Chiang Mai: Half-Day Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting

Chiang Mai offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Northern Thailand. This half-day tour combines an ethical encounter with elephants at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and an exhilarating bamboo rafting adventure on the Wang River. Prioritizing animal welfare, this experience provides participants a chance to engage with these majestic creatures in a responsible manner. With a local vegetarian lunch, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable and enriching adventure for all.

Key Points

• A half-day tour at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, including interaction with elephants and bamboo rafting on the Wang River.
• The tour lasts 10 hours and includes transportation, a live tour guide, and a local vegetarian lunch.
• The tour emphasizes ethical practices and animal welfare, with a focus on respecting the elephants’ preferences and well-being.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, and participants must follow strict rules.
• The tour has received exceptional customer feedback, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and positive experiences highlighted in the elephant interactions and bamboo rafting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This half-day tour at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary combines an interactive experience with elephants and exhilarating bamboo rafting on the Wang River.

The 10-hour experience, including transportation, offers a live tour guide in English and Thai. Guests can save up to 10% on the £41.79 per person price, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Reservations can be made with a "reserve now, pay later" option. The tour focuses on ethical practices and animal welfare, ensuring a respectful and enjoyable experience for both visitors and elephants.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary.

At the sanctuary, you will interact with the elephants, feed them, and walk through the forest.

After the sanctuary visit, a local lunch is served, including vegetarian Pad Thai and fresh fruit.

Following lunch, guests will experience bamboo rafting on the tranquil Wang River.

For those interested, there’s an optional elephant bathing activity, always respecting the elephants’ comfort and preferences.

Ethical Practices and Animal Welfare

Activities at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary are based entirely on animal welfare. No force is used on the elephants. Their well-being is the top priority.

Elephant bathing is optional and conducted only if the weather is comfortable for them. The tour emphasizes respecting the elephants’ preferences and comfort levels.

Visitors aren’t allowed to feed, smoke, or use alcohol or drugs around the elephants. This ensures a safe and ethical experience for both your and the animals.

Visitors cannot feed, smoke, or use alcohol/drugs around the elephants, ensuring a safe and ethical experience for all.

The sanctuary’s commitment to responsible tourism provides an opportunity to interact with elephants in a manner that prioritizes their needs.

Participant Information

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems or mobility impairments.

Participants should bring a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothing, and insect repellent.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and feeding the animals are strictly prohibited.

The focus is on respecting the elephants’ preferences and well-being, so the tour prioritizes the animals’ comfort over participant activities.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Overall, reviewers have rated this tour 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 32 reviews. Guests praised the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, giving them a 4.9 rating.

The transportation was also well-received, earning a 4.8 rating. Travelers noted exceptional value for money, awarding a perfect 5/5 score.

Reviewers highlighted positive experiences interacting with the elephants, enjoyable bamboo rafting, and the tour’s strong focus on ethical and animal-friendly practices.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests this tour offers an exceptional and responsible way to connect with Chiang Mai’s local wildlife and environment.

Exploring the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary

After reviewing the overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous travelers, the experience at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary comes into focus.

Visitors can interact with and feed the elephants, who roam freely in the forest. The emphasis is on respecting the elephants’ comfort and well-being, with no forced activities.

Guests enjoy a local lunch, including vegetarian options, before embarking on a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure on the Wang River.

The sanctuary’s ethical practices and commitment to animal welfare are evident throughout the experience, ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable visit for all.

Bamboo Rafting on the Wang River

Following the tranquil sanctuary visit, guests embark on a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure along the picturesque Wang River.

Gliding peacefully on the slow-moving waters, they take in the lush, verdant scenery surrounding them. The gentle rhythm of the bamboo poles propelling the rafts creates a calming, meditative experience.

Gliding peacefully on slow-moving waters, a calming, meditative experience amid the lush, verdant scenery.

Participants can sit back, unwind, and appreciate the serene natural environment. The rafting activity complements the sanctuary visit, offering a well-rounded cultural and outdoor experience.

Afterwards, guests return to Chiang Mai, their senses invigorated by the unique combination of elephant interaction and river exploration.

Responsible Tourism Practices

The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary prioritizes responsible tourism practices that ensure the well-being of its elephant residents.

Activities are designed to respect the elephants’ comfort and preferences, avoiding any form of coercion. Elephant bathing, for instance, is optional and only occurs if the weather is suitable.

The sanctuary also prohibits behaviors that could disturb the elephants, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and feeding.

Responsible practices, combined with a focus on animal welfare, contribute to the sanctuary’s excellent reputation, as evidenced by overwhelmingly positive customer reviews praising the ethical treatment of the elephants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. The details focus on the tour’s itinerary, ethical practices, and participant requirements without specifying the typical group size.

Can I Modify My Tour Itinerary or Schedule?

The tour itinerary and schedule are generally fixed, but customers can check with the provider about potential modifications. Any changes would depend on availability and may incur additional fees.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Activities?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the activities, but participants are asked to be respectful and avoid disturbing the elephants or interrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines.

Are Any Medical Conditions Required to Be Disclosed?

Yes, participants are required to disclose any medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate safely, such as back problems or mobility impairments. This helps ensure everyone’s well-being during the activities.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Products On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and local products onsite at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. These include handmade crafts, textiles, and snacks. Additional fees may apply for these optional purchases.

Recap

The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary offers an exceptional opportunity to interact with elephants ethically while enjoying a serene bamboo rafting adventure. This half-day tour prioritizes animal welfare and responsible tourism, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all participants. With a local vegetarian lunch, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour immerses visitors in the beauty of Chiang Mai’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: