If you are a fan of elephants and want to see them in their natural habitat, you might be wondering where to go and how to do it in a responsible and respectful way. After all, not all elephant camps in Thailand are ethical and sustainable, and some of them exploit and mistreat these gentle giants for profit and entertainment.
That’s why we recommend you to visit the elephant jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai, which is one of the most popular and reputable elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Here, you can learn, feed, bathe, and care for the elephants in a safe and humane environment, while also supporting their conservation and welfare.
By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip to the elephant jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai and have the most memorable and meaningful experience with the elephants. So, let’s get started!
What is the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Why is it Ethical and Sustainable?
The elephant jungle sanctuary is a project that aims to protect and care for the elephants in Thailand, especially those that have been rescued from abusive or exploitative situations, such as logging, tourism, or entertainment industries. The sanctuary provides a safe and natural home for the elephants, where they can roam freely and happily, without being chained, ridden, or forced to perform.
The sanctuary also educates the visitors and the local communities about the elephants and their behavior, history, culture, and conservation. The visitors can interact with the elephants in a respectful and loving way, and learn how to feed, bathe, and care for them. The sanctuary also supports the local communities by providing them with jobs, income, and resources.
The elephant jungle sanctuary is ethical and sustainable because it follows these principles:
No riding: The sanctuary does not allow any riding of the elephants, as it is harmful and stressful for their health and well-being.
No chains: The sanctuary does not use any chains or ropes to restrain or control the elephants, as it is cruel and painful for them.
No hooks: The sanctuary does not use any hooks or sticks to train or discipline the elephants, as it is abusive and violent for them.
No shows: The sanctuary does not make the elephants perform any tricks or shows, as it is unnatural and degrading for them.
No breeding: The sanctuary does not breed or trade the elephants, as it is unethical and unsustainable for their population and habitat.
By visiting the elephant jungle sanctuary, you are supporting their mission and vision, and contributing to their cause. You are also helping the elephants to have a better and happier life, and showing them that you care and respect them.
What are the Different Types of Visits and Experiences You can Have at the Sanctuary?
The elephant jungle sanctuary offers a variety of options and experiences for visiting the sanctuary, depending on your preferences, budget, and availability. You can choose from the following types of visits:
Half-day visit
This is the shortest and cheapest option, which lasts for about 6 hours, and costs 1,700 THB per person. You can choose between the morning or the afternoon session, and enjoy the following activities:
1. Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel in Chiang Mai.
2. Traditional Thai snacks and drinks upon arrival at the sanctuary.
3. Introduction and briefing about the sanctuary and the elephants.
4. Feeding the elephants with bananas and sugar cane.
5. Walking with the elephants to the river and bathing and brushing them.
6. Mud spa with the elephants.
7. Vegetarian buffet lunch or dinner.
8. Tea and coffee break.
9. Souvenir t-shirt and photos of your visit.
Full-day visit
This is the most popular and comprehensive option, which lasts for about 9 hours, and costs 2,400 THB per person. You can enjoy the following activities:
1. Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel in Chiang Mai.
2. Traditional Thai snacks and drinks upon arrival at the sanctuary.
3. Introduction and briefing about the sanctuary and the elephants.
4. Feeding the elephants with bananas and sugar cane.
5. Walking with the elephants to the jungle and learning about their behavior and history.
6. Vegetarian buffet lunch.
7. Walking with the elephants to the river and bathing and brushing them.
8. Mud spa with the elephants.
9. Tea and coffee break.
10. Souvenir t-shirt and photos of your visit.
Overnight visit
This is the most unique and immersive option, which lasts for about 24 hours, and costs 4,900 THB per person. You can enjoy the following activities:
1. Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel in Chiang Mai.
2. Traditional Thai snacks and drinks upon arrival at the sanctuary.
3. Introduction and briefing about the sanctuary and the elephants.
4. Feeding the elephants with bananas and sugar cane.
5. Walking with the elephants to the jungle and learning about their behavior and history.
6. Vegetarian buffet lunch.
7. Walking with the elephants to the river and bathing and brushing them.
8. Mud spa with the elephants.
9. Tea and coffee break.
10. Dinner and bonfire at the sanctuary.
11. Overnight stay in a bamboo hut or a tent at the sanctuary.
12. Breakfast and morning walk with the elephants.
13. Souvenir t-shirt and photos of your visit.
One day walk with elephants:
This is the most adventurous and challenging option, which lasts for about 10 hours, and costs 6,000 THB per person. You can enjoy the following activities:
1. Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel in Chiang Mai.
