Adventure & Nature
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary - Chiang Mai
The experience
Worth the journey
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project based in Thailand.
It was founded in July 2014 as a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill-tribes of Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai locals.
The sanctuary is located in 4 provinces throughout Thailand - Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
They offer Half Day, Full Day, and Overnight Stay options to visit the sanctuary.
Visitors will have the opportunity to feed, bathe, and play with the elephants.
A closer look
About this experience
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a project that has set up ethical sanctuaries in Thailand. Visitors to the sanctuary will be able to feed, bathe and play with the animal visit.
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is renowned as one of the top elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, with a proven commitment to sustainable and ethical treatment of elephants. Our Chiang Mai reserve offers a variety of ways for visitors to connect with the magnificent elephants of Thailand. For those interested in a half-day elephant tour, we provide enriching experiences. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guides share insights into the elephants' behavior and personal histories, while the mahouts help guests engage in unforgettable activities like hand-feeding and bathing the elephants in Chiang Mai.
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, Thailand. The package deal includes two traditional Thai buffet meals, pick up and drop off to your accommodation in Chiang Mai (terms and conditions apply), drinking water and even food for feeding the elephants! When you arrive at the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, the guides will give you a basic overview of the tour, some information about the elephants and then traditional Karen clothes to wear during the tour. Since the tour can get messy and wet (in a very fun way!) we suggest that you bring some things with you. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel and a change of clothes. You can also bring a camera with you but if you’re worried about taking photos with the elephants you need not worry. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers a photography service at no extra charge. The photographer will take photos of you throughout the day and upload the photos to Dropbox, which you can then access through the link on the EJS Facebook page. We’ve even got other exciting programs such as Full Day Visit and Overnight Visit packages. With the Full Day Visit, you can spend even more time with our elephants in the mud spa or just spend time with them. The Overnight Visit is our most unique yet comprehensive experience. With this program you will get to experience all the facets of the elephant reserve in Chiang Mai as well as other aspects of Thai culture in the area and some of nearby natural beauty. Throughout your visit at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, you will be feeding, bathing and even playing with the elephants. It is also important to us that you learn as much as possible about the elephants and why it is important to protect them. With the money we raise from visits and donations, we can contribute to elephant welfare, by rescuing them, feed them, provide veterinary care as well as land and infrastructure for them to live on.
Your day, at a glance
The itinerary
Feed me and shower Program - Morning Round (No transfer)
- 01
Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
- 02
Brief general information about elephants, their behaviors, and safety guidelines
- 03
Feed the elephants
- 04
Assist with the preparation of natural dietary supplements
- 05
Join the elephants in our specially constructed outdoor 'Elephant Rain Shower'
- 06
Take a regular shower and change clothes using the provided facilities
- 07
Saying goodbye to the friendly elephants
- 08
Learn how to make elephant poop paper
- 09
Take your time at EJS Education Center
Feed me and shower Program - Afternoon Round (No transfer)
- 01
Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
- 02
Brief general information about elephants, their behaviors, and safety guidelines
- 03
Feed the elephants
- 04
Assist with the preparation of natural dietary supplements
- 05
Join the elephants in our specially constructed outdoor 'Elephant Rain Shower'
- 06
Take a regular shower and change clothes using the provided facilities
- 07
Saying goodbye to the friendly elephants
- 08
Learn how to make elephant poop paper
- 09
Take your time at EJS Education Center
Watch Me Program Morning Pick Up 06:30 - 07:00 A.M.+ Round Trip Share Transfer (Chiang Mai's Old City)
- 06:30 - 07:00
Pick up from your place of accommodation in Chiang Mai
- 02
Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
- 03
Welcome to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Educational Introduction with Friendly Guides
- 04
- Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai and complete necessary registration forms. Meet your friendly tour guides and listen to an introductory educational talk. Learn about elephant anatomy and behaviours, as well as the history and cultural significance of elephants in Thailand.
- 05
Immerse Yourself: Observing Elephants in their Natural Habitat
- 06
-After the educational introduction and a safety briefing, you will get change into "Karen shirt" and move to a viewing platform to observe elephants engaging in natural behaviours in a beautiful jungle setting. Not only will you have the chance to take photos of elephants in spectacular natural scenery, but this will offer the elephants a chance to notice you and become accustomed to your presence while maintaining a respectful distance.
- 07
Hands-On Elephant Feeding Experience: Create and Serve a Nutritious.
- 08
- Assist your guide to create a nutritious breakfast for the elephants, consisting of organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Learn how to prepare elephant dietary supplements to be served alongside the main course. Help deliver the food and experience the magic of interacting closely with elephants as you feed them by hand (Please note that, for safety and comfort, a barrier will separate elephants and visitors during feeding, and visitors may not place food directly in the elephants’ mouths)
- 09
Elephant Ethology: Observing Natural Behaviors and Insights
- 10
- After the elephants have finished their delicious snack, watch them as they return to their regular routine of eating, swimming, and interacting with other members of the herd naturally. Observe the elephants as they roam and forage freely throughout their environment, noting their individual personalities and behaviours.
- 11
- Participate in an open discussion about the elephant behaviours you witnessed throughout the morning. Your guide will offer a brief Q&A session, during which you can share your observations, insights, and photos with other visitors and the EJS team, and ask any questions you might still have about elephants.
- 12
Thai Culinary Adventure: Cooking and artisanal drip coffee demostration
- 13
- Learn how to prepare a special Thai dish in a cooking demonstration and learn to brew artisanal drip coffee using sustainable, locally sourced materials, then enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh seasonal fruit.
