Trip Info
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Thai / English
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Van
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Yes
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Hotel pick-up and drop-off
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Local meal
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Pick up from Chiang Mai hotel
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8
Highlights
- Experience an ethical sanctuary — no riding, no chains, no performances
- 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
- All activities with elephants are based on animal welfare, no force is used
- Weather conditions may affect bathing activities with elephants, so ensuring their comfort is a priority
- Bring a change of clothes as you will get wet while bathing the elephants
- The duration including transportation time might be different depending on the local traffic conditions
- Chinese guide available for full-day program only
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
- Duration: 9-10 hours
Remarks:
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.
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)
Cost Includes / Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Traditional northern clothing for the visit
- Pad Thai Cooking Workshop
- Lunch (Your Own Handmade Vegetarian Pad Thai)
- Drinking water
- English-speaking tour guide
- Bamboo rafting with a river guide
- Time with elephants in their natural habitat
- Insurance
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Tips
What to bring
What to bring
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sandals
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
- Insect repellent
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Alcohol and drugs
- Riding the animals
Not suitable for
- Children under 8 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with heart problems
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
Frequently Asked QuestionsTransport Chiang Mai
Transport Chiang Mai
We use a comfortable Mini-Van that can accommodate maximum 12 visitors.
Yes, we do offer private transfer for the visitors at the cost of 2,500 THB.
Yes, we do offer a free transfer service to all places of accommodation within 5 KM radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Transport from locations outside this area will incur a small surcharge fee. Please kindly contact our CS Team for further surcharges.
We recommend you to stay 1 night prior your tour date because planes, buses and trains are often delayed. We would be unable to wait for you incase it is delayed.
We can definitely drop you of at the Airport, Bus & Train Station. However please kindly note that your departing time for the next journey should be at least 2 hours ahead of the tour ending time. Also please kindly inform us 24 hours ahead of the tour commencement date that you would have a luggage as we have limited space in the van. Please note that we can’t offer you priority treatment and all guests will be dropped off in the most efficient order possible.
On average, it takes approximately 1½ hours to reach the Sanctuary from the Old City Chiang Mai. The journey may vary depending on which camp that you visit, as well as variables such as traffic, weather and road conditions. We also offer a short break around halfway to the Sanctuary. Where food, refreshments and bathrooms are available.
Most of the drive to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary is paved public road. However, the final portion of the drive to our camp would include unpaved road. Also, the road includes a mountain drive, we would recommend bringing medication of you have motion sickness.
Yes, you can drive to our Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. First, you need to book the tickets prior through Living Green Elephant Sanctuary or through an authorized agent. Second, you need to let us know that you would be driving yourself and we would suggest you a meeting point near to our camp where you can follow our staff member, this is because you would be assigned to a designated camp according to the number of visitors as we don’t want to overwhelm the Elephants.
Bookings & Payment
Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before the assigned commencement time of your visit. Bookings requested on the same day as your desired visit might not be accepted. In order to avoid disappointment, we recommend you to book as earlier as possible.
Yes, a tour amendment 24 hours prior to the visit date is possible without any charges. Please kindly note that you can’t change the date of your visit due to poor weather conditions. Living Green Elephant Sanctuary remains operated despite rain and other mild weather conditions.
Yes, you may change between morning and afternoon programs. You have to inform us at least 24 hours prior to your date of your visit. Please contact us via Email at CS.LGESBKKPATTAYA@GMAIL.COM to discuss your desired changes. Once received we would inform you if there is a difference in price.
No, we do not accept booking requests made on any of our social media pages. For any booking requirements please contact us directly via Phone, Email, our website, our authorized agents.
Yes, after you send us a booking request, we will inform you of the deposit amount required for your visit including the payment methods. Your remaining balance may be paid on the day of your visit. Please note that your deposit is non-refundable
You will receive a refund, minus a cancellation fee.
You can pay the remaining balance on the date of your visit by both cash and card. Or if you wish to pay the remaining balance ahead of the tour you can contact us at CS.LGESBKKPATTAYA@GMAIL.COM and we will inform you the payment methods available.
Yes, we offer special rates for children (4-8 years): 1,300 Baht and infants (0-3 years): Free. Adult rate is 2,200 Baht.
If you wish to book a visit for a group of 10 or more people and for all media enquiries please email us directly at CS.LGESBKKPATTAYA@GMAIL.COM to discuss about the pricing.
Locations & Elephants
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary began in Chiang Mai with a network of 4 sanctuaries in the North. Our Chonburi location is our newest sanctuary, expanding our mission to Eastern Thailand.
Our Chonburi sanctuary is located in the lush natural surroundings of Khao Khiew. With an expansive area of 100 rai (approximately 40 acres), this location was carefully chosen to provide the perfect environmental conditions suitable for elephants while being accessible from both Bangkok and Pattaya.
