Half Day Elephant Ethical Tour at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary

Maerim elephant sanctuary - View on map
(5 reviews)
  • 4 - 5 hours
  • Max People : 20
  • Daily
  • Min Age : 1+
  • Mobile voucher
Gallery
A man gently touching an elephant at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai tour for an ethical elephant experience.
A family of elephants bathing in the mud pond at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary Tour in Chingmai
A group of tourists having fun bathing elephants in the mud pond at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
A joyful baby elephant and its mother walking side by side in their natural habitat
A staff member sharing insights about elephant care with visitors at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.
Tourists having a joyful and memorable time bathing in the mud pond.
Visitors enjoying a photoshoot on top of a red car at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
Visitors taking a photoshoot with elephants at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour
Description

Tour Description

Step into a world of compassion at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants who have been rescued from difficult pasts are given a chance to heal and live in peace. Founded by Busabong “Pui” Kuetkong, the sanctuary focuses on offering an ethical, sustainable experience for visitors who wish to learn about these majestic creatures. At Maerim, there are no rides or exploitation—just pure, respectful interaction that allows you to connect with elephants in their natural environment.

Read more

Your experience includes dressing in traditional mahout clothing, feeding the elephants, and learning about their individual personalities and histories. You’ll enjoy unique activities like a fun mud spa with the elephants and bathing them in a peaceful setting. After your time with these amazing animals, relax by the pool before heading back to your hotel, knowing that your visit has supported elephant conservation efforts and the sanctuary’s mission for a brighter future.

Location of departure & return
Your hotel in Chiang Mai City. Additional charges apply for outside pickup areas.
When is pickup time?
Morning: 07:00 – 07:30
Afternoon: 13:30 – 14:00
What is included in the price?
Round-trip service from your hotel
Food for the elephants
Drinking water
Local tour guide experience
Insurance
What is not included in the price?
Lunch
Personal expenses
What should you bring?
Comfortable clothes
Swimwear
Sandals or water shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

 

What to Expect

At Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, your experience is all about meaningful interaction with the elephants in a respectful, ethical environment. You’ll start your journey by changing into traditional mahout clothing, immersing yourself in the role of an elephant caretaker. You’ll have the opportunity to feed the elephants, learning about their individual personalities and the challenges they’ve faced. Spend time bonding with these gentle giants as you play and observe their behavior. Then, enjoy a fun and relaxing mud spa before bathing with the elephants in their natural habitat. Throughout the day, a local guide will share fascinating insights, enhancing your understanding of elephant conservation and the sanctuary’s mission.

Changing into traditional mahout clothing
Feeding the elephants and learning about their unique stories
Playing and interacting with the elephantsr
Enjoying a mud spa with the elephants
Bathing with the elephants in a natural setting
Learning about elephant conservation from a local guides

Itinerary

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city and drive approximately 45 minutes to the Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, where your unforgettable elephant experience begins.

Upon arrival, you’ll change into traditional mahout clothing, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic elephant caretaker experience.

You’ll have the chance to greet the elephants with your own basket of fresh bananas. This is a special moment to connect with these gentle giants and start building a bond with them.

You’ll spend time playing with the elephant family as your local guide shares stories about their pasts and teaches you about their behavior, helping you understand their unique personalities and the challenges they’ve faced.

You’ll join the elephants in a fun and refreshing mud spa, where you’ll get a chance to cool off and relax while bonding with them in a natural, playful environment.

You’ll enjoy a unique experience bathing with the elephants, helping to scrub them down in their natural habitat while learning more about their care and conservation.

After your time with the elephants, you’ll have the opportunity to relax by the sanctuary’s swimming pool, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on your meaningful experience.

At 12:00 or 18:30, you’ll leave the sanctuary and begin your drive back to your hotel in Chiang Mai, reflecting on the unforgettable memories you’ve made with the elephants. By 12:30 or 19:00, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, completing your heartwarming and educational day at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.

