Experience the magic of a full day in the mountains of Chiang Mai. This full-day elephant tour features an elephant cooking class, a river hike, elephant bathing and swimming, and an elephant hand-feeding experience. Finish the day by taking a swim at the Mae Wang waterfall.
About this activity
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Tour Pick Up at 08:15 AM – 08:45 AM
Duration 8 hours
You may check online for availability or contact us
Live tour guide
English, Thai
Complimentary Pickup is included in Chiang Mai City
The driver will exit the vehicle and look for the guest at the reception. Free pickup is included from any location within Chiang Mai City.
Highlights
- Complimentary round-trip A/C transportation from Chiang Mai City
- Our guest reviews rave about our elephant sanctuary and English-speaking guides.
- Unforgettable Mahout Elephant Experience. 100% ethical.
- Elephant jungle and river hike, swim, and bathe with the elephants.
- Hand-feed these majestic creatures.
Tour Highlights
Embark on a full-day elephant tour in Chiang Mai, an enriching journey with these majestic creatures amidst breathtaking natural settings with complimentary transfers. The top-rated, highly-reviewed elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is educational and entertaining. Meet authentic tribe members who care for the elephants! English-speaking guides, low ratio of guests per elephant.
Delve into elephant care by preparing their meals and dressing in traditional Karen attire, a unique cultural immersion that’s fun and informative. – Experience the tranquil charm of an elephant river hike, marvel at their natural behavior in a picturesque setting, and explore an untouched Mae Wang waterfall nestled in the jungle.
“Welcome To The Jungle.” Elephant Retreat Sanctuary is located in the northern mountains of Chiang Mai. Take a journey into what many call the Jurassic Park of Thailand.- From enjoying an authentic Thai lunch amidst elephants to watching the Mahouts bathing with them and capturing these moments in free downloadable photos, it’s a day packed with unforgettable experiences.
Posted on Google
Jadeleen Casaya19 September 2026
Pat was excellent. The staff were very hospitable. The atmosphere was pleasant and felt safe and serenePosted on Google
Luca Sardone (Aquileia '69)16 September 2026Elephant Freedom Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai. Il nostro gruppo era formatoda sole 3 person, interazione intima e diretta. Le attività principali includono la preparazione del cibo, la camminata con gli elefanti nella giungla e il bagno al fiume. Il nostro accompagnatore, persona squisita, ci ha fatto fare un giro nella foresta fino alle cascate e lì abbiamo fatto il bagno. Esperienza indescrivibile. Finito il giro ci hanno dato da mangiare, abbondante frutta e da bere. Esperienza imperdonabile.Posted on Google
Scott Blackman10 September 2026Absolutely worth the time! My daughter and I agreed it was a top highlight of our trip. We while enjoying the elephants we also learned about the local culture from our wonderful guide Kevin.Posted on Google
alex nope5 September 2026Estuvo increíble la experiencia. Incluye almuerzo. Lee la letra chica al reservar, porque no leí y te cobran es una parte. El saldo lo pagas a los guías en el sitio y en efectivo. Fui en auto particular y fácil llegar.Posted on Google
Guilloud maud26 August 2026Un moment magique ! Sur notre parcours au sri Lanka, nous avons fait une halte pour découvrir cette association et ces 2 magnifiques éléphants… cela restera un des plus beau souvenir de notre séjour 🐘 Bravo pour cette association, pour penser tjrs au bien être animal et pour votre extrême gentillesse 🥰💋🫶🏻 l’équipe semble vraiment heureuse avec un métier qui a du sens et lors de la visite, ça se sent : de supers partages, des rires… merci pour tout 🫶🏻🥰💗Posted on Tripadvisor
Roger Lagart25 August 2026Verified
Pasar un día impresionante con elefantes felices y bien tratados Hemos pasado una experiencia increíble disfrutando de un tour de un día con estos bellos animales a los que alimentas, das un paseo con ellos (no sobre ellos) y bañas en un día inolvidable, es un Santuario Ético en los que los elefantes o han sido rescatados o han nacido allí, con grupos pequeños sin masificar ni agobiar al elefante y dejando a los elefantes a su aire donde ves la relación que tienen con su cuidador como si fueran familia. Era una de los aspectos que para nosotros era imperante y hemos podido verificar que están bien cuidados y sobre todo queridos y felices.Posted on TripadvisorRoger Lagart25 August 2026Pasar un día impresionante con elefantes felices y bien tratados Hemos pasado una experiencia increíble disfrutando de un tour de un día con estos bellos animales a los que alimentas, das un paseo con ellos (no sobre ellos) y bañas en un día inolvidable, es un Santuario Ético en los que los elefantes o han sido rescatados o han nacido allí, con grupos pequeños sin masificar ni agobiar al elefante y dejando a los elefantes a su aire donde ves la relación que tienen con su cuidador como si fueran familia. Era una de los aspectos que para nosotros era imperante y hemos podido verificar que están bien cuidados y sobre todo queridos y felices.Posted on Google
