Thailand

Visiting Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai with Kids

Chances are good that if you are headed to Chiang Mai, Thailand, you are headed to the elephant sactuaries.  Most families visit Chiang Mai with this in mind.  We certainly did!  However, we made the most of it as we were full-time travelers at the time and stayed for a month.  Chiang Mai has a lot more to offer than just elephants, but they are still the star of the show.

We took five young children to visit elephants and had an amazing time.  In fact, we visited elephants three times!  Once for our first encounter, the second to do some photos (we hired a photographer to capture the special moments) and a third time we had as a bonus, as our local friend took us to a more local experience.  We then spent the night in a traditional house with a local family, which was a very unique experience.

Top highlights of our three encounters?

• Feeding sugar cane that we helped cut ourselves!  Nevermind that I nearly cut off my fingernail with the machete…
• Hiking with elephants and losing a shoe in a mud hole.  Thankfully, our guide fished it out as I was really stressed about not having a shoe while we lived in Thailand!
• Fixing up an “elephant vitamin” and seeing how excited the elephants were for it.
• Meeting a baby elephant just a few weeks old!  I loved seeing how he behaved and how protective the herd was of him.

Imagine your family with magnificent elephants—watching them interact, walking beside them and maybe even getting to feed them.  This was a dream of mine for years before we began full-time travel, and I was thrilled when we were able to make it a reality in Thailand!

But before we dive into the details, let’s talk about something important: elephants can be a sensitive topic.

Why Choosing the Right Sanctuary Matters

In the past, we made the mistake of visiting Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, not realizing that the facility had been accused of drugging animals for profit.  After that visit, we received a lot of negative feedback—and honestly, I had no idea at the time that this was happening.  It was a wake-up call for me to conduct more thorough research and make more informed decisions regarding animal experiences.

Chiang Mai, and Thailand in general, offers many animal experiences for profit.  On our last trip, just last month, we visited a petting zoo with a raccoon!  I’m not sure how ethical it was, but the animals seemed well taken care of.  It’s important to try to put your money behind places that do what is best for the animals involved.

Elephants are incredible creatures that deserve respect, so when choosing a sanctuary, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. No Riding Elephants for Tourists

It’s considered inhumane to ride elephants for tourism.  We actually didn’t know this at first, but thankfully did not choose a sanctuary that did this.  We know to avoid any sanctuary that offers rides to visitors.  

You might still see locals riding elephants—this is often tied to traditional practices—but as a general rule, repeated tourist rides can harm the animals over time.  Imagine people getting on your back all day!

2. Observation Over Interaction When It Comes to Elephants

Look for sanctuaries that prioritize letting elephants be elephants.  That means observing them in their natural behaviors rather than forcing interactions.  In our case, we walked alongside elephants to a water hole, helped prepare their “daily vitamin” treats and cut up sugar cane for them (a process that nearly cost me a finger thanks to my questionable machete skills!) and had gentle feeding interactions. 

We observed elephants doing a lot more as well: playing in the mud, splashing in the river and eating plants as we walked.  All of it is enjoyable, I promise!  They are fascinating creatures.

3. Do Your Research On Elephant Sanctuaries

Chiang Mai has dozens of sanctuaries, and your experience will likely be similar no matter which one you choose—so make your decision based on what’s best for the elephants.  Read reviews, look for accreditation and check for ethical certifications like membership in the Asian Elephant Alliance or approval from animal welfare organizations.

Supporting with your dollar means a lot in Chiang Mai, and it’s important that those dollars support your beliefs also.  

I would not call myself an animal activist, but once you see elephants in person, you’ll also want what is best for them!  This is part of the experience’s beauty.  When we know and love something, we want to protect it.

How to Know if an Elephant Sanctuary is Ethical?

There are many ways you can identify if an elephant sanctuary is ethical.  Meaning, if they care about their well-being, or they just do it for entertainment purposes.  So, here are a few examples on how to identify them:

• Look out for reviews: Websites like Trustpilot or Google reviews can be great for finding out about this.  Not only can you read about the overall experience in the sanctuary, but you also get to learn about how they treated the elephants during the different visits.  Any time I read reviews, I make sure to read lots.  Don’t let just one bad review sway you and look for trends overall.
  
• Limited contact or interaction with elephants: Ethical sanctuaries prioritize observation in the elephants’ natural environment.  They will avoid riding, bathing constantly or even feeding.  Some sanctuaries will let you feed the elephants, but not at all times, only when they have to eat.
  
• Be sure they have certifications: Many sanctuaries have on their websites if they belong to an organization.  For example, you can check here if the sanctuary you’ll visit is part of the global organization.
  
