Half Day Elephant Experience at Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary

Karen Hill Tribe Chiang Mai - View on map
(9 reviews)
  • Duration: 5 - 6 hours
  • Max People : 12
  • Daily
  • Min Age : 4+
  • Includes lunch, fresh fruit & water
  • Mobile voucher
Description

Tour Description

Join us on a half-day elephant experience at the Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Located at Sobwin Village, Mae Wang district, just over an hour south of Chiang Mai’s historic old city, our sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing elephants from abusive logging and tourism industries. The Karen people have lived and worked with elephants for hundreds of years, and we share our love and respect for these amazing animals while helping to protect this endangered species. Our elephants, rescued from illegal logging camps in Mae Hong Son province, now live in a natural, chain-free environment, free from performing tricks. Visitors can engage in ethical interactions, observing these majestic creatures up close.

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At Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary, you will have the chance to feed, bathe, and give a healthy mud spa to our rescued elephants in an area of natural beauty. Experience elephants in their natural surroundings, foraging plants, interacting with each other, and bathing in natural pools. Join our half-day tour to prepare rice balls, feed the elephants, and observe their baths. Tours run twice daily, every day of the week. Book your Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary excursion now and support the well-being of elephants in need, contributing to a leading destination for eco-friendly tourism in Thailand.


Location of departure & return
Your hotel in Chiang Mai

When is pickup time?
Morning: 07:30 – 08:00
Afternoon: 11:30 – 12:00

What is included in the price?
Hotel pick-up & drop-off within 5 km of the Three Kings Monument
Local English speaking tour guide
Traditional Thai lunch (Pad Thai)
Fresh fruits & drinking water
Food for the elephants
Online photo album
Accident insurance

What is not included in the price?
Personal expenses

What should you bring?
Change of clothes/swimsuit (expect to get wet/dirty)
Comfortable walking shoes
Towel
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Personal medication

What to Expect

Experience an unforgettable Half Day Elephant Adventure at the Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary. Begin your journey by changing into traditional Karen hill tribe clothing. Meet the elephants, feed them, and capture beautiful photos as they enjoy their natural surroundings. Indulge in a fun mud spa session with these gentle giants before taking a walk to the river, where you’ll help bathe and brush them. Conclude your enriching experience with a delicious lunch featuring traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, along with fresh fruit. This tour offers a unique and heartwarming opportunity to connect with elephants in a respectful and meaningful way.

Learn about the elephants in their natural habitat
Wear traditional Karen hill tribe clothing
Meet & feed the elephants
Walk with the elephants
Take photos & videos together with the elephants
Help bathe & brush them
A delicious Thai lunch, featuring Pad Thai & fresh fruit

 

Itinerary

We will pick you up from your hotel within a 5 km radius of the Three Kings Monument and drive approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Chiang Mai. If you are outside this pick-up radius, please make a note to us.

We will welcome you to the sanctuary and assist you in changing into traditional Karen hill tribe clothing.

We will introduce you to the elephants, where you can feed them and take beautiful photos in their natural habitat.

We will guide you through a fun and engaging mud spa session with the elephants.

Take a relaxed walk with the elephants to the river. Help us wash and brush them in the water. It's a peaceful and beautiful experience!

We will serve you a delicious lunch featuring traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, along with seasonal fresh fruits.

We will drop you off at your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant end to your tour with us :)

Location

Faq

At Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary, the elephants are free from chains and hard labor. They can roam around freely and are not to be ridden or made to perform. This sanctuary focuses on providing a natural habitat for the elephants. The mission of Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary is to rescue and rehabilitate elephants, allowing them to live in a herd as they would in the wild.

Yes, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability, as our tours can fill up quickly. You can book directly through our website or contact us for assistance.

You'll be served Pad ThaiYou'll be served a traditional Pad Thai meal and a selection of fresh fruits, allowing you to enjoy authentic Thai flavors during your visit to the sanctuary.

Yes, the tour is suitable for children. The sanctuary provides a safe and educational environment where children can learn about elephants and their natural behaviors. However, children should always be supervised by an adult.

You can cancel your booking for free up to 24 hours before the tour start date. We offer a hassle-free process with no questions asked. If you cancel within this period, we’ll refund your deposit or you can use it as credit towards another booking.

Average Reviews

4.7/5

Exceptional
From 9 Reviews

Showing 9 reviews

  1. Bella

    Our guide Bee delivered college‑level facts on elephant biology and conservation during the 70‑minute ride out of Chiang Mai. The small‑group elephant sanctuary tour capped at 10 people, so everyone got photo time. Only downside: the winding mountain road isn’t great if you get carsick

  2. Oscar

    We spent the morning chopping sugar‑cane, hand‑feeding the herd and splashing around in the mud bath. The elephants looked genuinely relaxed and well cared for—just like reviewers on TripAdvisor said

  3. Harvey

    Half‑day program still covers feeding, bathing and a conservation briefing. We were back in the Old City by 2 p.m., showered and ready for a temple sunset tour

  4. Amber

    Our kids (8 & 11) were spellbound hearing how each elephant was saved from logging or circus work. Watching them now roam free was unforgettable.

  5. Anton

    By noon two other vans turned up and the river pool got busy

  6. Marek

    There were plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the scenery Definitely felt like a well-curated experience

  7. Anonymous
    Great

    Loved it

  8. Anonymous
    J

    So good

  9. Anonymous

    Would deffo recommend for anyone!

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Half Day Elephant Experience at Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary

Karen Hill Tribe Chiang Mai - View on map
(9 reviews)

From: ฿1,590 ฿1,511

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