Roger Martinez Rey24 August 2026Un santuario donde puedes compartir una experiencia junto a elefantes donde se nota que son felices y los cuidan con cariño.Posted on Google
Holly Burton12 August 2026We had such a wonderful experience at the Elephant Freedom Project! It was amazing to spend time with the elephants in a way that felt respectful, ethical, and focused on their well-being. Our tour guide, Pat, was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the elephants. Pat taught us so much about their behavior and care, which made the experience even more meaningful. Getting to see the elephants up close was unforgettable and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Thailand. If you’re looking for an ethical elephant experience, we highly recommend the Elephant Freedom Project. Thank you, Pat and the team, for making our day so special!Posted on Tripadvisor
chrissiekirkby9 August 2026Amazing experience This is an experience you will remember for a long time. We did the full day tour. Our guide Pat, was very funny and so likeable. Him, and the other “mahouts” are so caring and respectful to their elephants. They are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do. One didn’t want to have a swim at the river. So it wandered off. No problem! They really are beautiful and intelligent creatures and being so close to them, respectfully, was a privilege. The surrounding jungle and hills are beautiful also, as is the drive to the place once you start getting to the hills. The road isn’t as windy as I thought it would be (I can get car sick if not sat in the front). Lunch was good and tailored to the tourist so not spicy at all, fried rice and Pad Thai with watermelon for afters. I did pack a 7-Eleven sandwich and crisps for my middle son as he is a fussy eater and I was glad I did this. Soft drinks and ice creams can be bought also. Tea, coffee & water is free. We also bought some lovely little handmade trinkets made by the Karen people. Your belongings are locked in a room whilst you are away. Thank you so much for such an amazing day for me and my family.Posted on Tripadvisorchrissiekirkby9 August 2026Amazing experience This is an experience you will remember for a long time. We did the full day tour. Our guide Pat, was very funny and so likeable. Him, and the other “mahouts” are so caring and respectful to their elephants. They are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do. One didn’t want to have a swim at the river. So it wandered off. No problem! They really are beautiful and intelligent creatures and being so close to them, respectfully, was a privilege. The surrounding jungle and hills are beautiful also, as is the drive to the place once you start getting to the hills. The road isn’t as windy as I thought it would be (I can get car sick if not sat in the front). Lunch was good and tailored to the tourist so not spicy at all, fried rice and Pad Thai with watermelon for afters. I did pack a 7-Eleven sandwich and crisps for my middle son as he is a fussy eater and I was glad I did this. Soft drinks and ice creams can be bought also. Tea, coffee & water is free. We also bought some lovely little handmade trinkets made by the Karen people. Your belongings are locked in a room whilst you are away. Thank you so much for such an amazing day for me and my family.Posted on Google
Dóra Mágocs17 July 2026
Really nice and special experience, definitely recommend going! We were at the afternoon program, started with lunch, then fed the elephants and went on a tour with them, where they took a bath. It was very cool to touch and walk around these huge animals! The guide was really nice, answered all our questions and took plenty of photos and videos of us. I would recommend you to give your phone to the guide to take photos and videos, so you get the desired quality. There was supposed to be a waterfall tour that we did not go to at the end, even though it was mentioned as part of the program. It was fine without, but could have been nice to see it.
Facebook 
Trustindex 
Includes
- Complimentary air-conditioned transport from Chiang Mai City
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Prepare The Elephant’s Feast
- Mahout Feeding Experience
- Authenticate Thai Lunch in The Mountains
- Prepare vitamin balls and supplements
- Elephant River Hike
- Mahout River Experience
- Observe the elephants swimming
- Mae Wang Waterfall experience
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Shoes
- Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Screen
- Bug Repellant
- Umbrella
Not suitable for
- Children under one year
- Wheelchair users
- Visually impaired people
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Not allowed
- Pets
- Flash photography
- Riding the animals
- Physical interaction with the elephants
Tour Overview
There are few things in life that are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our sanctuary will provide just an experience. Spending an awe-inspiring day with these gentle giants is certainly an experience you will never forget.
