that is compatible with some of Chiang Mai's best night-time activities.

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

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

On the other hand, bear in mind that the activities at this site are designed for the whole family and include team experiences, such as feeding, bathing the elephants and also playing games. Visiting the sanctuary as a family will therefore not only be a fun experience, but will also foster team spirit between adults and children.

During your tour of Chiang Mai's 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 individual elephant is individualised.

During these tours you will also get to experience more than just the animals, as you will learn about the history of the local tribes, who are part of Chiang Mai's cultural heritage and who occupy the rural areas surrounding the city. One of the most famous of these tribal societies is the Karen, who are famous for their giraffe-necked women.

So don't miss out on the guided tours of the elephant sanctuaries and don't miss out on the activities offered by the expert local guides.

Activities included in the Chiang Mai sanctuary entrance fees

• Guided tour of the sanctuaries
• Feeding the animals
• Bathing of the animals
• Typical Thai lunch and bottled water
• Transport to and from the centre of Chiang Mai and back
• Learn about the history of the local tribes
• Travel insurance

As a general rule, the morning and afternoon elephant sanctuary tours last approximately 6 hours each, which is enough time to do all the activities offered at 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 centre of Chiang Mai.

Please note that entrance fees normally 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 tours of Chiang Mai, 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 elephants' tranquillity and well-being.

Once you have arrived at your chosen sanctuary, it is essential to respect the rules set by the keepers. Avoid getting too close to the elephants without proper supervision and follow the instructions 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.

Also, 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 Chiang Mai's 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 quicker and allows you to combine this activity with the best guided tours in the city.