Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half Day Tour Chiang Mai

Overview

This half-day tour takes you from Chiang Mai to an ethical elephant sanctuary in the countryside to the south, where the elephants roam freely and there is no riding. After a short briefing on the animals, you walk with rangers, feed the elephants fruit and fresh greens, and spend time close to them, including at the river if they choose to go. Our default option includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai city, an English-speaking guide, fruit for the elephants, drinking water and insurance.

Highlights

• Feed elephants Napier grass, sugar cane and bananas in a natural setting
• Walk with knowledgeable rangers and learn about elephant habits and care
• Meet the elephants by the river when they choose to bathe
• No riding and no shows, with an ethical, low-impact approach
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai city in the default option
• Fruit, drinking water, insurance and an English-speaking guide included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in Chiang MaiPickup within Chiang Mai city in the default option; the pickup window is confirmed after booking.
2. Drive to the sanctuaryAbout one and a half hours through hills, forests and farmland.
3. BriefingMeet the team and learn about the elephants' habitat, habits and how to behave around them.
4. Nature walk and feedingWalk with rangers and feed the elephants fruit, sugar cane and Napier grass.
5. River timeSpend time with the elephants by the river; bathing is up to the elephants.
6. Return to Chiang MaiDrive back and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai city.

What's included

• English-speaking tour guide
• Fruit for the elephants
• Drinking water
• Insurance

Not suitable for

• People with back problems or mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with a low level of fitness
• People with animal or insect allergies
• People who have had recent surgery

Meeting point

In the default option we collect you from your hotel within Chiang Mai city, and the pickup time is confirmed after you book. If you choose the city meeting-point option, you meet your guide at the office in town ten to fifteen minutes before the programme begins. With the sanctuary option, you make your own way to the sanctuary, which is about ninety minutes from the city, and no transfer is provided.

Important information

• Wear light clothes that can get wet and dirty, and bring a change of clothes, a towel and swimwear if you want to enter the water.
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, a camera, some cash and a copy of your passport.
• Riding the elephants is not allowed, and the elephants choose their activities, so plans may change.
• Not allowed: intoxicating substances, weapons or sharp objects, feeding other animals and littering.
• The itinerary may change because of bad weather or other unforeseen events.
• Meals, tips, a towel and a change of clothes are not included.