Location

Faq

The tour includes food for the elephants, but meals for guests are not provided. We recommend eating before or after the tour.

Absolutely. The sanctuary is dedicated to ethical practices, where elephants are not exploited for entertainment. All activities are designed to promote their well-being and conservation.

The tour is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There are no specific age restrictions for participation, but the activities are designed to be enjoyable for all visitors.

Yes, a local guide will be with you throughout the tour, providing valuable information about the elephants and their conservation, as well as answering any questions you may have.

If you decide to cancel your tour, we require a minimum of 15 days' notice before the tour date. If you cancel more than 15 days in advance, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 7 to 15 days before the tour, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 7 days of the tour, you will be charged the full price of the package booked. Cancellations can be made by contacting us directly via email or phone, and refunds are typically processed within 7 to 10 business days. Please note that no refunds will be issued for no-shows, and rescheduling may be possible depending on availability. If the tour is canceled by the operator due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.

Average Reviews

4.8/5

Exceptional
From 5 Reviews

Showing 5 reviews

  1. Caleb

    book this one if you’re in chiang mai

  2. Alfie

    The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical treatment of elephants is evident; there were no rides or performances, just genuine interactions. Feeding the elephants and observing their natural behaviors was both educational and touching.

  3. Tilly

    highly recomend this chiang mai tour!

  4. Lola

    One aspect that could be improved is the transportation; the pickup was slightly delayed, and the ride was a bit bumpy. Additionally, while the tour was informative, I would have appreciated more time for questions and discussions. Overall, it’s a worthwhile experience for those interested in ethical wildlife tourism.

  5. Jacob
    AMAZING!

    Actually loved this day so much! thanks to all the guides and staff!

Add a review

Half Day Elephant Ethical Tour at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary

Maerim elephant sanctuary - View on map
(5 reviews)
Gallery
A man gently touching an elephant at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai tour for an ethical elephant experience.
A family of elephants bathing in the mud pond at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary Tour in Chingmai
A group of tourists having fun bathing elephants in the mud pond at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
A joyful baby elephant and its mother walking side by side in their natural habitat
A staff member sharing insights about elephant care with visitors at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.
Tourists having a joyful and memorable time bathing in the mud pond.
Visitors enjoying a photoshoot on top of a red car at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour.
Visitors taking a photoshoot with elephants at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary during a Chiang Mai ethical elephant experience tour

From: ฿1,590 ฿1,511

You might also like...

Ethical elephant sanctuary Chiang Mai tour

Sticky Waterfall & White Water Rafting + Elephant Care Tour
Not yet rated
From: ฿2,290 ฿2,176
Have fun with elephants on our exciting Chiangmai tour, offering unforgettable Chiangmai excursions that connect you with nature

Half Day Elephant Experience at Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary
4.7/5.0 (9 reviews)
From: ฿1,590 ฿1,511
Bicycle Tour Chiang Mai – Discover Cultural Landmarks and Local Life

Bicycle Rent and Cycling Tours in Chiang Mai
5.0/5.0 (1 review)
From: ฿1,180 ฿1,121
Meet and bond with gentle giants at an elephant sanctuary, a heartwarming experience included in our Chiangmai tour

Full Day SkyWalk Tour at Elephant Nature Park
4.7/5.0 (9 reviews)
From: ฿3,590 ฿3,411
Group of travelers enjoying a Chiang Mai tour at an elephant sanctuary, posing with elephants in a lush jungle near a river.

Half Day Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting Tour
4.6/5.0 (5 reviews)
From: ฿1,690 ฿1,606
Tourist gently touching an elephant at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, where the experience focuses on interaction rather than riding

Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Hiking Tour
Not yet rated
From: ฿2,150 ฿2,043
A group of elephants wading through a shallow river, enjoying the water under natural sunlight during the Elephant Nature Park Tour in Chiang Mai

Half Day Visit to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
4.6/5.0 (5 reviews)
From: ฿2,590 ฿2,461
Private
Tours
WhatsApp
Search