Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Elephants are the local mammals in Thailand that have played an important role in the country’s history and culture. Historically, elephants were used for transportation and logging in the jungles. They were also used in religious ceremonies and festivals as they were considered a status symbol for the wealthy. Moreover, they were used as war elephants due to their gigantic size which can lead the ground troops, break the enemy’s defense, instill terror, and carry the commander of the army who was often a king.
However, as technology advanced and the use of elephants for labor decreased, many elephants were left without a purpose. This led to many elephants being mistreated and living in poor conditions such as begging on the streets or being used for entertainment in zoos and other tourist attractions.
Thankfully, elephant care centers in Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai have emerged as a solution for the welfare of these magnificent animals. These centers focus on providing a safe and ethical environment for the elephants to ensure that they are well taken care of and not used for activities that may harm them.
Activities offered at these elephant camps range from observing the elephants in their natural habitat to interactive experiences such as feeding, bathing, mud play, and walking with the elephants. Other activities include learning about elephant conservation efforts and traditional mahout training. Ultimately, these elephant camps in Chiang Mai are a great opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate these majestic animals while also supporting their welfare.
Ticket2Attraction has listed recommended elephant care centers in Chiang Mai where you can learn about the elephants and interact with them in a responsible and sustainable way. If you are interested in reserving a ticket for the elephant daycare activity, we provide a link for each elephant camp to check more details and make an online booking.
Location: Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- The first and original elephant rehabilitation center doing elephant care projects in Thailand.
- Handoff activity 100%, no riding or any human disturbance
- Observe the elephants roaming free with their chosen heard from skywalk.
- All elephants were rescued from different camps sites, logging camps, and circuses where they were treated badly.
- Clients can stay longer as a volunteer in the park.
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai
Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project.
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary specializes in looking after injured and mistreated elephants that have been rescued from all areas of Thailand.
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
3. Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary
Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- They rescue elephants and want them to live in peace and harmony in their natural habitat.
- Hand-On activities Feed, connect with the Elephants, and participate in making medicine balls.
- In small groups, you will meet and interact with each of our friendly elephants.
- Highlight activities: Hug and bath with elephants
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Location: Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Home for retired working elephants, located at the Baan Eieag village.
- The park has been created as a sustainable habitat for the elephants to live in a safe and natural environment, free from profiteering and neglect.
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Elephant Retirement Park Chiang Mai
Location: Mae Taman/Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- New camp established in 2022
- Experience elephants in the most ethical way possible in their natural environment- unchained, unhooked, and free!
- Mission to “rehab” disabled, elderly, and commercial elephants from a long life of unfair trade labor
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Elephant Care Camp Chiang Mai
Location: Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Formerly known as the Thai Elephant Care Center, and renamed The Chang Chiang Mai in November 2019.
- Visitors can learn about the herbs that are used in medicinal preparations for the elephants, and help prepare special foods.
- Walk in the forest with the elephants, and observe them in the stream or playing in the mud pits.
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Mae Sa Elephant Camp Chiang Mai
7. Chai Lai Orchid
Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Newest elephant care center in Chiang Mai
- Instagrammable elephant care with hotel onsite
- Highlight activities: Swim with elephant, elephant trekking
8. Chang Chill
Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- The newbie to the elephant center in the southern part of Chiang Mai, Mae Wang District.
- The camp is set up in the jungle near the original habitat of the elephant.
- Handoff activity 100%, no riding or any human disturbance
- Highlight Activities: Elephant care, making elephant vitamins, putting the food in the elephant feeding ground
For more details and book a ticket for day tour Chang Chill Chiang Mai
9. One day tour with elephant and hiking at Inthanon
Location: Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Eco friendly elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai dedicating to the well-being of elephants.
- The sanctuary's side mission is to support neighboring communities that are underprivileged.
- Feed, bathe, and connect with elephants in a natural environment
- Embarking on a scenic hike to Doi Inthanon through lush landscapes, mountains, and rivers.
For more details and book a ticket for day tour to Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary and hiking the Inthanon trail
Last Update: October 2023