2. Traditional Thai snacks and drinks upon arrival at the sanctuary.
3. Introduction and briefing about the sanctuary and the elephants.
4. Feeding the elephants with bananas and sugar cane.
5. Walking with the elephants to the jungle and learning about their behavior and history.
6. Vegetarian buffet lunch.
7. Walking with the elephants to the waterfall and swimming and playing with them.
8. Walking with the elephants to the river and bathing and brushing them.
9. Mud spa with the elephants.
10. Tea and coffee break.
11. Souvenir t-shirt and photos of your visit.
As you can see, there is something for everyone at the elephant jungle sanctuary, and you can choose the option that suits you best. However, we recommend you to go for the full-day visit, as it is the most complete and satisfying experience, and you can spend more time with the elephants and learn more about them.
How to Book and Reach the Sanctuary from Chiang Mai?
Booking a visit to the elephant jungle sanctuary is very easy and convenient. You can book online through their official website, or by phone, email, or WhatsApp. You can also book through a travel agent or a tour operator in Chiang Mai, but make sure they are affiliated with the sanctuary and follow their ethical and sustainable standards.
Once you book your visit, you will receive a confirmation and an invoice, and you can pay by cash or credit card on the day of your visit. You will also receive the details of your pick-up and drop-off service, which is included in the price of your visit.
The sanctuary is located about 60 km from Chiang Mai, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get there by car. The sanctuary has several branches or camps, and each one has a different location and a different number of elephants. You will be assigned to one of the camps depending on the availability and the capacity of the sanctuary.
The pick-up and drop-off service is provided by a shuttle van or a truck, which can accommodate up to 12 people. The pick-up time is between 6:30 am and 7:30 am for the morning session, and between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm for the afternoon session. The drop-off time is between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm for the morning session, and between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm for the afternoon session.
The pick-up and drop-off location is usually your hotel in Chiang Mai, but you can also choose another location within the city center, such as a bus station, a train station, or an airport. However, you need to inform the sanctuary in advance and confirm the exact location and time of your pick-up and drop-off.
What are the Tips and Suggestions for Visitors to Have a Smooth and Enjoyable Experience at the Sanctuary?
To make the most of your visit to the elephant jungle sanctuary, and to have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we suggest you to follow these tips and recommendations:
What to wear: Wear comfortable and casual clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Avoid wearing bright colors, as they might scare or attract the elephants. Bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you will get wet and muddy during the activities. You can also bring a swimsuit, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, if you want.
What to bring: Bring a small backpack or a bag that you can carry with you during the activities, and put your belongings in it, such as your phone, camera, wallet, passport, etc. You can also bring some snacks and drinks, if you want, but the sanctuary will provide you with enough food and water. You can also bring some extra money, if you want to buy some souvenirs or make some donations at the sanctuary.
What to avoid: Avoid bringing any plastic bags or bottles, as they are harmful for the environment and the elephants. Avoid bringing any alcohol or drugs, as they are prohibited at the sanctuary. Avoid bringing any valuables or jewelry, as they might get lost or damaged during the activities. Avoid touching the elephants’ eyes, ears, mouth, or trunk, as they are sensitive and might get irritated. Avoid making any loud noises or sudden movements, as they might scare or disturb the elephants.
What to expect: Expect to have a fun and unforgettable experience with the elephants and the staff at the sanctuary. Expect to learn a lot about the elephants and their culture and conservation. Expect to get wet and dirty during the activities, and to have a lot of laughs and smiles. Expect to make some new friends, both human and animal, and to create some lasting memories.
Conclusion
The elephant jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai is the ultimate destination for ethical and sustainable elephant tourism in Thailand. Here, you can interact with the elephants in a respectful and loving way, and support their protection and welfare. You can also enjoy a variety of options and experiences, such as half-day, full-day, overnight, or one-day walk visits, and choose the one that suits you best. You can also book and reach the sanctuary easily and conveniently from Chiang Mai, and follow some tips and suggestions to have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your visit to the elephant jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai today, and get ready to have the most amazing and meaningful experience with the elephants. You will not regret it, and you will thank us later.
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