Full description
A responsible Chiang Mai experience to meet and care for rescued elephants in an ethical sanctuary
Experience an authentic and responsible encounter with the Elephant Sanctuary tour in Chiang Mai, an activity designed for those seeking an ethical and respectful interaction with these majestic animals. This tour offers the opportunity to get up close to rescued elephants while learning, from a Spanish-speaking guide, about their behavior, history, and rehabilitation process in a protected natural environment.
The selected sanctuary guarantees responsible tourism, where the well-being of the elephants is the absolute priority. Here, you will not ride them, force them to perform shows or pose for photographs, and every interaction is adapted to their natural rhythm. Visitors participate only in activities that respect the animals' space and freedom, ensuring an ethical experience at all times.
During the visit, you will receive a detailed explanation about the reserve, the lives of the rescued elephants, and the essential rules for interacting with them. You will wear traditional Mahout clothing, feed them with a basket of bananas, and observe their daily behavior up close. These activities strengthen the bond with the elephants and directly contribute to their well-being.
One of the most special moments of the tour is bathing in the river, which only happens if the elephants wish to participate. This activity is part of their hygiene routine and offers a unique opportunity to understand their nature in a calm and safe environment. Afterward, you'll enjoy a traditional Pad Thai accompanied by local fruits, the perfect way to complete an unforgettable day
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Additional information
● Please provide full details of your accommodation at the time of booking. It is very important to note in this case that it is the sole obligation and responsibility of the passenger, in the event of not having received communication from the local provider, to contact the local number provided on the voucher one day before the service to confirm the exact pick-up point and time
● Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour departure time
● The tour starts promptly to avoid disrupting the schedule for other participants. If you arrive late, the tour will not wait and there will be no refund
● Recommendations for the Tour: Clothing -- Comfortable or old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, swimsuit, towel and change of clothes, flip-flops or comfortable shoes. Accessories -- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and moisturizer
● On this “Elephant Sanctuary Tour in Chiang Mai” you do not ride on the elephants
● At no point will the elephant be forced to do anything it doesn't want to do. During the visit, you can interact with them and take photos; however, the elephant will never be forced to pose or do any forced labor, such as climbing on its back or any other activity that constitutes animal abuse. The elephant will decide in the moment, and we will adapt and enjoy the experience with them
● Bathing is a necessary activity for these animals and they love it; however, we follow the elephants' behavior and desires, without forcing them at any time to perform activities that may make them uncomfortable or that they do not want to do at that precise moment
● We offer options for special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking
● The tour will take place rain or shine. We recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain. If weather conditions are extreme and the tour is canceled, we will offer you a refund or a date change
● Pick-up begins between 7:00 and 7:30 AM, depending on the selected meeting point. Return to Chiang Mai is between 2:00 and 2:30 PM, depending on traffic
● The tour requires a minimum of 2 people. If this minimum is not reached, we offer a refund or date change
Inclusions
✔ Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Chiang Mai from selected areas
✔ Transportation: Approved official vehicle with air conditioning and mandatory insurance
✔ Spanish-speaking guide: Professional accompaniment and cultural explanations during the visit to the Elephant Sanctuary
✔ Traditional Pad Thai lunch and fruit selection
✔ One bottle of water per person
✔ Tickets and activities: Access to the Elephant Sanctuary and participation in activities such as feeding and bathing
✔ Mandatory accident insurance included
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Chiang Mai if not in the selected areas
✖ Tickets, meals and drinks except if expressly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Other unspecified service
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the service. Cancellation with less notice or no-show will result in no refund
Meeting point
Chiang Mai Hotel pickup (hotels no more than 6 km from the free meeting point)
* Please indicate the hotel at the time of booking
If we notice that the hotel is located outside the central pick-up area, we will notify you of the additional cost for the pick-up service