Guided tour

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour

Top rated
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Guided tour
Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour
Certified by GetYourGuide
Top rated
4.8
627 reviews

Visit the Pon Elephant Sanctuary south of Chiang Mai for ethical up-close experiences with large elephants. Help wash the elephants, feed them, and learn about their habitats, biology, and behavior.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Thai
Pickup optional
Please be in the hotel lobby 5 - 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Drivers will wait for no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Silvana – Spain

Everything was good! The elephants were happy and have a good treat! They are part of their family!

D
Danilo Araújo – Ireland

I had an amazing time at this elephant sanctuary. The whole experience was super special. All the guides were so nice and friendly, and you could tell they really care about the elephants. The elephants looked really happy and very well taken care of. It was so cool to see them walking around free, playing, and just living their best lives. Nothing felt forced or fake — just good vibes all around. If you're thinking about visiting, do it! Totally worth it.

Highlights

  • Get up close and personal with our gentle giants, feeding them in a safe space
  • Feed and observe the elephants we care for in a pristine natural environment
  • Learn the history of Asian elephants and how to prepare herbal treats for them
  • Take a photo with the elephants and make memories you'll cherish forever

Full description

Explore the ethical coexistence of elephants with local hill tribes. Travel south of Mae Wang, Chiang Mai for about 1.5 hours through hills, forests and local farms to Pon Elephant Thailand. Meet the team and receive a briefing on the habitat, history, habits and behaviour of the elephants, as well as how to behave around them.

Then go for a nature walk with our knowledgeable rangers and enjoy the special opportunity to feed them Napier grass, sugarcane and bananas and interact with the elephants up close. Create unforgettable memories in the natural environment of the forest.

Highlights of this tour include taking the elephants to the river, swimming and bathing with the large elephants and their loving family. It is a truly intimate and peaceful experience. Please note that the elephants choose to bathe in the river, we do not force them, so some activities may change at short notice.

We support the local villages in this activity and by helping the elephants, they are also helping us protect and sustain our community forest for the long term.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Fruit basket for elephants
  • Drinking water
  • Towel and a change of clothes

Not suitable for

  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with epilepsy
  • People with animal allergies
  • Visually impaired people
  • People with recent surgeries
  • People with low level of fitness
  • People with insect allergies

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Change of clothes
  • Camera
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Beachwear
  • Cash
  • Clothes that can get dirty
  • Passport, copy accepted
  • Charged Smartphone
  • Biodegradable insect repellent

Not allowed

  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Intoxication
  • Fishing
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Littering
  • Feeding animals
  • Skateboards
  • Firework
  • Explosive substances
  • Skates
  • Party groups
  • Making fire
  • Riding the animals
  • Bachelor & bachelorette party groups

Know before you go

  • The itinerary is subject to change due to bad weather or other force majeure events
  • Opening hours are subject to change
  • All activities mentioned are based on elephants who are not forced to do any activities

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 627 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.8/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
S
Silvana – SpainApril 7, 2025 – Verified booking
Everything was good! The elephants were happy and have a good treat! They are part of their family!
D
Danilo Araújo – IrelandApril 6, 2025 – Verified booking
I had an amazing time at this elephant sanctuary. The whole experience was super special. All the guides were so nice and friendly, and you could tell they really care about the elephants. The elephants looked really happy and very well taken care of. It was so cool to see them walking around free, playing, and just living their best lives. Nothing felt forced or fake — just good vibes all around. If you're thinking about visiting, do it! Totally worth it.
G
George – ThailandApril 6, 2025 – Verified booking
A wonderful experience with super friendly and knowledgeable staff who clearly care deeply about the elephants. Their breeding program and the opportunity for tourists to interact with these majestic animals, under the careful guidance of handlers, showcased their dedication to responsible and ethical care. It's heartwarming to see the great work they're doing for elephant conservation.

Product ID: 911878

Activity provider:PON ELEPHANT (THAILAND) CO., LTD.

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