We’ve heard a lot about the ethical treatment of elephants in Thailand, and this tour seems to be a promising option for experiencing it firsthand. With a focus on the animals’ well-being and sustainable tourism practices, the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai offers an immersive adventure that allows us to connect with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Whether we choose the half-day or full-day program, the opportunity to feed, bathe, and observe the elephants appears to be a unique and educational experience worth considering for our upcoming trip.
Key Points
- Immersive half-day or full-day tours at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary near Chiang Mai, with ethical activities focused on elephant welfare.
- Opportunities to feed, bathe, and observe elephants in their natural habitat, with a local meal provided.
- Additional activities in the full-day tour, including making herbal medicine balls and planting seedlings.
- Scenic mountain, river, and field views during the tour, with a photography service included.
- Tour not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour takes place in Chiang Mai, offering visitors a unique opportunity to interact with elephants in their natural habitat.
The tour is available in half-day and full-day options, priced at $42.41 to $47.12 per person with the potential to save up to 10%. Guests can explore the sanctuary for 6-7 hours or 9-10 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
We offer a reserve now, pay later option as well. The tour includes hotel pickup, scenic drives, elephant interactions, local meals, and a photography service.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiang Mai.
Itinerary Details
In the half-day program, we’ll begin with pickup from your hotel and embark on a 1.5-hour drive through the scenic rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we’ll receive a briefing and change into appropriate clothing.
The core of the experience is our interaction with the elephants, where we’ll have the chance to:
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Feed the elephants
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Bathe them in the river
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Observe their health checks
After this meaningful encounter, we’ll enjoy a local meal before returning to Chiang Mai.
For those seeking a fuller day, the full-day program adds opportunities to make herbal medicine balls and plant seedlings for the elephants’ food.
Half-day Program
After being picked up from your hotel, we’ll embark on a 1.5-hour drive through the scenic rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we’ll receive a brief orientation and change into appropriate clothing.
Then, we’ll have the opportunity to feed, interact with, and bathe the elephants in their natural habitat.
After this engaging experience, we’ll enjoy a local meal before heading back to Chiang Mai.
The half-day program provides an immersive peek into the lives of these magnificent creatures while learning about their care and well-being.
Full-day Program
If you opt for the full-day program, you’ll enjoy the same activities as the half-day tour with some additional experiences.
You’ll get to:
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Make herbal medicine balls to help support the elephants’ health.
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Plant seedlings that will eventually become food for the elephants in the sanctuary’s tropical forest.
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Have an extended interaction with the elephants as you explore their natural habitat.
These extra activities allow you to deepen your connection with the elephants and gain a more comprehensive understanding of their care and the sanctuary’s operations.
More Great Tours NearbyActivities and Highlights
The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour offers an immersive experience where we can feed, interact, and bathe the elephants in their natural habitat.
An immersive experience where we can feed, interact, and bathe the elephants in their natural habitat.
We’ll participate in elephant health checks and enjoy scenic views of mountains, rivers, and fields. The local meals will immerse us in northern Thai culture.
A photography service is included, so we can capture memorable moments of this unique elephant encounter.
All activities are based on animal welfare, with no riding or use of force. It’s an ethical, educational, and unforgettable experience.
Important Information
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind for the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour.
First, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems.
Second, please bring appropriate attire, including a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sandals, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Lastly, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited, and visitors must refrain from riding the elephants.
All activities are designed with the elephants’ welfare in mind, using no force or unethical practices.
Not Suitable for
Although the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour is an incredible experience, it’s not suitable for everyone.
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 2 years old, pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems. These groups may have difficulty participating in the physical activities or could risk their safety.
The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare, so no riding elephants is allowed.
It’s important to read the tour details carefully and consider your own physical abilities before booking. Ensuring the right fit will help you have a safe, enjoyable visit to the sanctuary.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and a 4.9/5 rating based on 21 reviews showcase the exceptional experience visitors have at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.
Visitors rave about the:
Friendly and educational staff who provide a memorable and immersive experience, ethical treatment of happy and well-cared-for elephants, and knowledgeable guides.
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Friendly and educational staff who provide a memorable and immersive experience.
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Ethical treatment of the elephants, which are happy and well-cared-for.
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Knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the sanctuary and its mission.
Guests consistently express enthusiasm for the unique opportunity to closely interact with the elephants in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for the activities. Bring a swimsuit and towel as you’ll be bathing the elephants. Opt for closed-toe shoes or sandals to protect your feet. Avoid anything too fancy or restrictive.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
While the tour provides meals, you can’t bring your own food or drinks. The sanctuary has a strict no-outside-food policy to ensure the elephants’ wellbeing. Let’s leave it to the experts to feed both us and the elephants!
Are There Any Medical Requirements to Participate?
Yes, there are some medical requirements for the tour. We can’t accommodate children under 2, pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems. Be sure to let the staff know of any medical conditions before booking.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group sizes typically range from 4 to 10 people. This allows for a more intimate experience and personalized attention from the guides. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the elephants in their natural habitat.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
Yes, we can extend the tour duration if needed. The tour offers both half-day and full-day programs, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and interests. Just let the staff know if you’d like to upgrade to the full-day experience.
The Sum Up
The "From Chiang Mai: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour" offers an immersive and ethical experience for elephant enthusiasts. Participants can choose between half-day or full-day options, engaging in activities like feeding, bathing, and observing health checks. With a focus on elephant welfare, knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable and educational adventure, while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour is worth considering for its commitment to responsible elephant experiences.
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