Southeast Asia · Thailand

Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

Nature Full day difficulty: Easy with kids: yes

In the mountains near Chiang Mai there are sanctuaries that rescue mistreated elephants and let them live freely in wide valleys. You visit to watch them, feed them, and see them bathe in the river — never to ride them.

With kids

Prepare food balls and hand them to the elephants
Watch the elephants bathe and play in the mud and the river
Learn to tell when an elephant is happy and calm
Watch the calves always glued to their mother

Accessibility: All ages; choose a truly ethical sanctuary, with no rides or shows

With family

Choose a sanctuary that rescues elephants and doesn't force them to work
Talk about why you shouldn't ride them or make them do tricks
Walk alongside the herd at a respectful distance through the valley
Understand how a mistreated animal learns to trust again, little by little

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai. ← All destinations