Chiang Mai’s New Elephant Home offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with these majestic creatures. The Elephant Care Program provides an immersive 4-hour experience, where participants learn about proper elephant care and the importance of their welfare. With hands-on activities, a traditional Thai lunch, and even hotel pickup, this program promises a memorable and meaningful encounter. However, the program’s commitment to the elephants’ well-being raises intriguing questions about the delicate balance between human interaction and animal conservation. What insights might this experience offer into the complex relationship between humans and elephants in modern Thailand?
Key Points

- The Elephant Care Program in Chiang Mai is a 4-hour interactive experience focused on engaging with elephants, learning their care practices, and preparing their food.
- Participants can choose between a morning (7:30-8:00) or afternoon (11:30-12:00) session, and have the option of hotel pickup for convenience.
- The program includes a Thai lunch, seasonal fruits, travel insurance, and other amenities, starting from K976 per person.
- Pregnant women and individuals with medical conditions are not eligible for the program due to potential health risks.
- The program has received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from 16 reviews, with positive feedback on the touching and respectful experience.
Program Overview

The Chiang Mai: New Elephant Home Elephant Care Program offers a 4-hour experience, including a 2-hour interactive session with the elephants. Priced from K976 per person, the program allows visitors to engage with the gentle giants, learn about their care, and even prepare their food.
The schedule includes morning and afternoon sessions, with the option to either meet at the Elephant Sanctuary or arrange hotel pickup in Chiang Mai City. The program includes a Thai lunch, seasonal fruits, and travel insurance, among other amenities.
However, it’s important to note that the experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with pre-existing medical conditions due to safety concerns.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiang Mai.
Experience Highlights

Visitors can engage with elephants in a heartwarming 2-hour program, where they’ll discover the art of preparing elephant food and feeding these gentle creatures.
The experience offers a choice between meeting up at the Elephant Sanctuary or opting for hotel pickup in Chiang Mai City.
Morning sessions run from 7:30-8:00, while afternoon sessions take place from 11:30-12:00.
Throughout the program, participants can enjoy the care and feeding of these majestic animals, creating an unforgettable connection with the elephants.
The program promises a truly enriching and memorable encounter, allowing visitors to appreciate the elephants’ welfare and the efforts made to ensure their well-being.
Inclusions

The Chiang Mai Elephant Care Program typically includes an admission ticket, fruit baskets for the elephants, preparation of vitamin balls, a Thai lunch, seasonal fruits, drinking water, travel insurance, and a park uniform.
Plus, hotel transfers are provided as an optional inclusion.
These inclusions ensure that participants fully enjoy the elephant care experience, from feeding the gentle giants to enjoying a traditional Thai meal.
The program’s comprehensive offerings allow visitors to appreciate the elephants’ wellbeing while also experiencing the local culture.
However, personal expenses and gratuities aren’t included, so participants should budget accordingly for a complete and memorable Chiang Mai adventure.
Participant Restrictions

According to the information provided, certain individuals may not be eligible to participate in the Chiang Mai Elephant Care Program. Specifically, the program isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with pre-existing medical conditions. This restriction is likely in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the participants and the elephants.
The reasons for these limitations may include:
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Potential health risks for pregnant women or those with medical conditions during the program activities.
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Concerns about the ability of these individuals to fully engage with and handle the elephants safely.
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The need to maintain a controlled environment to protect the elephants from any potential harm or distress.
Customer Feedback

Customers have shared their perspectives on the Chiang Mai Elephant Care Program, providing an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews. The program has received positive feedback, with visitors finding the experience touching and respectful towards the elephants. They have praised the close relationship between the mahouts and the elephants. However, some concerns were raised about the insistence on purchasing from nearby artisan shops.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
| Transportation | 3.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 |
The high value for money rating suggests that customers feel they are getting a worthwhile experience for the cost of the program.
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Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Chiang Mai Elephant Care Program is straightforward, as it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Visitors can choose between a meetup at the Elephant Sanctuary or hotel pickup in Chiang Mai City, with morning sessions from 07:30-08:00 and afternoon sessions from 11:30-12:00.
The program includes:
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Admission ticket and a Thai lunch (Pad Thai).
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Fruit baskets, vitamin balls, and drinking water for the elephants.
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Travel insurance and a park uniform.
With a duration of 4 hours and a cost starting from K976 per person, the Elephant Care Program provides a unique and memorable experience in Chiang Mai.
Getting There

Visitors can readily get to the Chiang Mai Elephant Care Program through a convenient hotel pickup service offered in Chiang Mai City.
The program provides guests with the option to meet the group at the Elephant Sanctuary, located just outside the city.
Travelers who choose the hotel pickup will be transported to the sanctuary in time for the 2-hour program.
The morning session kicks off at 7:30 am, while the afternoon session starts at 11:30 am.
This flexible scheduling allows visitors to easily fit the elephant experience into their Chiang Mai itinerary.
Whether opting for the meetup or hotel transfer, the program ensures a seamless and hassle-free journey to the elephant sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Elephants Interact With Visitors During the Program?
Yes, the elephants do interact with visitors during the program. Participants engage directly with the elephants, preparing their food and feeding them. This hands-on experience allows visitors to connect with the gentle creatures in a meaningful way.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Experience?
The typical group size for this type of elephant interaction experience is usually small, around 6-10 participants. This allows for more personalized engagement with the elephants and a more intimate encounter during the program.
Can Visitors Take Photos or Videos of the Elephants?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos of the elephants during the experience. However, they should be respectful and avoid disturbing the animals. Some programs may have specific guidelines or restrictions around photography to prioritize the elephants’ wellbeing.
Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
The program does not have a specific age limit or minimum age requirement. However, it may not be suitable for very young children due to the physical nature of interacting with the elephants. Participants of all ages are welcome.
Can Visitors Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts at the Sanctuary?
Visitors may have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs or gifts at the sanctuary, though this may not be a central part of the experience. Some programs encourage visits to nearby artisan shops, which could provide options for purchases.
Recap

The Chiang Mai: New Elephant Home Elephant Care Program provides an immersive and meaningful experience for participants. They’ll learn about elephant care, prepare food, and connect with these magnificent creatures while ensuring their well-being.
With hotel pickup, a Thai lunch, and options to suit various preferences, it’s a truly memorable way to appreciate the elephants’ importance. Participants are sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for these gentle giants.
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