For those seeking an immersive, ethical elephant encounter near Chiang Mai, the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour promises an unforgettable day. Priced affordably, the half-day and full-day programs provide opportunities to feed, bathe, and walk alongside these gentle giants in a natural setting that prioritizes their well-being. With stunning vistas and engaging activities, the tour offers an authentic connection with Thailand’s iconic wildlife while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. But what makes this sanctuary truly unique is its dedication to elephant conservation – something that sets it apart from the rest.
Key Points
- The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour offers half-day and full-day experiences near Chiang Mai, ranging from $42.66 to $47.40 per person.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, feeding, bathing elephants, and a local meal, with up to 10% savings and free cancellation.
- The tour offers activities such as feeding, bathing, and walking alongside elephants, with a focus on their wellbeing and conservation.
- The full-day program includes health checks and herbal medicine ball creation, as well as planting seedlings for elephant food.
- The sanctuary prioritizes the welfare and conservation of elephants, prohibiting riding and promoting ethical tourism to protect Thailand’s elephant population.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the natural habitat of elephants near Chiang Mai.
Priced from $42.66 to $47.40 per person, the tour provides a half-day or full-day experience. Guests can save up to 10% and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Chiang Mai, feeding and bathing the elephants, and a delicious local meal.
The full-day program also features activities like health checks and herbal medicine making. Guests are required to follow animal welfare guidelines during the ethical elephant encounter.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiang Mai.
Itinerary Highlights
After a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Chiang Mai, guests arrive at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. They receive a briefing and change into traditional northern clothing before interacting with the gentle giants. Guests can feed, bathe, and walk alongside the elephants in their natural habitat. The full-day program also includes participating in health checks and creating herbal medicine balls for the elephants. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and fields. A delicious local meal is served, providing a wholesome and authentic experience.
| Activity | Half-Day | Full-Day |
| — | — | — |
| Feeding & Bathing Elephants | ✓ | ✓ |
| Elephant Health Checks | – | ✓ |
| Herbal Medicine Ball Creation | – | ✓ |
| Planting Elephant Food Seedlings | – | ✓ |
Program Details
The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour offers two program options: a half-day and a full-day experience.
The half-day program runs either in the morning (07:00-14:00) or afternoon (12:00-19:00). The full-day program operates from 08:00 to 17:00.
Both include activities like walking with elephants, enjoying scenic views, and a delicious local meal. The full-day also features planting seedlings for elephant food.
All activities are designed with the elephants’ wellbeing in mind, and weather may affect the bathing portion. Guests should bring appropriate attire and gear for the outdoors.
Important Information and Requirements
Although the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour is an incredible experience, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain individuals, like children under 2, pregnant women, and those with back or heart problems, may not be able to fully participate. Guests should come prepared with the right attire – hat, swimwear, towel, and comfortable shoes. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited, and riding elephants is not allowed. The sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ wellbeing, so activities may be adjusted based on weather conditions. Overall, adhering to the guidelines ensures a safe and ethical encounter with these magnificent creatures.
| Requirement | Details |
|————-|———|
| Age Limit | Not suitable for children under 2 years |
| Health | Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back/heart problems |
| Attire | Hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sandals |
| Prohibited | Smoking, alcohol, drugs, riding elephants |
| Weather | Activities may be adjusted based on weather conditions |
More Great Thing To Do NearbyElephant Welfare and Conservation
At the heart of the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary‘s mission lies a steadfast commitment to the welfare and conservation of these magnificent creatures.
The sanctuary’s practices prioritize the elephants’ well-being, ensuring they’re free from undue stress or harm. Visitors are prohibited from riding the elephants, as the sanctuary believes this exploitative activity should be discontinued.
Instead, guests are encouraged to interact with the elephants in their natural habitat, fostering an appreciation for these gentle giants and supporting the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them.
Through ethical tourism, the sanctuary aims to inspire change and safeguard the future of Thailand’s elephant population.
- Best Seller: Doi Inthanon National Park Full Day Tour
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Spiritual Sunrise Tour With an Ex-Monk
- Inthanon Day Trip From Chiang Mai With Lunch – Group or Private
- Benny’s Home Cooking Chiang Mai
- The 10 Tastings of Chiang Mai With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
- Doi Inthanon Private Tour With Trek & Lunch From Chiang Mai
Guided Tour Experience
When visitors arrive at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, they embark on an immersive adventure that brings them face-to-face with these magnificent creatures.
