Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour

Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour offers an immersive day of ethical animal encounters and natural splendor. Explore a rescue center where you’ll get up close with gentle giants, then hike to a serene waterfall for refreshing dips. This memorable experience combines animal welfare with stunning scenery, making it a must for any visitor seeking a meaningful connection with Thailand’s iconic elephants.

Good To Know

• 7-hour ethical elephant care experience at Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, including feeding, caring for elephants, and learning.
• 80-minute journey to the sanctuary followed by a hike to the scenic Mae Wang Waterfall for relaxation and swimming.
• Traditional Thai lunch, including seasonal fruits and desserts, served at the waterfall location.
• Recommended items for the tour include swimwear, sandals, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.
• The tour is highly rated by over 4,900 reviewers, with praise for the ethical approach to elephant care and knowledgeable guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This 7-hour tour offers visitors an ethical elephant care experience in Chiang Mai. Priced from $45.05 per person, the tour includes pickup from Chiang Mai hotels, an 80-minute journey to the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, and engaging with rescued elephants through feeding, caring, and learning.

Guests will also enjoy a hike to the picturesque Mae Wang Waterfall for relaxation and swimming. A traditional Thai lunch with seasonal fruits and desserts is provided.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, so careful preparation is advised.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic 80-minute drive to the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary located in the Mae Wang district.

At the sanctuary, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the rescued elephants. They’ll be able to feed the elephants, help care for them, and learn about their history.

After interacting with the elephants, the group will hike to the nearby Mae Wang Waterfall. Here, they can relax, swim, and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch with seasonal fruits and desserts.

The itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of ethical elephant care and natural beauty.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel transfers to and from the Chiang Mai city center, an English-speaking guide, drinking water, a traditional Thai lunch with seasonal fruits and desserts, and food for feeding the elephants.

Towels and a change of clothes are also provided. However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, and various health conditions.

Travelers should bring swimwear, sandals, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, sports shoes, hiking pants, and cash.

Passport numbers are required for insurance purposes, and elephant riding is prohibited.

Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the tour, travelers should bring a variety of items. This includes swimwear, towel, and change of clothes for the waterfall visit.

Plus, guests should wear sandals, bring a camera, and pack sunscreen and insect repellent. For the hike, sturdy sports shoes and hiking pants are recommended.

Lastly, it’s advised to have some cash on hand. Passports and personal medications are also necessary, as the tour requires passport numbers for insurance purposes.

Elephant riding is strictly prohibited during this ethical elephant care experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the reviews, customers have been highly satisfied with this Chiang Mai tour, rating it an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 4,900 reviews.

Travelers appreciated the excellent interaction with the elephants and the knowledgeable guides. They found the ethical approach to elephant care and the enjoyable waterfall experience to be highlights.

Many reviewers also mentioned the depth of the overall experience and the well-organized itinerary.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests this tour provides a truly memorable and responsible way to connect with Thailand’s iconic elephants.

Ethical Elephant Care at Pon Elephant Thailand

At the heart of this Chiang Mai tour lies the Pon Elephant Thailand sanctuary, where visitors can engage with rescued elephants in an ethical and responsible manner.

The experience allows guests to:

1. Feed the elephants their favorite treats.

2. Bathe and groom the gentle giants.

3. Learn about the sanctuary’s mission to provide a safe haven for these majestic creatures.

Pon Elephant Thailand is committed to elephant welfare, offering a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals without the exploitation of elephant riding.

Pon Elephant Thailand prioritizes elephant welfare, providing a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals without elephant riding.

This ethical approach ensures a meaningful and fulfilling experience for both visitors and the elephants.

Exploring the Mae Wang Waterfall

After engaging with the rescued elephants at Pon Elephant Thailand, the tour continues with a hike to the serene Mae Wang Waterfall. The scenic 30-minute trek offers a chance to immerse in the lush, forested surroundings. Upon arrival, guests can cool off with a refreshing swim in the waterfall’s natural pools. A traditional Thai lunch with seasonal fruits and desserts is provided, allowing travelers to refuel before the return journey. The waterfall experience complements the ethical elephant encounter, providing a well-rounded day of connecting with Chiang Mai’s natural wonders.

| Waterfall Highlights | Details |

| — | — |

| Location | Mae Wang District |

| Elevation | 300 meters |

| Swimming Pools | Naturally formed |

| Hiking Time | 30 minutes |

| Lunch Served | Thai cuisine with seasonal produce |

Benefits of the Group Tour Experience

Embarking on a group tour provides a wealth of benefits for travelers visiting Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary and Waterfall.

Embarking on a group tour provides a wealth of benefits for travelers visiting Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary and Waterfall.

The group tour experience offers:

1. Knowledgeable Guides: The tour includes English-speaking guides who provide in-depth insights into the elephants’ histories and the conservation efforts at the sanctuary.

2. Logistical Convenience: Hassle-free hotel transfers, meal arrangements, and access to equipment like towels and change of clothes simplify the experience.

3. Shared Camaraderie: Traveling with a group allows you to bond with like-minded individuals and create memorable moments together during the interactions with the rescued elephants and the waterfall visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are the Elephants Cared for and Ensured Good Health?

The elephants are cared for through ethical practices at the sanctuary. They’re fed a nutritious diet, given proper veterinary care, and allowed to roam freely in a natural environment. The tour ensures the elephants’ wellbeing and promotes responsible tourism.

Are There Any Restrictions on What Tourists Can Do With the Elephants?

The tour prohibits elephant riding and restricts travelers from doing anything that could harm the elephants. Tourists can only feed, care for, and interact with the rescued elephants under the guidance of the knowledgeable staff.

What Is the Background and Story of the Elephants at the Sanctuary?

The elephants at the sanctuary are rescued and rehabilitated from unethical treatment in the tourism industry. They have a history of mistreatment, and the sanctuary’s ethical approach give you them with a safe and caring environment.

Is There an Opportunity to Interact With the Mahouts (Elephant Handlers)?

Yes, the tour provides an opportunity to interact with the mahouts. Guests can engage with the rescued elephants’ caretakers, learning about their roles and the elephants’ histories as part of the sanctuary’s ethical approach to elephant care.

Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks to the Elephant Sanctuary?

No, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks to the elephant sanctuary. The tour includes a traditional Thai lunch, drinking water, and food for feeding the elephants. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines ethical elephant interactions, natural beauty, and culture. Travelers can expect an engaging day with rescued elephants, a refreshing hike to a scenic waterfall, and a delicious Thai lunch – all while supporting responsible tourism practices that prioritize the welfare of these magnificent creatures.

You can check if your dates are available here: