Experience Chiang Mai's highlights in a day. Visit an ethical rescued elephant private estate to learn about the elephants as you cook, feed and bath them in the river. Enjoy a Thai lunch and visit the remarkable Doi Suthep temple before the day ends.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 8 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: Your Hotel in Chiang Mai City Center at 8:00AM
Small group: Limited to 9 participants

Highlights

Get up close and personal with the elephants
Take the chance to be an elephant caretaker for a day
Make a herbal medicine ball for the elephants
Enjoy delicious Thai dishes with rice
Climb up to the Doi Suthep temple

Full description

Begin your private experience with a pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city and take a scenic journey to a private elephant estate where you will be their caretaker for half a day. Upon arrival, Walk to the main base camp, located up the hill, get changed into an elephant caretaker outfit and prepare yourself for a day of fun. Learn about Asian Elephants' long and fascinating history as you learn to cook healthy herbal treats for them to eat for a snack. Afterward, feed the handmade treats to them and walk along their side through the beautiful lush forest. Continue with elephant bathing in the river and say a farewell to your new, big friends as you set off on the next part of your tour. Take some time out of your day to enjoy a delicious Tha lunch, eating dishes with rice and finishing off your meal with a selection of fresh tropical fruits. Then, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple that is situated on the top of a mountain. You can reach the top by walking up or using the elevator. At the very top, there is a golden chedi and terrace adorned with small shrines, breadfruit trees, rock gardens and, an Emerald Buddha statue. From the mountain top you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lush greenery below.

Includes

Roundtrip Transfers from your hotel in Chiang Mai City Center
1st class Travel accident insurance
Licensed and experienced tour guide
All Entrance fees
Local Elephant Mahout Trainer
The use of elephant caretaker outfits, towel, sandals and Hilltribe shoulder bags
Food and healthy treats to feed the elephants
Shower rooms, toilets and metal lockers
Refreshing towel

Covid-19 precautions

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Prepare for the activity

Important information

What to bring

Change of clothes
Waterproof camera

Know before you go

There is absolutely no riding of the elephants or the usage of hooks and sharp tools, it is prohibited on this tour
This package is suitable for all ages
The tour price includes one driver and one professional English speaking tour guide (who will happily take photos for you)
What to Bring: Insect repellent and some money for any of your personal expenses

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 35 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
5/5

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If you’re looking for an amazing private experience, this is for you! This was nothing short of amazing. And yes, this was completely private. The elephants dictated their own schedule, not the keepers. Nothing was forced from the elephants. Also no cheap or tacky displays for entertainment purposes. This is a private family-ran location that does NOT allow any riding. The afternoon lunch and temple was great too. Sid and Pon were both engaging throughout the entire day. Truly an amazing experience and I will definitely return to do this again!

December 2, 2021

Wow wow wow.... the driver and tour guide were so nice. The driver was an excellent photographer and will send you all the pics by airdrop. The elephant sanctuary was just for our group. It was great to have all the elephants for just me and my friends, we got to feed and give them a bath. Lunch was great. I will recommend them to everyone that wants an exclusive and really ethical elephant sanctuary.

February 21, 2020

Wow! What an experience! This was the perfect day for our family. We were able to interact with the elephants in the morning and see one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand in the afternoon with an absolutely amazing lunch in between! We had a very limited amount of time in Chiang Mai unfortunately so this tour was perfect-- allowing us to do check off two of the activities we wanted to do most in one day. Our guide and driver (who was also the owner of the tour company) were extremely accommodating! Our guide was the perfect balance of informative and allowed us to chat among ourselves and relax in between destinations. I could not recommend this tour high enough! Thank you all for such a memorable experience!

January 11, 2020

Ethical Elephant Caretaker & Doi Suthep Temple Private Tour

Ethical Elephant Caretaker & Doi Suthep Temple Private Tour

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