- 14
Farewell to Our Gentle Giants: Elephant Farewell Feast and departure from Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- 15
- Help design and prepare a nutritious fruit and vegetable platter for the elephants as a farewell treat, and watch as they enjoy their delicious feast! Then, say goodbye to the elephants and depart from Elephant Jungle Sanctuary ( drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai)
- 18:30
Safely arrived at your accommodation
Watch Me Program Afternoon Pick Up 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M + Round Trip Share Transfer (Chiang Mai's Old City)
- 11:30 – 12:00
Pick up from your place of accommodation in Chiang Mai
- 02
Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
- 03
Welcome to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Educational Introduction with Friendly Guides
- 04
- Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai and complete necessary registration forms. Meet your friendly tour guides and listen to an introductory educational talk. Learn about elephant anatomy and behaviours, as well as the history and cultural significance of elephants in Thailand.
- 05
Immerse Yourself: Observing Elephants in their Natural Habitat
- 06
-After the educational introduction and a safety briefing, you will get change into "Karen shirt" and move to a viewing platform to observe elephants engaging in natural behaviours in a beautiful jungle setting. Not only will you have the chance to take photos of elephants in spectacular natural scenery, but this will offer the elephants a chance to notice you and become accustomed to your presence while maintaining a respectful distance.
- 07
Hands-On Elephant Feeding Experience: Create and Serve a Nutritious.
- 08
- Assist your guide to create a nutritious breakfast for the elephants, consisting of organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Learn how to prepare elephant dietary supplements to be served alongside the main course. Help deliver the food and experience the magic of interacting closely with elephants as you feed them by hand (Please note that, for safety and comfort, a barrier will separate elephants and visitors during feeding, and visitors may not place food directly in the elephants’ mouths)
- 09
Elephant Ethology: Observing Natural Behaviors and Insights
- 10
- After the elephants have finished their delicious snack, watch them as they return to their regular routine of eating, swimming, and interacting with other members of the herd naturally. Observe the elephants as they roam and forage freely throughout their environment, noting their individual personalities and behaviours.
- 11
- Participate in an open discussion about the elephant behaviours you witnessed throughout the morning. Your guide will offer a brief Q&A session, during which you can share your observations, insights, and photos with other visitors and the EJS team, and ask any questions you might still have about elephants.
- 12
Thai Culinary Adventure: Cooking and artisanal drip coffee demostration
- 13
- Learn how to prepare a special Thai dish in a cooking demonstration and learn to brew artisanal drip coffee using sustainable, locally sourced materials, then enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh seasonal fruit.
- 14
Farewell to Our Gentle Giants: Elephant Farewell Feast and departure from Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- 15
- Help design and prepare a nutritious fruit and vegetable platter for the elephants as a farewell treat, and watch as they enjoy their delicious feast! Then, say goodbye to the elephants and depart from Elephant Jungle Sanctuary ( drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai)
- 18:30
Safely arrived at your accommodation
Feed Me Program (No transfer)
- 01
Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
- 02
Get Safety Brief
- 03
Feed the elephants
Half Day Visit Morning Pick Up 06:30 - 07:00 A.M. + Round Trip Share Transfer (Chiang Mai's Old City)
- 06:30 - 07:00
Pick up from your hotel or accommodation (Drive approximately 1.5 hours)
- 02
Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
- 03
Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
- 04
Learn about the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothing.
- 05
Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
- 06
Mud Spa with the elephants
- 07
Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
- 08
Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.
- 09
Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
- 01:00 - 02:00
Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
Half Day Visit Afternoon Pick Up 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. + Round Trip Share Transfer (Chiang Mai's Old City)
- 11:30 – 12:00
Pick up from your hotel or accommodation
- 02
Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
- 03
Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
- 04
Learn about the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothing.
- 05
Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
- 06
Mud Spa with the elephants
- 07
Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
- 08
Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.
- 09
Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
- 18:30
Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
Full Day Visit Pick Up 08:00 - 08:30 A.M. + Round Trip Share Transfer (Chiang Mai's Old City)
- 08:00 - 08:30 AM
Pick up from your hotel or accommodation
- 02
Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
- 03
Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
- 04
Learn about the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothing.
- 05
Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
- 06
Take a short walk (1.5 km) with elephants
- 07
Please don't forget to bring a walking shoes
- 08
Mud Spa with the elephants
- 09
Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
- 10
Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.
- 11
Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
- 05:00 - 05:30 PM
Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
What’s included
Included
- Roundtrip Share Transfer within 5km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City.
- Snacks, tea, coffee, drinking water
- Fluent English-/Thai-speaking guides
- Food for the elephant
- Insurance
- Photographer (Customers can download photos of their experience from Facebook)
- Lunch or dinner
- English-Speaking Tour Guide
- Drinking Water
- Free Shuttle Service is available 2 rounds a day from EJS Office
- Elephant Food
- Lunch
- Dinner
Not included
- Personal Expense
- Meal
- Round-Trip Transportation from your hotel
- Personal Expenses
The practical details
Know before you go
Important information+
Dress code: Bring a hat, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel and a change of clothes.
Bring drinking water and even food for feeding the elephants!
Accessibility: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers a photography service at no extra charge.
Show Mobile Ticket
Ticketing counter
Actual pick up time will be sent via separate email. Please arrive at least 15 mins at hotel lobby earlier than the schedule pick up time.
Show Mobile Ticket: Ticketing counter
Please meet at 1 Camps in San Pa Tong District
Show Mobile Ticket: Ticketing Counter
Cancellation+
Cancellable and Refundable
Free cancellation ( if you cancel at least 72 hours before the activity starts) by send email to customer.service@globaltix.com
Same day full charge 100% / No Show Charge 100%