We carefully structure our visitor groups to ensure our elephants are not overwhelmed and to maintain both elephant welfare and visitor satisfaction. The number of elephants may vary as we continue our mission to rescue and provide sanctuary to elephants in need.
Special Requirements
Yes, guests who are pregnant, wheelchair users or suffer from any pre-existing condition are required to inform Living Green Elephant Sanctuary of their condition, you may need to sign a waiver stating that you are aware that you are in good mentally and physically to participate in a tour which involves large animals.
Yes, all dietary requirements and restrictions can be accommodated. If you have any specific dietary requirements, are vegetarian or vegan, or have any kind of food allergies, please inform us prior to the day of your visit. We serve our signature Ancient Pad Thai which can be adapted to meet your needs.
Our Half Day Program is suitable for all fitness levels. The program includes walking and a trek to our viewpoint at Khao Khiew’s hills to experience our 180-degree panoramic vista. Activities are conducted at a comfortable pace suitable for most visitors.
Yes, all ages are welcome at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. Please note that to ensure the safety of young children, close parental supervision must be involved during the interaction with elephants.
You are welcome to bring a day pack or small bag. If you wish to bring a suitcase or any additional luggage, please inform us prior to your visit.
General Enquiries
All personal details provided by customers are used for contact, booking and insurance purposes only. Living Green Elephant Sanctuary will never share your personal information (including, but not limited to your name, email address, or phone number) with a 3rd party for any reason without your express permission unless required by law.
All visitors to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary are covered by our insurance policy. However, we highly recommend that you obtain personal travel or medical insurance prior to your arrival in Thailand.
No special vaccinations are needed for interacting with elephants. However, detailed health information and list of recommended vaccinations for travel in Thailand can be found at: Thailand Travel Restrictions | ThaiEmbassy.com
No, participation in water activities during your visit is not mandatory. You will never be forced to do anything which makes you uncomfortable.
We offer Thai, English and Chinese speaking tour guide
You will be served our signature Ancient Pad Thai dish, prepared with traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated, provided we are informed of them prior to your visit. Drinking water is provided free of charge.
There is limited mobile network service and no WiFi at our sanctuary.
Maximum group capacity varies depending on the day to ensure both elephant welfare and visitor satisfaction.
We recommend that you bring the following:
- Extra clothes
- Swimming suit
- Sandals
- Own allergies medication
- Rain coat (during rainy season)
- Sunblock lotion
- Insect spray
- Towel
If you have forgotten anything during your visit, please contact us on Telephone, Chat application, Any social media or at CS.LGESBKKPATTAYA@GMAIL.COM as soon as possible. We will try to locate the item(s) and return them to you. However, Living Green Elephant Sanctuary accepts no responsibility for any items lost, damaged or forgotten on our premises or vehicle. We advise all visitors to check thoroughly of their possessions before leaving Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.
We welcome you to leave a review, feedback, and suggestions on our Facebook page (@lges.chonburi), TripAdvisor or any of our authorized partner’s platforms.
Photos & Media
You are welcome to bring a camera or other personal photographic equipment with you on your visit. However, unless your device is waterproof, we recommend that you do not use it during the activities involving water. Please note that drone usage is strictly prohibited in our sanctuary area as it can frighten the elephants. Living Green Elephant Sanctuary accepts no responsibility for any device or equipment lost or damaged at any of our locations.
For all media enquiries, please email us directly at: CS.LGESBKKPATTAYA@GMAIL.COM
Yes, we offer a photography service at no charges. Our professional photographers will accompany you and your group for the duration of your visit. The photos then would be uploaded on our cloud and shared the link with you on our Facebook page.
Your photos will be uploaded within 72 hours from the date of your visit. However, we occasionally encounter delays, please kindly contact us if you do not see them after 72 hours. Please kindly note that the photos would only be kept for 90 days.
Yes, we will absolutely remove any photos of you that you are not comfortable with. Please go to the specific photo and send us a message with the link of the specific photo. This would allow us to remove the photo as soon as possible.
Yes, you are free to use any of the images of your visit taken by Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. Please note that these images are provided for personal use only. The use of the pictures for commercial purposes can only be used with the prior express written consent of Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.
No, we are not able to send our customers the original file. We understand that cloud or social media may compress the images, but we’ve uploaded with the highest resolution possible.
No, we provide photography as an additional free service, in an attempt to ensure that the visitors would get the best experience possible. The service is not included in the price of the program. If your photos are not uploaded you can always contact us and we will do everything in our power to find the photos. However, occasionally things go wrong and we are unable to provide the photos from your visit. For any reason, we apologize and thank you for your understanding.
