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cmgt.Chiang Mai Go Tours

Half Day Elephant Experience at Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary

4.9(1,284)Read reviewsChiang Mai, Thailand
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Highlights

  • 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

About this experience

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.

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.

Hotel pick-up & drop-off within 5 km of the Three Kings Monument

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.

Itinerary

7 stops

  1. 07:30 - 08:00 & 11:30 - 12:00

    Pick up from your hotel

    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.

  2. Arrive at Karen Elephant Sanctuary

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

What's included

Included

  • 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

Not included

  • Personal expenses

Know before you go

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal medication

  • Change of clothes/swimsuit (expect to get wet/dirty)

Location & pickup

Karen Hilltribe Elephant Sanctuary

Free hotel pickup in the Old City and most central Chiang Mai hotels. The map pin shows the activity location.

Pickup window confirmed on WhatsApp the evening before

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before your tour start time — full refund of your deposit, no questions asked. After that the deposit is non-refundable, but the cash balance is never charged if you cannot make it.

Guest reviews

4.91,284 reviews

  • Patchara InthaJanuary 2025
    5.0· Verified guest

    Took the family on tour, staff replied very quickly and gave great recommendations.

  • Ciaran SandsJanuary 2025
    5.0· Verified guest

    Such an amazing tour can't recommend enough!

  • Alberto PardoJanuary 2025
    5.0· Verified guest

    Awesome experience, will be back soon

  • Apisara WongkhatJanuary 2025
    5.0· Verified guest

    This was really nice. Done a Doi Inthanon trip with this agency, really enjoyed it.

  • Jane BrettDecember 2024
    5.0· Verified guest

    We loved our elephant sanctuary trip with Chiang Mai Go Tours. Great family day out and amazing experience to see the elephants so well looked after.

  • Marcus ClimpsonDecember 2024
    5.0· Verified guest

    Chiang Mai is beautiful and with the help of Go Tours it was an even more pleasant experience. Would recommend!

Frequently asked questions

  • Why is a tour to Karen Hill Tribe Elephant Sanctuary an ethical half day trip?

    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.

  • Is this tour suitable for children?

    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.

  • Do I need to book in advance?

    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.

  • What can I expect from lunch?

    No. A booking for our morning or afternoon tour is required in advance before arriving at the sanctuary.

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