Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries Chiang Mai | Thailand
Discover the wonder of being with elephants in their natural habitat at ethical elephant sanctuary projects near Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand and around Asia, supported by Asian Elephant Projects. Join a small group for a day trip to one of our sanctuaries and see rescued elephants wandering in their jungle home—foraging on native plants, socializing, enjoying mud baths, swimming in rivers, freed from the burden of riding, performances, and other unnatural activities. We support independent elephant projects that have adopted ethical practices for the well-being of the elephants under their care, and provide a better life for these gentle giants through responsible elephant tourism.
Selection of Ethical Elephant Tours Available
Saddle Off Projects Resposnible Travel
Small Group Tours & Private Tours
Full Day, Half-Week & One-Week Programs
Variety of Activities Available
- Choose from a variety of ethical elephant tours suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including jungle hikes, whitewater rafting, and leisurely forest walks with the elephants.
- Our Saddle Off Projects provide a caring home for between 2 to 6 elephants, with a limit of 4-5 guests per elephant.
- Enjoy a full day visit or join one of our one-week or half-week elephant conservation programs. All trips include local transportation, vegetarian meals, and qualified english-speaking guides.
- Small group tours of 8 to 10 people and private single day visits can be arranged.
Full Day Ethical Elephant Experiences | Chiang Mai
Karen Elephant Serenity
Spend a day with friendly elephants – feed them fruit, observe them forage in the forest, play in the mud, and cool off in the stream.The day ends with bamboo rafting or making a fruit cake for the elephants.
Majestic Elephant Project
Walk with elephants along jungle mountain trails, watch them swim in the river take a mud or dust bath & learn to make Pad Thai. The day ends with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure down the Mae Taeng river.
Be Part of the Solution
Visiting our ethical elephant sanctuaries supports a kinder form of elephant tourism where the focus is on observing elephants doing what comes naturally. Elephants are intelligent, social, empathetic beings deserving of our respect, care, and support. Our Saddle Off Projects provide a caring home to more than 20 elephants, now enjoying a healthier, happier, more natural life, thanks to eco-conscious travelers choosing Asian Elephant Projects. Check Availability and Search Projects to find the perfect adventure for you.
Saddle Off
The elephants at the projects we support are not ridden and do not perform in shows.
Observe
Watch elephants foraging, swimming, interacting and playing together.
Respect
Support ethical elephant tourism and help to provide a better life for Asian elephants.
Elephant Conservation Programs
Our model is based on ensuring the well-being of the elephants. The ethical elephant sanctuary projects we support follow guidelines designed to improve the quality of the lives of the elephants – freeing them from elephant riding and allowing them to enjoy more natural lives. Read more…
Walk with Elephants in Nature
Walk with elephants along scenic jungle trails as they navigate their natural habitat with ease, foraging on native plants and revealing their incredible strength and intelligence. Witness the bond between elephants as they communicate and interact with each other, providing fascinating insights into the nature of these remarkable animals.
Prepare Food & Feed Elephants
Asian elephants have enormous appetites, eating over 200 kg of food daily. From grasses and bamboo, to fruits and vegetables like bananas, watermelon, and pumpkin these gentle giants enjoy a diverse diet. Help prepare food for them, including fruit and health balls mixed with medicinal herbs, and enjoy the thrill of having them pluck food from your hand with their amazingly dexterous trunks.
Observe Elephants Swimming
Experience the joy of watching elephants cool off and happily play in the river. Elephants are natural swimmers, and effortlessly float in the water and submerge their bodies, while using their trunks as snorkels. Some older elephants prefer to stand at the river’s edge, spraying themselves and drinking by sucking water into their trunks to squirt into their mouths.
Watch Elephants Playing in the Mud
Witness the elephants’ playful mud sessions! Mud baths are an all-time favorite among these gentle giants. Watch as they joyfully roll around, coating themselves in a cooling, nourishing mud mask that protects their skin from insects and the sun. Elephants love mud baths and their antics create great opportunities for capturing beautiful photographs.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Project Reviews
