If you’re considering going to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, I am here to tell you that it was a bucket list moment I’ll never forget. There are plenty of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, but this one offers a unique opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures in a cruelty-free environment.
Curious what it’s like? We’ll be diving deep into ENP’s history, what a typical day visit involves (spoiler alert: it might involve mud!), meeting the amazing elephant herd, and some top tips for planning your visit.
If you have more time, see my Chiang Mai Bucket List: 30 Things to Do
The Story of Elephant Nature Park
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation camp founded in the late 1990s by Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, a lifelong elephant advocate, and Adam Flinn, who ran an ecotourism company. This ethical sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ well-being, focusing on observation and avoiding riding or shows.
Note: You will not be able to ride the elephants and they won’t be performing any “tricks”. There are too many horror stories about the training techniques for these. Did you see Water for Elephants? I’m not saying that all trekking or ellie show companies are bad, but the Elephant Nature Park is a place where the elephants are rewarded for good behavior, not punished for bad.
These animals have often endured harsh conditions, and here they get to live freely in social groups, bathe in mud wallows, and basically be elephants! Plus, the park isn’t just about elephants. They care for all sorts of rescued animals, like dogs, cats, and even buffalos, and your visit helps support their incredible work.
What to Expect From a Day Visit
The day starts with an hour-long ride from the city center. The park even picked me up right from my hotel – major points for convenience! Along the way, though, several trekking companies have some of their elephants tied while awaiting for their next expedition.
And then, the fields open up with endless stretches of green and there is the gorgeous sight of ellies roaming free. That’s when I knew I had arrived to Elephant Nature Park.
We started the day with an informative tour of the grounds and an introduction to its animal residents. They are an eclectic bunch; some old, some young, some blind, some injured from working in the logging industry, some abused and some rescued from the circus. All beautiful.
It was fascinating (and sad) to learn about their individual stories and the park’s mission to provide them with a safe and healthy sanctuary.
Afterward, it’s time to refuel for lunch. The elephants got to enjoy baskets full of fruits (fed to them by the visitors!) while we enjoyed a delicious and diverse vegan buffet lunch (think yummy Asian and international flavors!).
Back when we visited, Pete and I were able to experience bathing the elephants ourselves. But since then, they let the elephants bathe themselves without any visitor interaction so they can live their lives as naturally as possible (watching them frolic in the mud is still a pretty special sight to see, to be honest.)
The park then took us back to Chiang Mai and dropped me off right at my hotel. It was the perfect way to spend a day, learning about these incredible creatures and supporting their well-being.
Meet the Herd
There’s nothing quite like coming face-to-trunk with a rescued elephant at the park. These gentle giants, over 100 strong, roam freely here, forming deep bonds with each other in family herds. It’s incredible to see! The Kham La herd, the park’s biggest bunch (consisting of around 9+ elephants), is quite a sight.
Watching them interact – from playful nudges to shared mud baths – is a heartwarming reminder of their intelligence and social nature. Knowing these elephants are finally safe from abuse makes the experience even more special. Trust me, this isn’t your average elephant encounter – it’s a bucket list moment you won’t forget!
Tips for Visiting
Elephants splashing in mud? Check. Feeding a ellie some yummy treats? Check and check! This park is a dream come true for anyone who’s ever wanted to connect with these amazing creatures. Here are some things I learned to make your visit even better:
- Best Time: The dry season (November – April) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. However, the park welcomes visitors year-round.
- Dress comfortably: Pack comfy clothes and shoes with good tread – you might be walking through some light mud to meet the elephants. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle to stay cool.
- Respect the animals: Elephant Nature Park places a high value on the welfare of elephants. Remind yourself that these are wild creatures and that you should always abide by the park’s rules when engaging with them.
- Show your appreciation: The guides at Elephant Nature Park are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate (plus they take lots of good pictures and videos!) You can express your gratitude to them for making your stay so memorable by leaving them a tip.
- Pricing: Elephant Nature Park offers various programs with different pricing structures, like half-day, single day, and even overnight. A single day visit typically costs around 3,500 THB ($90 USD), with a 50% discount for children.
Visiting the Elephant Nature Park was one adventurous day, and a memory will last a lifetime. No riding. No shows. Just rescued elephants doing things they should have been doing ever since: being elephants.
You’ll get to witness their gentle nature firsthand, learn about their past, and even lend a hand (or should I say, a bucket?) with their daily care. It’s a bucket list experience that goes beyond the fun – it’s a heartwarming experience that’s equal parts educational and unforgettable.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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More Things to Do Near Chiang Mai
- Thai Food Bucket List: 75+ Best Dishes to Eat From Thailand
- Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple in Chiang Rai
- Thailand Elephant Sanctuary: 5 of the Best Rescues in or Near Chiang Mai
- Wat Chedi Luang: A Thai Temple in Chiang Mai’s City Center
- Traveling by Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai & Other Transportation
Which experience did you choose from? There are so many and I’m confused as to which one I should pick.
It depends on the how long you have. The day visit is a nice overview and an opportunity to interact with the elephants. For most people this is enough. But, if you want more interaction join the longer program.
Why does that elephant have purple paint on its forehead? Did it get shot with a paintball gun?
We were told it was some sort of medicine, so a wound wouldn’t get infected.