• Adequate space and conditions: Elephants should be free, not have any sort of chains or bullhooks to control them.  Also, they should have big, open, natural spaces with shade and easy access to water and food.  

• Full transparency and focus on welfare:  Sanctuaries should be open on how the money given to those organizations is used, their rescue efforts and practices. 

Basically, just do your research, see if sanctuaries have a website, find out what people say, and you’ll be fine! 

Our Experiences Visiting with Elephants in Chiang Mai as a Family

We made three different visits to elephants while in Chiang Mai.  Thankfully, we were there for a month, so we could have a few experiences over that time period.  

Our First Elephant Encounter

The first encounter we had was very touristy.  We observed the elephants, watched them walk to a mud hole and everyone was then invited to join the elephant in the mud and rub mud on their back if desired.  We were watching the elephants poop and pee into the mud, so most of my kids opted out of this!  However, I jumped right in!  Eventually, a couple of my kids got over their fear and joined me.  I loved getting into the mud and watching the elephant enjoy this experience.

Side note: Did you know there is a company in Chiang Mai that makes paper out of elephant poop??  It’s a fun additional activity to do with kids!  We bought some journals to take home.

Afterwards, we were invited to a waterfall to wash off and cool off, while the elephants also could enjoy the water.  They were eventually led to another part while we enjoyed lunch and were shuttled back to our hotels.

Our Second Elephant Experience

For our second visit, we hired a photographer to go with us.  I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture some family shots with elephants!  I really loved this opportunity.  We also fed the elephants sugar cane while the photographer took some shots.  

After we took some photo shoots, we changed and then went to make the elephant vitamin.  This was a mixture of several different compounds, some of which were a bit unpleasant to smell!  However, the elephants knew what to expect and were excitedly waiting nearby to get their treat!

We then took a walk with the elephants through the jungle for about an hour.  It was hot and we were sweaty, but it was fun to watch them walk in the forest.  My husband did have to carry our little one for a while, which was tough, but worth it.  We went to a mud hole in which the elephants covered themselves in mud (and we lost a shoe!).

Finally, we walked back to a river where the elephants enjoyed cooling off in the water.  Our kids also loved splashing in the water and washing off.  

Finally, at the end, we cut sugar cane for the next visitors!  The kids LOVED this part and I did until I cut off most of my fingernail.  However, it all healed ok and we moved on!

Both our first and second encounters included a traditional Thai lunch, which is standard for elephant visits.

Our Third Elephant Experience 

As I mention in my post about our overnight Thai visit, we were able to visit a baby elephant!  This was a fairly short visit (we didn’t walk or feed them), which was probably due to this being more of a local experience and due to the baby’s age.  

It was still really special to see the herd and the baby.  We learned some about elephants with each experience.  For example, did you know that elephant’s brains light up when they see humans in the same way our brains do when we see puppies?!  This was our favorite fact we learned.  Hopefully, they think we are cute and cuddly 🙂

Elephant Experiences to Consider

Discover unique and memorable ways to connect with these gentle giants, from ethical sanctuaries to immersive cultural encounters, with experiences designed to educate, inspire and create lasting memories.

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour

This half-day adventure takes you to Pon Elephant Sanctuary south of Chiang Mai, where guests are welcomed into a natural setting to wash, feed, and observe the elephants in ways that respect their habitat and behavior. You begin with a nature walk through forested hills and farms, learn about elephant biology and habits, and prepare herbal treats before enjoying close interaction including feeding and possibly bathing in the river when the elephants choose to do so.

The tour lasts about five to five-and-a-half hours, and costs start at $25USD per person. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), an English-speaking guide, water, a towel and change of clothes, fruit for the elephants and insurance.  It’s an ethical, hands-on experience offering both education and genuine connection with these gentle giants.

Phuket: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Ethical Feeding Experience

At the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket, visitors can take part in the “Feed Me” program, an ethical experience designed to let people connect with elephants in a respectful and meaningful way.  Guests have the chance to feed the elephants, watch their behavior up close and learn about their daily routines from knowledgeable guides. 

The sanctuary focuses on the animals’ well-being, ensuring that interactions are safe, compassionate and enriching for both the elephants and visitors.  To round out the visit, a refreshing soft drink is provided, giving guests a moment to relax after their time with these gentle giants.

The activity lasts around one hour, making it an ideal choice for travelers with limited time who still want to enjoy an authentic elephant encounter.  Prices start at about $28USD per person, which includes elephant food, guided interactions and access to the sanctuary.  It’s a short but memorable experience that highlights ethical tourism while offering a rare opportunity to meet elephants up close.