Elephant Freedom Full Day Tour
- Roundtrip Transportation From Chiang Mai
- Mahout Chat
- Elephant Cooking Class
- Prepare The Elephants Feast
- Feed The Elephants
- Lunch In The Mountains
- Elephant River Hike
- Elephant River Swim & Bathing
- Waterfall Experience
- Free download Pics & Vids Next Day
Elephant Freedom Full Day Tour
The day starts with your pickup in Chiang Mai between 8 AM & 8:30 AM. Before we start our day let’s get comfortable. What exactly are Karen Clothes? Traditionally, most Karen people are farmers who cultivate “hill rice”. They live in villages that are small clearings in the forest. Houses are made entirely of bamboo and thatch. A nearby stream or river may provide a place for villagers to bathe, do washing, and collect drinking water.
The type of traditional clothing worn by men and women varies on marital status: Karen men wear a longyi and a sleeveless shirt (usually red) or a white say plo (men’s dress). Unmarried Karen women wear long white dresses. Married Karen women wear a sarong and sleeveless shirt (usually black).
Now it’s time to prepare the food you will feed the elephants. Elephants eat roots, grasses, fruit, and bark—a lot of them! An adult elephant consumes up to 300 pounds of food in a single day. Think about that for a moment.
The interaction during feeding is just amazing. This is a great time to bond with these majestic creatures. These gentle giants welcome the interaction and loved to be fed.
Think of it this way, these majestic creatures love to eat, especially the special treats you will be offering. You will find a kindred spirit with these gentle giants, it really is something special.
It’s time to take a hike with our newfound friends. Just keep in mind we go at their pace, not ours. Feel what it must be like to simply roam with a small herd of elephants. This is a completely natural event, the elephants are free to do what they wish.
Stop for a mud bath? No problem. Or maybe a casual walk into the jungle for a light snack. Whatever it is you will be there to experience this wonderfully natural time in the elephants habitat.
Looking for a truly authentic Thai experience? That’s what you will find as we offer you an authentic Thai lunch prepared by the Plern Home, you can’t get more local than this. Now sit back and relax and, enjoy yourself, spend time with your newfound friends while having lunch watching the elephants.
Our guests will prepare servings of supplements and vitamins for the elephants. The guide will explain details about elephant health, diet, and the benefit of each of the added ingredients. Mahouts will join in this activity when possible, so visitors get to know the elephant that they’re “cooking” for and the mahout who cares for her.
This is a hands-on event preparing food in the original Thai fashion.
Now it’s time to feed your prepared supplements and vitamins to our majestic creatures. Learn the importance of why we feed the supplements and vitamins to the elephants each day. It really is an amazing experience to have these gentle giants eating out of your hands.
Hiking along the river is very peaceful. The scenery is beautiful, and the river’s water flows endlessly. Hiking with the elephants in such a majestic area just adds to the fun.
As we do not control the elephants in any way, it’s great fun to see them entertain themselves along the way. They say elephants never forget, they know exactly where we are headed. To the river to swim and play.
Most visitors don’t realize how much elephants love the water. Watch as the elephants gladly take to the water. Elephants love to submerge themselves completely in water. They love to splash around and use their trunks to spray water on one another. We ask that you join in, get wet, and help bathe the elephants. Feel like swimming with an elephant? The opportunity very well may present itself.
You will finish this experience shaking your head in awe. You’ll think to yourself, gee, I never have done anything quite like this. Enjoy the moment!
Let’s transport to the waterfall Thai style. This journey will take about ten minutes to reach the waterfall, and parts of the drive will cut deep into the forest. Once we arrive at the waterfall we will hike for five minutes to reach the waterfall.
The waterfall experience is always a highlight of the day. The surroundings are peaceful, you really feel connected to nature. This is another spot you would never find on your own.
It’s been a long day, but great fun. Time to say farewell to all your new friends. The journey back to Chiang Mai should take about one hour. Sit back, relax and leave the driving to us.
