Description
Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Pad Thai Cooking
Highlights
- Walk with rescued elephants & observe their natural behaviors
- Experience ethical elephant care — no riding, chains, or forced performances
- Enjoy a serene bamboo rafting trip on the Wang River
- Savor authentic Thai cuisine amidst lush Inthanon mountain scenery
- Learn to cook and enjoy your own vegetarian Pad Thai
Full description
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai offers a deeply meaningful and ethical elephant experience in the heart of northern Thailand’s lush landscapes.
Nestled just 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, near the scenic mountains of Inthanon National Park, the sanctuary provides a true haven for rescued elephants — where they roam freely, live naturally, and are treated with respect—never chained, ridden, or forced to perform.
Your experience begins with wearing traditional Mo Hom clothing and learning about the elephants’ individual stories and behaviors. Hand-feed the elephants, walk with them through the forest, and observe their playful moments in the river and mud baths — all guided by expert caretakers focused on elephant welfare.
The day’s journey continues with a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure along the peaceful Wang River. Glide through lush jungle scenery guided by experienced local raft masters — a perfect moment to reflect and reconnect with nature.
After rafting, return to the sanctuary for more time with the elephants, including observing their natural bathing rituals (weather permitting). Change into fresh attire, carrying with you the essence of the sanctuary and serenity of the river.
As you journey back to Chiang Mai, the joy and peace of this magical day will remain in your heart.
This full-day program includes transportation from Chiang Mai, a delicious authentic Pad Thai prepared with local ingredients, and enriching activities that directly support ethical elephant care. Join this heartwarming experience and make a difference in the lives of these incredible animals.
Full-Day Program (08:00–17:00 | 9–10 hrs)
Itinerary:
08.00 – 08.30 Pick-up from Chiang Mai hotel
08.30 – 10.00 Scenic drive past rivers, rice fields, and plantations
10.00 – 10.45 Welcome briefing & change into traditional northern clothing
10.45 – 12.00 Feed and walk with elephants in the forest
12.00 – 13.00 Pad Thai Cooking Workshop – cook and enjoy your own vegetarian Pad Thai
13.00 – 13.15 Short drive (15 mins) to rafting point
13.15 – 14.15 Bamboo Rafting on the peaceful Wang River with a local raft master
14.15 – 14.30 Return to the sanctuary for more elephant time
14.30 – 15.00 Walk with elephants to the river and observe bathing (weather permitting)
15.00 – 15.30 Change clothes, say goodbye
15.30 – 17.00 Return to Chiang Mai (1.5 hrs)
***The Pad Thai Cooking Workshop will be available starting from 2 December.
Notes:
Elephants will not be forced into the river if the weather is too cold.
Duration includes transportation; times may vary with traffic.
Voucher time indicates morning or afternoon; exact pick-up will be confirmed the day before.
Thank you for supporting ethical elephant care!
If rafting is cancelled due to high water levels, a 200 THB/person on-site refund will be provided.
Includes
P Hotel pick-up and drop-off
P Traditional northern clothing for the visit
P Pad Thai Cooking Workshop
P Lunch (Your Own Handmade Vegetarian Pad Thai)
P Drinking water
P English-speaking tour guide
P Bamboo rafting with a river guide
P Time with elephants in their natural habitat
P Insurance
OPersonal expenses
OTips
Not suitable for
- Children under 8 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
Important information
What to bring
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Comfortable clothes
- Insect repellent
See more
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Alcohol and drugs
- Feeding animals
Know before you go
- All activities with elephants are based on animal welfare and do not involve forcing the animals
- If the weather is too cold, elephants will not be bathed as their comfort and preferences are prioritized
- If it rains and the water level is too high to go rafting, an on-site refund of 200 THB per person will be provided
- Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, and bring a change of clothes for after the activities
Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon Hiking & Elephant Sanctuary Programme
Highlights
- Walk with rescued elephants in an ethical, no-riding sanctuary
- Explore Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, and Twin Pagodas
- Hike the Pha Dok Siew nature trail with lush rice terraces & waterfalls
- Taste authentic Pad Thai and visit an organic Karen hill-tribe coffee farm
Full description
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Hiking Adventure
Experience an inspiring day combining ethical elephant encounters and a breathtaking nature hike through northern Thailand’s iconic Doi Inthanon National Park.
Begin your journey just 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, at the peaceful Living Green Elephant Sanctuary – a true haven for rescued elephants. Here, they roam freely in a natural environment, with no chains, no riding and no performances. Witness their playful behaviours and interact with them respectfully under the guidance of expert caretakers.
Your experience starts by changing into traditional Mo Hom clothing and learning about each elephant’s story. Hand-feed the elephants, walk with them through the tropical forest, and observe them bathing and cooling off in mud – a highlight of the visit.
After lunch, continue your adventure with a 30-minute drive to the majestic Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. Enjoy the cool mist and panoramic views from the summit. Visit the famous Twin Pagodas and the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Then, embark on a guided hike along the Pha Dok Siew nature trail. Discover lush rice terraces, spot rare wildlife, cool off at a cascading waterfall and experience local culture with a visit to an organic Karen hill-tribe coffee farm.
