Experiência no Santuário da Selva de Elefantes em Chiang Mai

The staff were exceptionally friendly and professional, warm and helpful, and proactively offered to take photos for tourists. Initially, I was hesitant to approach, but the guide and translator encouraged and reassured me not to be afraid. The elephants were very gentle and well-cared for. Everyone fed the elephants, gave them mud baths, and splashed water on them, making for a wonderful experience. I booked a two-day, one-night trip and visited several places. I even saw a baby elephant, just over a year old, playfully chasing its handler, which was incredibly cute. Watching it eat with its mother, its eyes crinkled in a happy smile, was so delightful. The hotel at night was quiet and serene, with many stars, making it a perfect place to relax. I slept wonderfully and will definitely come again! I almost forgot to scan the QR code for photos, but the staff thoughtfully emailed them to me. Many thanks!

I was very pleased to find this is a cooperative run primarily with the aim of rescuing elephants who are unwanted or unable to be looked after by their owners. The local Karen tribespeople benefit through employment and sales of items to tourists. The interactions with the elephants could not be better with feeding bathing and patting encouraged. The guides speak excellent English and are keen to answer questions and share information. I stayed in the jungle lodge after my first day and found the peace and quiet wonderful after the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai. The next morning was spent with mahouts feeding elephants and then a walk through the reserve to a scenic waterfall before lunch in a roadside cafe. Another waterfall then back to another reserve for a final interaction with elephants before a bus ride back to Chiang Mai. Every tourist I met over the two days was enthusiastic and enjoying every new experience.

An amazing experience! It was my first time getting so close to elephants! At the beginning of the session, there was an explanation to help everyone understand how to protect themselves and the elephants during the activity, emphasizing the importance of following rules and respecting the elephants. We accompanied the elephants while they ate, made their food, played with them in the river to exfoliate their bodies, and then applied mud to protect their skin, provide sun protection, and act as a mosquito repellent. I was initially worried it might smell, but I learned that elephants don't smell at all! They only have the scent of nature~ Being next to the elephants felt very peaceful and awe-inspiring 😌 They are so cute, and it made me marvel at the beauty of life! I highly recommend this activity to anyone who loves nature and elephants! 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 Our family of three, including our 6-year-old son, absolutely loved today's activity. Although everyone was exhausted and fell asleep on the way back in the car... it was all worth it!

This tour was truly one of the highlights of my trip. Spending the day with these gentle giants in a safe, ethical, and caring environment was both heartwarming and eye-opening. From feeding and bathing the elephants to learning about their rescue stories, every moment felt meaningful. The sanctuary staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, ensuring we understood the importance of elephant welfare and conservation. Wearing traditional Karen clothing, preparing food, and joining the elephants in a mud spa and river bath made the experience feel immersive and respectful. It’s rare to find a tour that balances fun with purpose so beautifully. If you're looking for a way to connect with nature and support a good cause, this is the one. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Chiang Mai

Such an amazing excursion! Transport to the elephant camp was in an air conditioned van with about 7 new friends. The elephants looked well taken care of and eager to meet us. Lunch was very good. Would recommend this excursion.

We had a wonderful experience — everything was well-organized and on time. We began by registering all the participants’ information, then moved to an area displaying various goods for sale, where we could browse and take photos. Next, our guide led us to the elephants. We learned how to feed them and offered them chopped watermelons from a large basket. After feeding, we went to another area where we could get closer, take pictures, and even touch the elephants. The guide explained that all the elephants at the sanctuary are female, as males can be more aggressive. To end the tour, we were treated to free sodas while the guide shared information about the sanctuary’s management and the products they sell. We also created a small souvenir artwork made from paper crafted using elephant dung — a fun and memorable way to wrap up the visit.

It was incredibly fun. You could tell that the tour guides were very knowledgeable about the animals, and safety was also a top priority. The group size was not too large and just right. Everything was explained very well to us, and questions were answered. The price-performance ratio was also great. A truly unique experience that everyone should try at least once.

The camp we visited this time was Camp No. 4, which has seven female elephants, including a one-year-old baby who was incredibly cute and very mischievous 🥰. Another five-year-old was more calm 🤣. The oldest elephant there was 60 years old. The overall experience was very interesting, and I learned a lot about elephants. Although I was a bit scared at first when taking photos with the elephants, I felt much better after getting more familiar with them, and I kept playing with the baby elephant 💖. Afterwards, we helped bathe the elephants, and the guide splashed water all over me, getting me completely wet 😅. Remember to bring a change of clothes! Then we helped apply mud to the elephants, which was a very valuable experience. I would love to go back and interact with the elephants again next time I visit Chiang Mai!

Overall, it was a good experience. The program includes a simple buffet lunch, which was a nice addition after the activities. The interaction with the elephants was enjoyable, and it felt like they are well taken care of at the sanctuary. The caretaker at Camp 6 was very informative and also quite funny, which made the experience more engaging. He shared useful information about the elephants and their care. It was also nice that the camp has an official photographer. During activities like bathing the elephants, you usually don’t bring your phone since it can easily get wet, so it was great that someone was there capturing the moments. The photos were uploaded the same day and were available to download, which was very convenient. It’s a nice touch since you don’t need to pay extra to have good photos of the experience. For me, it was special because seeing and interacting with elephants has been one of my childhood dreams.🐘

Unforgettable experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary! 😊 Got up close and personal with these gentle giants - feeding, petting, and even watching them splash around in the mud bath was pure magic. The mini activities and free drinks were the cherry on top. Super ethical and responsible sanctuary, felt great supporting their cause. If you're an animal lover or just want a unique experience, this is a must-do in Chiang Mai!