Grace and strength in every step, truly magical creatures.

What to Expect When Visiting Elephants with Kids

If you’re traveling with children, elephant sanctuaries can be a magical experience. Here’s what we found helpful:

• Prepare for Mud – Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring an extra change for the kids.  Some sanctuaries have showers, but not all.  Consider a “dirty bag” to put clothes into before you get back in the car.
  
• Closed-Toe Shoes – Trust me, flip-flops don’t mix well with elephant mud pits.  Make sure to choose the best shoes for you, men, and the kids.  I wore my Chacos that I still use seven years later.
  
• Listen to the Guides – The staff will explain how to stay safe around elephants.  Make sure the kids understand and follow instructions.
  
• Bring a Waterproof Camera – Between the mud, water splashes and curious elephant trunks, you’ll want something that can handle the elements.  We love our Insta360!
  
• Consider the Duration – Most tours are half-day or full-day.  Younger kids may do better with a shorter visit, while older kids will love the full-day adventure.

What to Pack When Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary with Kids

Most elephant sanctuaries include a complimentary lunch option and water.  But there are still a few things I recommend that you bring.  Here are some essentials you should consider:

• Swimsuit or extra clothes.  Depending on the sanctuary rules, some include uniforms but others don’t.  And in most of them you’ll get wet or muddy!  So bring a wetsuit for you, your husband, and your kids and an extra set of clothes just in case!
  
• Bag for wet clothes.  If you’re planning to change, bring a bag to put all of your crew’s wet clothes in.  This way you won’t get all your stuff in your backpack wet or dirty.
  
• Pack some towels.  There are very few sanctuaries that offer towels, and if your tour includes getting in the mud or a river, you may need one!
  
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen.  The weather in Chiang Mai can be suffocating!  It is really hot and humid and you’ll be out the entire day.  Be sure to pack some sunscreen and reapply every couple hours!

• Bringing bug spray is a must.  Chances are during this tour you’ll walk in the jungle with the elephants, and chances are you’ll have many bugs around you!  Don’t forget to pack bug spray, but just make sure it’s good for the environment.
  
• You might need some baby wipes.  These are not essential but if you need to clean a surface or your hands, it might be good to pack some.
  
• Add some snacks to your backpack.  You will probably be served some lunch.  But if your kids are picky eaters or if you opt for a full day, packing some snacks is a smart option!
  
• Don’t forget the portable chargers.  Last but not least, don’t forget to add the portable chargers!  You will be outdoors all day long and you will probably use your phone a lot for pictures.

Best Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit with Kids

Depending on your schedule, if your kids can handle a long day or your trip goals, there are many different options for visiting elephant sanctuaries.  Also, some elephant sanctuaries offer private and group options.  Here are some great tours that include transportation:

1. Full Day with Elephants: This option is perfect if your kids are not too little and you’d like to take your time meeting the elephants.  It lasts about nine hours and includes transportation, lunch, water and fruits for the elephants.  
   
   Apart from that, you’ll get the chance to walk along with an elephant family, watch how they interact with each other, visit the Mae Wang Waterfalls and do a bamboo rafting trip.  The cost is $55USD per person and they pick you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai.

2. Half-Day with Elephants: If you’d like to have a shorter visit because you’re not sure your kids will be able to handle so many hours, then this tour is for you.  Also, many sanctuaries offer this option.  It also includes transportation, pick up and complimentary meals.
   
   This tour is not as structured as others but it does have the traditional activities like preparing food for the elephants, a walk in the jungle with the elephants and splash and mud fun!  It’s a no touch and no riding experience.  The cost is $49USD per person.
   
3. Private Day Trip with Elephants: This is the longest one and it’s because it doesn’t only include the elephant’s activity.  For a full day, you go to the highest point of Thailand (the Doi Inthanon National Park) where you get amazing views!  Then you go on a trek to Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, visit the Rak Jung waterfall and meet the elephants at the end of the day.
   
   Since this tour is private and includes a full day packed with activities, it costs $149USD per person.  However, it does include transportation, food, a uniform to use during your time with the elephants and food for the elephants!

Our Takeaway

Visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai was one of our most memorable travel experiences as a family.  We left feeling connected to these gentle giants, and the kids still talk about “their” elephants months later.

If you make the trip, choose a place that puts the elephants first, come ready for a bit of adventure and prepare for muddy smiles all around.

Additional Readings

Bangkok with Kids: Top 13 Things to Do

Bangkok Travel Guide: 11 Tips, Tricks and Takeaways

Hong Kong with Kids: A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget