Chiang Mai: Half-Day Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting

Chiang Mai offers a chance to take in the natural wonders of northern Thailand. This half-day excursion combines an ethical encounter with majestic elephants and a serene bamboo rafting adventure. Visitors can feed, walk alongside, and bathe the elephants, ensuring their comfort and well-being. After a local vegetarian meal, they’ll drift down the Wang River on handcrafted bamboo rafts, surrounded by lush landscapes. This journey promises a unique blend of compassion, culture, and tranquility. What lies in store for those who embark on this captivating experience?

Good To Know

• A half-day excursion that combines a visit to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and a bamboo rafting experience on the Wang River.
• Opportunities to interact with elephants by feeding, walking alongside, and bathing them, with a focus on the animals’ well-being.
• Includes a local vegetarian meal, such as Pad Thai, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Scenic bamboo rafting along the tranquil Wang River, allowing for wildlife spotting and appreciation of traditional craftsmanship.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and transportation provided via van.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Activity

The activity is a half-day excursion that combines a visit to the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary with a bamboo rafting experience on the Wang River. Priced from $54.06 to $48.65 per person, the tour offers a 10-hour experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Transportation is provided via van, with a 1.5-hour drive each way. Participants will interact with elephants, enjoy a local vegetarian meal, and go bamboo rafting, while the sanctuary prioritizes the animals’ comfort and well-being.

The activity isn’t suitable for certain groups, and specific items are recommended or prohibited.

Exploring the Elephant Sanctuary

At the heart of this excursion lies the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, where visitors can enjoy the gentle presence of these magnificent creatures.

Guests will have the opportunity to feed the elephants, walk alongside them through the forest, and bathe them in the river, all while respecting the animals’ comfort and well-being.

The sanctuary emphasizes ethical treatment, using no force in the interactions.

Visitors can enjoy a local vegetarian meal and the scenic bamboo rafting experience, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Chiang Mai.

Interacting With the Elephants

When visitors arrive at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, they’ll have the chance to intimately interact with the gentle giants.

The experience includes:

1. Feeding the elephants nutritious fruits and vegetables, allowing visitors to hand-feed and establish a personal connection.

2. Walking alongside the elephants through the forest, observing their natural behaviors in their habitat.

3. Bathing the elephants in the nearby river, using soft brushes to clean their skin while respecting their comfort level.

These activities prioritize the elephants’ well-being, enabling visitors to engage with the majestic creatures in an ethical and meaningful way.

Enjoying a Local Meal

After interacting with the elephants, visitors enjoy a local meal at the sanctuary.

The meal includes a vegetarian Pad Thai and fresh fruit. The Pad Thai is made with locally-sourced ingredients, providing a tasty and authentic Thai dining experience. Visitors savor the flavors, taking a break from the sanctuary activities.

The meal nourishes them for the remainder of the excursion, including the bamboo rafting on the Wang River. The healthy, plant-based meal aligns with the sanctuary’s focus on ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring visitors leave feeling satisfied and energized.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Bamboo Rafting on the Wang River

Following the visit to the elephant sanctuary and local meal, guests embark on a scenic bamboo rafting adventure down the Wang River.

The tranquil, winding waterway offers a peaceful respite, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountain vistas.

Guests can:

1. Sit back and relax as the bamboo raft gently drifts along the river, taking in the serene natural beauty.

2. Spot local wildlife, including birds and small animals, from the unique vantage point of the raft.

3. Appreciate the traditional craftsmanship of the bamboo raft, a mode of transportation used by generations of locals.

Bathing the Elephants

Guests then have the opportunity to bathe the elephants in the river, respecting the animals’ comfort and well-being.

Under the guidance of the sanctuary staff, visitors can wade into the water and use gentle scrubbing motions to clean the elephants’ skin. The bathing is based on the elephants’ cues, ensuring they remain relaxed and happy throughout the experience.

If the weather is too cold, this activity may be canceled to prioritize the elephants’ needs.

The interaction allows guests to connect with the gentle giants while upholding the sanctuary’s commitment to ethical and responsible elephant tourism.

Scenic Drive Through the Countryside

As the visit to the elephant sanctuary comes to an end, the scenic drive through the countryside begins. The van winds through a landscape dotted with lush green hills, flowing rivers, and vibrant local farms.

The journey offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and rural way of life:

The journey offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and rural way of life.

1. Towering mountains provide a majestic backdrop, their peaks reaching towards the sky.

2. Patchworks of rice paddies and vegetable gardens stretch out, creating a patchwork quilt of earthy hues.

3. Wooden houses and small villages dot the countryside, giving a glimpse of the local culture.

The scenic drive allows participants to fully enjoy the beauty of northern Thailand.

Ethical Considerations and Safety Guidelines

While the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting experience promises an immersive adventure, the organizers place a strong emphasis on ethical considerations and participant safety.

No force is used in elephant interactions, and activities are based on the elephants’ comfort level. Bathing may be canceled if the weather is too cold. The sanctuary ensures the elephants’ happiness and well-being.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back problems or mobility issues. Participants must follow safety guidelines and refrain from smoking, alcohol, drugs, and feeding the animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are group discounts available. For bookings of 4 or more people, you can save up to 10% off the total cost per person.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can secure their spot without upfront payment by reserving now and paying later.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to fit your preferences. The tour provider offers flexible options, so you can adjust the activities or schedule to suit your interests and needs.

Do I Need to Book in Advance or Can I Just Show Up?

It’s best to book in advance to secure your spot, as this activity is popular. You can’t just show up, as it may be fully booked. Advance booking ensures you get a reservation and avoid disappointment.

How Do I Get to the Pickup Location From My Hotel?

The tour operator provides pickup and drop-off from your hotel. You’ll be transported by van to the activity’s starting point, which is about 1.5 hours away. Simply provide your hotel details when booking to arrange the convenient transportation.

The Sum Up

This half-day tour in Chiang Mai offers a unique opportunity to connect with Thailand’s iconic elephants while prioritizing their well-being. Visitors can feed, walk alongside, and bathe the majestic creatures at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. Following a local vegetarian meal, a peaceful bamboo rafting adventure on the Wang River completes this immersive cultural experience. The tour’s ethical approach ensures a memorable and responsible interaction with Chiang Mai’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: