Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Tour & Lunch

Chiang Mai’s Living Green Elephant Sanctuary offers an ethical and enriching experience for visitors seeking an authentic encounter with Thailand’s iconic elephants. This day tour provides a chance to observe the gentle giants in their natural habitat, feeding and interacting with them under the guidance of experienced caretakers. With a focus on the well-being of the elephants, the sanctuary’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures a memorable and responsible outing. From guided walks to delectable Thai cuisine, this tour combines culture and conservation efforts, inviting travelers to consider the complex relationship between humans and these magnificent creatures.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Chiang Mai.

Key Points

• This day tour offers an opportunity to observe and interact with elephants in an ethical sanctuary setting near Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• The tour includes a guided walk through the forest, the chance to feed the elephants, and a delicious Thai lunch.
• The sanctuary prioritizes the well-being of the elephants and follows ethical practices, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience for visitors.
• Transportation is provided, with free pickup and drop-off service within 5 km of Chiang Mai’s Old City.
• The tour is priced at €130.22 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Tour & Lunch in Chiang Mai offers visitors a chance to observe elephants in their natural habitat and learn about the history and care of these magnificent creatures. The eight-hour tour includes a visit, lunch, and guided tour at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. Participants can feed the elephants and take photos, while an English-speaking guide provides insights into the sanctuary’s work.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all food and drinks. Pregnant women, however, are advised not to participate. Priced at €130.22 per person, the tour offers a unique and ethical way to interact with elephants in Chiang Mai.

Sanctuary Experience

At the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, visitors embark on a guided journey to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Guided by knowledgeable staff, guests can walk alongside the elephants through the lush forest, learning about their history and care. Visitors have the opportunity to feed the elephants and capture memorable photos.

The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical practices ensures a respectful and enriching experience for both the elephants and their human guests. Following the guided tour, a delicious Thai lunch is served, providing a chance to refuel and reflect on the meaningful encounter with these gentle giants.

Itinerary Highlights

The day tour kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup, transporting visitors directly to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. At the sanctuary, guests can observe the elephants in their natural habitat, enjoy a guided walk through the forest alongside the gentle giants, and learn about their history and care. A highlight of the experience is feeding the elephants and capturing memorable photos. To refuel, a delicious Thai lunch is included.

Activity	Duration
Observe elephants	1 hour
Guided forest walk	1 hour
Learn about elephants	1 hour
Feed the elephants	30 minutes
Enjoy Thai lunch	1 hour

Activities Offered

Visitors can observe the elephants in their natural habitat, seeing the tranquil environment of the sanctuary.

They’ll be guided on a walk through the forest, learning about the history and care of the elephants. Guests can feed the gentle giants and capture memorable photos with them. The sanctuary prioritizes the well-being of the elephants, ensuring a truly ethical experience.

A delicious Thai lunch is included, allowing visitors to savor the local cuisine while surrounded by the serene beauty of the sanctuary. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures in a responsible and sustainable manner.

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Booking Information

The tour is priced at €130.22 per person. Travelers can easily check availability and reserve their spot, with the option to pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

For those within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City, a free transfer service is included. However, a surcharge applies for locations outside this area.

Smoking and riding the elephants are strictly prohibited during the tour. This ethical elephant sanctuary experience offers great value, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while enjoying a delicious Thai lunch.

Pickup and Return

The tour pickup location is in Chiang Mai. From there, the day tour takes visitors to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, where they can observe and interact with the elephants in their natural habitat.

The key details about the pickup and return are:

• Pickup location: Chiang Mai
• Main stop: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
• Return location: Chiang Mai
• Free transfer service within 5 km radius of Chiang Mai’s Old City, with a surcharge for locations outside this area.

At the end of the tour, guests are returned to their original pickup location in Chiang Mai.

Additional Details

Although the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, it provides a range of engaging activities for visitors. Guests can observe elephants in their natural habitat, go on a guided walk through the forest with the elephants, and learn about their history and care. They’ll also get to feed the elephants and take photos. A delicious Thai lunch is included in the tour.

Booking is easy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a free transfer service within 5 km of Chiang Mai’s Old City. However, smoking and riding the animals aren’t allowed. Prices start at €130.22 per person, and availability can be checked online.

Visitor Guidelines

Visitors are expected to follow several guidelines during their time at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. This helps ensure the safety and well-being of both the visitors and the elephants.

• No smoking is allowed on the premises.
• Visitors aren’t permitted to ride the elephants.
• Photography and videography are encouraged, but visitors should avoid using flash or making loud noises that could disturb the animals.
• Pregnant women are advised not to participate in this tour, as certain activities may pose risks.

Adhering to these guidelines allows for an immersive and ethical experience, fostering a deep appreciation for the elephants and their conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Souvenirs at the Sanctuary?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the elephant sanctuary. The tour includes time to explore the sanctuary’s gift shop, which offers a variety of handmade products and locally sourced items related to the elephants and their care.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water Bottle?

The tour includes bottled water, so there’s no need to bring your own water bottle. You can focus on enjoying the elephant sanctuary experience without worrying about staying hydrated during the tour.

Is the Tour Child-Friendly?

The tour is generally child-friendly, as it includes activities like observing and feeding the elephants. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the physical nature of the sanctuary visit.

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Halal Meal?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian or halal meal requests. Guests should make any special dietary needs known when booking the tour to ensure their preference is catered for during the included Thai lunch.

How Do I Contact the Tour Company During the Tour?

During the tour, guests can contact the tour company by calling the provided emergency phone number or speaking directly to the English-speaking guide accompanying the group. The guide can assist with any questions or concerns that arise.

Recap

The Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Tour & Lunch offers an enriching and ethical experience for visitors to observe Thailand’s iconic elephants in their natural habitat. With a guided walk, elephant feeding, and a delicious Thai lunch, this tour provides an opportunity to learn about the sanctuary’s commitment to the well-being of these gentle giants while capturing memorable moments. The convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make it a value-for-money option for an authentic encounter with the elephants.

You can check if your dates are available here: