Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai — All You Need to Know

Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for rescued animals located in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. Surrounded by lush mountains and pristine nature, this sanctuary is a place of healing—for both elephants and the people who visit. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to get there to the different visitor programs available.

How to Get to Elephant Nature Park

There are two main ways to get to the park:

• Traveling independently — This is more complicated and expensive.
• Booking directly through the Elephant Nature Park website — This is the recommended method.

How to Book a Trip

• Visit the official website: www.elephantnaturepark.org
• Choose your preferred program from a variety of options
• Free round-trip transportation is provided from hotels in central Chiang Mai (Additional fees may apply if you’re staying outside the city center.)

Programs & Prices at Elephant Nature Park

Photo from: Elephant Nature Park, https://www.elephantnaturepark.org

Below are the available visit programs at Elephant Nature Park. Each one offers a unique, ethical experience with elephants in a natural, peaceful setting.

1. Morning Visit (Half-Day)

A relaxing half-day morning program where you’ll observe and learn about the elephants’ daily lives up close.

• Pickup Time: 7:30 AM
• Return Time: 1:00 PM
• Adult Price: 2,500 THB (~USD 75)
• Child Price (Age 11 & under): 1,250 THB (~USD 37.5)

2. Afternoon Visit (Half-Day)

A peaceful afternoon visit where you can enjoy observing elephant herds in their natural environment.

• Pickup Time: 12:00 PM
• Return Time: 5:00 PM
• Adult Price: 2,500 THB (~USD 75)
• Child Price (Age 11 & under): 1,250 THB (~USD 37.5)

3. SkyWalk (Full-Day)

A unique full-day experience where you’ll learn each elephant’s story and join the special “Hands Off” program, observing elephants from elevated walkways.

• Pickup Time: 7:30 AM
• Return Time: 5:00 PM
• Adult Price: 3,500 THB (~USD 105)
• Child Price (Age 11 & under): 1,750 THB (~USD 52.5)

4. Sunshine for Elephants (Full-Day)

A full-day ethical elephant experience including a jungle walk with elephants and educational activities that focus on their freedom and natural behavior.

• Pickup Time: 8:00 AM
• Return Time: 5:00 PM
• Adult Price: 3,500 THB (~USD 105)
• Child Price (Age 4–11): 1,750 THB (~USD 52.5)

5. Walk with Elephants (Full-Day)

A full-day journey walking alongside elephants in their natural surroundings.

• Pickup Time: 8:00 AM
• Return Time: 4:30 PM
• Adult Price (Age 12+): 3,500 THB (~USD 105)
• Children: Not accepted in this program

6. Elephant Care (Full-Day)

Spend a full day caring for elephants, including walking alongside them and preparing food.

This is a hands-on program, ideal for those who want a deeper connection.

• Pickup Time: 8:00 AM
• Return Time: 4:20 PM
• Adult Price (Age 12+): 6,000 THB (~USD 180)
• Children: Not accepted in this program

7. Overnight Program (2 Days / 1 Night)

An immersive 2-day, 1-night experience filled with various elephant activities and time to connect deeply with the sanctuary’s mission.

• Pickup Time: 8:00 AM (Day 1)
• Return Time: 5:00 PM (Day 2)
• Adult Price: 5,800 THB (~USD 174)
• Child Price (Age 11 & under): 2,900 THB (~USD 87)

What Makes Elephant Nature Park Different?

Photo from: Elephant Nature Park, https://www.elephantnaturepark.org

Elephant Nature Park is not just another elephant attraction—it’s a place of healing, sanctuary, and mutual respect between humans and animals. Here’s what makes it truly stand out:

1. A focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and giving elephants a second chance at life
2. A strict no riding, no performing, no hooks policy
3. Elephants live freely—walking, eating, and bathing naturally
4. Visitors can help feed and observe the elephants without disturbing them
5. No abusive training or forced interactions
6. Elephants are seen as companions on this planet, not entertainment
7. The experience emphasizes education, empathy, peace, and nature connection

This is ethical tourism at its core—where animals come first.

