Elephant Nature Park
A pioneering ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants (and other animals) with no riding or performances, observation and feeding only.
- Category
- Wildlife & Elephant Sanctuaries
- Entrance fee
- Single-day visit ~2,500 THB per adult (includes hotel transport & lunch); advance booking required; as of 2026, confirm on official site
- Hours
- By booking; day visits ~07:30 pickup to ~17:30 return
- Best time
- Year-round; book weeks ahead as daily numbers are capped
- Time needed
- Full day
About Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park is one of the genuinely reputable elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai. There's no riding and no shows here, you're there to observe and feed rescued elephants, along with other rescued animals on the grounds. If you're trying to decide between this and a riding or circus-style camp, this is the one to pick.
It's a full day out, not a quick stop. The visit is built around a single-day package that includes your transport from Chiang Mai and lunch, so once you're picked up in the morning the day is essentially planned for you until you're dropped back in the evening.
Because they cap how many visitors they take each day, you can't just show up. Book your slot well ahead of time, especially if you're visiting in a busier period.
Highlights
- Feeding and observing rescued elephants up close, no riding involved
- Other rescued animals on site beyond just the elephants
- A full day away from the city, with hotel transport and lunch handled for you
- A genuinely ethical, welfare-focused alternative to riding camps
Tips
- Book weeks ahead, daily visitor numbers are capped and slots fill up
- Clear your whole day for this, it runs from early morning pickup to early evening return
- Transport to and from the park is part of the package, so you don't need to arrange your own ride
- If you're choosing between elephant experiences in the region, this no-riding, observation-based model is the more ethical option
How to get there
Round-trip transport from Chiang Mai is included in the booking package (~1.5 hr each way)