Enjoy our half-day morning tour and spend quality time with our majestic friends. This tour is perfect if you don’t want too much hiking or wish not to spend the entire day. Our day starts with an optional pickup in Chiang Mai City between 8 AM and 8:30 AM. Upon arriving at the camp, we will begin by preparing the elephant’s feast and feeding them. Then, it’s off to an elephant hike in the jungle with our majestic friends. When done, we will return to the camp, clean up, and have lunch as you sit and watch the elephants. After lunch, we will head back to Chiang Mai. You will arrive in Chaing Mai around 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
It’s one thing: visiting the zoo and watching the elephants. It is an entirely different experience feeding and interacting with these gentle giants. They say once an elephant meets you, it will never forget you. Brilliant is one way to describe these majestic creatures. Everything about them is impressive, each with its personality. If you’re lucky, you may be on the receiving end of a big kiss. Enjoy this time. It’s truly a wonderful experience. Join us for lunch while spending time with the elephants. Mom from the Plern Home will prepare a truly authentic Thai dish for your lunchtime meal.
We have no greater joy than to share this experience with the friends we meet who come to visit us from around the world. Please get in touch with us on WhatsApp. We are available daily from 8 AM to 10 PM local time. Click the image to connect with us. ![]()
*Last-minute and same-day bookings are welcomed. Roundtrip transportation is available with a small surcharge. Pictures and videos are free of charge. Click here to check out our other tours.


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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 2026
Elephant 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 2026
Absolutely 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 2026
Estuvo 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 2026
Un 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 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 Google![]()
Roger Martinez Rey24 August 2026
Un 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 2026
We 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 2026Verified
Amazing 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 Tripadvisor![]()
chrissiekirkby9 August 2026Verified
Amazing 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.

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 Half Day Morning
- Mahout Chat
- Elephant Cooking Class
- Prepare The Elephants Feast
- Feed The Elephants
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Lunch In The Mountains
- Round-trip transportation from Chiang Mai City (small surcharge)
- Photo session
Elephant Freedom Half Day Morning

The day starts with an optional 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 elephant’s 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.
Elephant Freedom Half Day Morning
What's Included
- Coffee and snacks when you arrive
- Use of Karen clothes (optional)
- Food needed to feed the elephants
- Elephant Jungle Hike
- Lunch with the elephants
- Prepare and feed supplements to the elephants
- 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
- Transportation (small surcharge)
Frequently Asked Questions
The half-day morning tour is considered very easy. You will take a hike into the jungle with the elephants. This tour is suitable for all ages.
We recommend footwear such as all-terrain flip-flops or sandals. Crocs is another good option. Sneakers are fine, but they will likely get dirty. You can manage in flip-flops however certain parts of the trail are better suited for an open sandal with straps.
The travel time to the sanctuary is about 1 hour.
We provide optional an air-conditioned car, SUV, or van from any location within Chiang Mai City. There is a small surcharge for transportation, please contact us at (66) 95 560-2569 by WhatsApp, cell or SMS.
Our tour is suitable for families with young children. If you have children younger than 3 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 Half-Day morning tour is appropriate for all ages.
Typically 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 will be kindly asked for a deposit to hold your reservation. You may pay the balance in Thai Baht when you arrive at our sanctuary. 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.
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.
We always try to accommodate our guests. 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.