What to Prepare for Your Elephant Nature Park Visit

1. To make the most of your experience, here are some things to prepare in advance:
2. Be ready before the scheduled pickup time
3. Provide accurate hotel name and pickup location to avoid delays
4. Baggage limits:
   For day trips: 1 small backpack per person
   For overnight stays: 1 carry-on-sized bag per person
   (Max 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm)

Recommended items to bring:

1. Hat
2. Sunscreen
3. Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
4. Insect repellent
5. Refillable water bottle
6. Raincoat (for May–October)
7. Camera

Important Safety Guidelines

1. For your safety and the wellbeing of the elephants, please follow these rules:
2. Do not climb or approach elephants without permission
3. Do not feed elephants on your own unless instructed
4. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that may startle them
5. No flash photography
6. Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes—some paths can be muddy or wet
7. Beware of insects and mosquitoes
8. Travel light; don’t bring too much gear
9. Always follow staff instructions
10. Respect the animals and natural environment
11. Dress modestly and appropriately for outdoor activities
12. Do not litter

Why You Should Visit Elephant Nature Park at Least Once in Your Life

Photo from: Elephant Nature Park, https://www.elephantnaturepark.org

In a world where animals are often used for entertainment in tourism, Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Chiang Mai stands as a sanctuary built on compassion. This is not just a place to see elephants—it’s a home for elephants who have been hurt, a place where both animals and humans can heal together.

1. Respectful, Force-Free Interaction with Elephants

At ENP, there is no riding, no performances, and no bullhooks. Elephants live freely, just as they should. You’ll experience being close to elephants in a way that is safe for both them and you—without pushing boundaries.

2. Support Ethical, Responsible Tourism

Every activity at the park is designed to:

1. Avoid harming animals
2. Avoid exploiting their cuteness for profit
3. Focus on healing elephants—both physically and emotionally

Just by choosing to visit, you are supporting a better future for animals and nature.

3. Beautiful, Tranquil Natural Setting

The park is nestled in a peaceful valley, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and open grasslands. Walking among elephants in this serene environment is an experience that heals the heart in unexpected ways.

4. More Than a Trip—It’s a Life Lesson

Many visitors leave ENP with a question in their heart: “How does my way of living affect other beings on this planet?” Elephant Nature Park doesn’t just change the lives of elephants—It can change how you see the world, too.

Summary

Elephant Nature Park isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a place of hope for elephants who once suffered. Here, you’ll reconnect with nature, learn the true value of life, and experience what it means to care—deeply and honestly.

If you’re looking for a trip that helps you both explore the world and transform something inside yourself, this is the place you need to visit—at least once in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Elephant Nature Park

If this is your first time visiting Elephant Nature Park, or if you’ve never been close to elephants before, you might have a few concerns. This section is designed to answer your most common questions and help you feel more prepared and confident about your visit.

1. Is it safe to get close to the elephants?

Absolutely. Elephant Nature Park places a strong emphasis on the safety of both visitors and elephants. The elephants are not trained to perform or forced to interact with people. Everything happens naturally. You’ll be able to get as close as you feel comfortable, with experienced staff nearby to guide and ensure safety at all times.

2. Do I need any experience with elephants or animals?

Not at all! All activities are designed for the general public—even if you’ve never seen an elephant up close. Staff members provide clear instructions, and you can choose a program like the “Sky Walk”, which doesn’t involve direct contact with the elephants.

3. What if I’m scared or uncomfortable being close to elephants?

You’ll still enjoy it! Even without touching the elephants, you can walk through the peaceful sanctuary, observe their behavior from a safe distance, take beautiful photos, and learn about each elephant’s story. Every part of the experience is designed to be gentle and heartwarming.

4. Are the elephants here trained or made to be tame?

No. The elephants at ENP are not trained to do tricks or obey commands. They live naturally—eating, walking, and bathing freely. You’ll see what real elephant life looks like, something very different from zoos or shows.

5. What if I don’t speak Thai at all?

No problem! The staff at ENP are friendly and can speak English well. They have welcomed travelers from around the world for years. All instructions and explanations are made simple, clear, and easy to understand.

6. How can I be sure this place doesn’t mistreat elephants?

Elephant Nature Park is a globally recognized organization known for rescuing and rehabilitating elephants. It has been endorsed by numerous animal welfare and environmental groups. You can read thousands of reviews from travelers around the world on TripAdvisor or the official website. But most importantly—when you visit and see the elephants with your own eyes, you’ll feel how truly happy they are.