Elephant Freedom Full Day Tour
What's Included
- Roundtrip Transportation From Chiang Mai
- Coffee and snacks when you arrive
- Use of Karen clothes (optional)
- Food needed to feed the elephants
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Lunch at mountain retreat
- Elephant River Hike
- Elephant Swim & Bathing Session
- Waterfall experience
- Onsite restrooms
- Onsite locker room to store personal items
- Free download of all photos and videos
Items Not Included
- Towels
- Shoes
- Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Screen
- Bug Repellant
- Umbrella
Frequently Asked Questions
There is one area along the Elephant River Hike that requires you to take some care. You will be on level ground, however, there is some area of the ground that will require some careful navigation. The area is approximately 15 meters long. The hike to the waterfall will require going down approximately 200 stairs. Going down is not difficult, but extra attention is required. When we are finished at the waterfall you will need to go back up the stairs. This is not difficult but can be exhausting depending on the shape you are in.
We recommend footwear such as all-terrain flip-flops or sandals. Sneakers are fine, but they will likely get wet and dirty. You can manage in flip-flops however certain parts of the trail are better suited for an open sandal with straps. Crocs can also work. Certain parts of the river hike will require you to cross the river. The depth of the water is approximately 6″ to 18″ and has large rocks on the river bed. These crossings are very small and only take 30 seconds to cross, but your feet will get wet.
The travel time to the sanctuary is about 1 hour.
Yes, the full-day tour includes roundtrip transportation from any location in Chiang Mai City. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or by calling/text or WhatsApp at 66 95 785-5191 with any questions. We are available daily from 8 AM to 10 PM Thailand time.
Our tour is suitable for families with young children. If you have children younger than 6 please call/text or WhatsApp us @ 66 95 785-5191 for more information. You may also check out the following webpage which goes into greater detail; https://elephantfreedom.org/is-the-tour-suitable-for-children
The Feeding Experience is appropriate for all ages, and handicap accessible.
Most of the time we have between 4-6 elephants. We do our best to maintain a ratio of one elephant per four guests.
Yes, you may book your reservation from this page. To start the booking process please click “Check Availability”. You have the option to pay in full online or place a deposit and the balance in Thai Baht upon pickup. Please call/text or WhatsApp 66 95 785-5191 with any questions.
The group is typically between 10-18 guests per day. We aim for there to be no more than 3-4 people per elephant. This may vary depending on the tour you select. Our smallest groups are typically for the feeding experience. Our full-day or half-day afternoon tours are normally the most popular. Either way will maintain a good ratio of guests to elephants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to personally interact with the elephants.
We need a minimum of 2 people to be booked to operate each tour. If the tour you selected reflects availability then we have already met the required number.
Guests are welcome to bring one day pack or a standard check-in-sized backpack.
If you book our full-day or half-day afternoon tour we do recommend bringing a bathing suit. We will offer you Karen clothes (Thai outfits) for your day trip. Some guests will wear a bathing suit underneath to swim in the river or waterfall. The Karen clothes do dry quickly. We have a locker room for you to store your clothes.
Our elephant tour will still go ahead if it is raining. Elephants love the rain and ponchos will be provided. If there are weather conditions that we feel may place our guests in danger then the tour may be canceled. If in the rare chance, this were to happen you would receive a 100% refund.
Yes, we will send you an email within 24 hours of your tour date directing you to your tour photos and videos. You may download photos and videos free of charge.
There is never a fee to reschedule your tour. Our stated cancellation policy requests that you cancel your booking no less than 24 hours before your tour date. For more information please visit www.elephantfreedom.org to read our cancellation policy
A Thai-style lunch is provided with drinks. Please contact us if you have special dietary needs. We also provide water, coffee, and snacks upon arrival to the sanctuary. Lunch is included in all tours with the exception of the feeding experience.
Yes. You may modify your booking dates at any time free of charge.
Yes, 15% of our bookings are with single guests. Everyone is welcome at our sanctuary, single, couples, and families alike.
If you are making the journey on your own please use this link for the proper GPS directions to our camp. This is the only link to will get you to our exact location. https://goo.gl/maps/8mu3ARxtZbyeqDHC6
You will be in the open during part of your journey, we do recommend wearing a hat to protect from the sun. Bug repellent really depends on the person and the time of year you visit. Most of the journey is bug-free, but you may encounter some pesky friends during the jungle hike. A small amount of repellent for your feet, legs, and arms is recommended. Depending on the person you may wish to apply some sunscreen as well.
Our website is currently available in 25 languages. Click Here To Check out Elephant Freedom Website Languages.