This full-day programme includes transport from Chiang Mai, an authentic Pad Thai lunch, and enriching activities that support sustainable tourism and ethical elephant care. Leave with unforgettable memories of nature, culture and conservation.
Full-day Programme:
Session Time: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Duration: 11–12 hours
Itinerary:
– Pick-up from Chiang Mai hotel
– Scenic drive through rural landscapes: rivers, rice fields, banana plantations
– Welcome briefing & change into traditional northern clothing
– Feed and walk with elephants through the tropical forest
– Observe elephants bathing (not forced if they prefer not to enter the river)
– Enjoy a delicious authentic Pad Thai lunch
– Drive ~30 min to Doi Inthanon National Park
– Explore the slopes & summit of Thailand’s highest mountain
– Visit the Twin Pagodas & Botanical Gardens
– Guided hike along Pha Dok Siew nature trail
– See rare wildlife, lush rice terraces, waterfalls
– Visit an organic Karen hill-tribe coffee farm
– Return to Chiang Mai (~1.5-hour drive)
Remarks:
– Elephants are never forced into the river or any activity.
– Tour duration includes transport time and may vary depending on traffic.
– The voucher time is a general reference. The exact pickup time will be confirmed one day prior to departure.
– Thank you for supporting ethical elephant care and sustainable tourism!
– The itinerary and activities may be adjusted on the day of travel due to weather or traffic conditions, to ensure the best possible experience, without prior notice.
– Weather conditions on Doi Inthanon can change quickly. We recommend bringing a warm jacket or sweater in case the temperature drops.
Includes
P Hotel pickup and drop-off
P Traditional northern clothing for the sanctuary visit
P Elephant feeding and bathing experience
P Local meal
P Visit to the Twin Pagodas and Botanical Garden
P Hiking on the Pha Dok Siew nature trail
P Visit to an organic Karen hill-tribe coffee farm
O Doi Inthanon National Park entrance fee: Adult 300 THB / Child 150 THB (ages 4–8)
O Phra That entrance fee: Adult 100 THB / Child 50 THB (ages 4–8)
OPersonal expenses
OTips
Not suitable for
- Children under 8 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
Important information
What to bring
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Camera
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Jacket
- Comfortable clothes
- Insect repellent
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Alcohol and drugs
- Littering
- Feeding animals
- Touching plants
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for hiking
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the elephant bathing
- Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment
- Stay hydrated and bring your own water bottle
- Respect the wildlife and natural surroundings
- Follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience
- Weather conditions on Doi Inthanon can change quickly. We recommend bringing a warm jacket or sweater in case the temperature drops
Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Tour & Pad Thai Cooking
Highlights
- Learn about the lives of elephants in a natural environment
- Prepare elephant food and place it in feeding baskets for natural feeding
- Enjoy a cooking workshop to prepare Pad Thai under the guidance of experts
- Discover the importance of wildlife conservation and the sanctuary’s mission
- Listen to stories and insights from those with real experience with elephants
Full description
Visit Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical elephant conservation center located near Doi Inthanon National Park, amidst the beautiful landscape of Northern Thailand. The sanctuary stands apart from typical elephant tourist attractions through a proud “no control” policy.
The sanctuary upholds important principles: no elephant riding, no controlled walking, no mandatory bathing, and no commanding elephants to follow orders. These activities, commonly practiced at many tourist attractions, require controlling elephants through various means. At Big Boy, they believe elephants should live as naturally as possible without human control or interference.
Enjoy a special experience observing elephants living freely—eating, playing, and staying together as a family without human interference. This is an opportunity to learn about and appreciate elephants in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.
Listen to stories and insights from those with real experience regarding elephant behavior, health, and proper care for elderly and sick elephants. Work together to prepare nutritious food and place it in designated feeding baskets, allowing elephants to approach and eat naturally while guests observe from a respectful distance, and observe their reactions in a friendly and warm atmosphere.
Master the art of authentic Pad Thai preparation under the guidance of local culinary experts. Learn to prepare this traditional dish using an ancient family recipe passed down through generations, and then enjoy your creation for lunch.
Hotel Pick-up
Session time: Morning 07:00-14:30 or Afternoon 11:00-18:30
Itinerary: (Duration of program: 6–7 hours).
– Pick up from Chiang Mai hotel
– Elephant Education Briefing
– Elephant Food Preparation
– Observe Elephants Eating in Their Natural Behavior
– Elephant Vitamin Workshop
– Habitat Care Activities
– Vitamin Preparation
– Authentic Pad Thai Cooking workshop and lunch
– Bid farewell to the elephant
– Transfer you back to Chiang Mai town
Remark:
– The duration includes transportation time which might be different depending on the local traffic
The time on your voucher is for reference only (morning/afternoon trip). Exact pickup time will be confirmed 1 day prior, based on guest count and hotel locations
Includes
P Observation of elephants in their natural habitat
PConversations with elephant experts
PSmall activities for the elephants
PVitamin ball feeding
PPad Thai cooking workshop
OOther personal expenses
OTips and gratuities
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Insect repellent
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Flash photography
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Use insect repellent to protect against bites
- Respect the sanctuary’s rules and guidelines for interacting with elephants
- Arrive on time to fully enjoy the programme