After a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, guests receive a briefing and don traditional northern attire before interacting with the elephants. They’ll feed, bathe, and walk alongside the gentle giants in their natural habitat.
The full-day program also includes health checks and making herbal medicine balls. Regardless of half or full-day, visitors savor a delicious local meal and return to Chiang Mai with unforgettable memories of their ethical elephant encounter.
Local Culture and Traditions
As visitors enjoy the sanctuary’s serene surroundings, they’re also introduced to the rich cultural traditions of northern Thailand.
Upon arrival, guests change into traditional northern clothing, blending seamlessly with the sanctuary’s natural ambiance. This cultural experience enhances the connection with the elephants and their environment.
Beyond interacting with the gentle giants, guests participate in creating herbal medicine balls, a practice rooted in local wisdom for elephant healthcare.
These immersive cultural elements elevate the sanctuary tour, offering a holistic appreciation of Thai heritage and the elephants’ symbiotic relationship with the land.
Customer Testimonials and Ratings
Travelers who’ve experienced the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour rave about the exceptional service and ethical treatment of the elephants.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 21 reviews, the sanctuary has earned a reputation for providing a memorable and rewarding experience.
Boasting an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 21 reviews, the sanctuary offers a truly memorable and rewarding experience.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as the unique opportunity to interact with the elephants in their natural habitat.
Reviewers praise the sanctuary’s commitment to animal welfare, noting the elephants appear well-cared for and content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old. However, there are no other age restrictions, and the sanctuary welcomes visitors of all ages who can safely participate in the elephant activities.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary provides a delicious local meal as part of the tour experience. Bringing outside food or beverages is not allowed.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
Yes, there is a dress code for the tour. Participants must change into traditional northern clothing provided by the sanctuary after the initial briefing. This is to ensure the comfort and safety of both visitors and elephants.
Are There Any Nearby Attractions to Visit Before/After the Tour?
Visitors can explore Doi Suthep National Park, a popular hiking destination with stunning mountain views, before or after the elephant sanctuary tour. The park offers opportunities to see temples and local hill tribes as well.
How Are the Elephants’ Living Conditions and Care Ensured?
The sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ welfare, providing spacious enclosures, nutritious diets, and comprehensive veterinary care. They actively monitor the elephants’ physical and mental well-being, ensuring a safe, ethical, and enriching experience for visitors.
Recap
The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Chiang Mai offers a unique and ethical experience to connect with elephants in a natural setting. Priced reasonably, the tour emphasizes elephant welfare and conservation, ensuring a stress-free environment while promoting sustainable tourism. With stunning views, engaging activities, and positive customer feedback, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to learn about and appreciate these gentle giants in a responsible manner.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Chiang Mai
- Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour: (3.5 Hours / 1.7 Km.)
- Chiang Mai: Historic Temples and City Guided Walking Tour
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfall (Half Day Tour) Hotel Transfer
- Chiang Mai:Wat Phra That Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Evening Tour
- Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat Temple Evening Tour
- Half Day Morning Wat Pha Lat & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Tour
More Tour Reviews in Chiang Mai
- Explore Mae Kampong Village From Chiang Mai City
- Doi Inthanon at Afternoon and Hiking
- Follow Monks Trails Hiking & Alms Offering Doi Suthep
- Elephant PooPoo Paper Park & Sticky Waterfall
- A Must: Serene Sunrise, Temple at Dawn to Beat the Crowd & Alms to Monks
- Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai: White Temple-Blue Temple-Lalita Cafe
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Chiang Mai we have recnetly reviewed
- 8 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Chiang Mai
- 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Chiang Mai
- 10 Best 3 Day Tours In Chiang Mai
- 4 Best 4 Day Tours In Chiang Mai
- 16 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Chiang Mai
- 12 Best Dining Experiences In Chiang Mai
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Chiang Mai
- 5 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Chiang Mai
- 20 Best Massage And Relaxation Services In Chiang Mai
- 12 Best Dinner Tours In Chiang Mai
- 16 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Chiang Mai
- 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Chiang Mai