Chiang Mai Karen Elephant Sanctuary — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

My friend and I got everything we'd hoped for and more with this ethical elephant sanctuary experience! It was 1000B each and worth every bit! Our minds were blown by the beauty and grace these wondrous creatures exude when you get to appreciate them up close 😌😍 but maybe what we appreciated most is how evident it was that these elephants are loved dearly, and treated incredibly well, by all the staff at Chiang Mai Karen Elephant Sanctuary. A lot of Elephant sanctuaries claim to be ethical and then exploit anyway. Knowing that, and admittedly with the lack of reviews, and other online information, posted prior to us going there, we were a little apprehensive about going at first. But fairly quickly that apprehension was put to rest and we were thrilled to have come! When we arrived we only saw large, wild and open fields for the Elephants to roam in. Not a fence or pen in sight, nor tying post, rope, chain, saddles or prodding sticks. Their Elephants are so incredibly intelligent and have such a close bond with their mahouts, that they've developed an understanding of an astounding amount of Thai and English words! When we arrived we were the only visitors there, and they simply called over two Elephants, Hosin and Jahwey (I've probably butchered the spelling) who happily wandered over to us willingly, as we were handed buckets of bananas to give to them. We were told that some of the staff had grown up with the Elephants since they were both very young, and that was really evident the whole time. It was clear to see the joy in the eyes of the Elephants, and the adoration in the eyes of the mahouts. These guys are a small business and were so incredibly appreciative of our visit, it was such a heatwarming experience all around! On the way out, there are quite a number of Elephant sanctuaries you'll pass along the way, and this place is a little understated (in terms of signage) in comparison, so I guess they're not often the first stop. So I urge anyone that reads this review, if you're looking for an ethical, intimate and outright magical experience with Elephants, please take your business to the beautiful people at Chiang Mai Karen Elephant Sanctuary!

As added testimony to their character, as we left we realised that my friends scooter battery went flat. They were so incredibly accommodating and helpful, when they had no real obligation to be, and they loaded her bike up in their ute and drove us to the local mechanic to have it fixed. They did all the translating/communicating with the mechanic to explain what was going on, and even waited around with us during the repair to make sure we were going to be ok. and when I tried to tip them as thanks for their generous time and effort, they wouldn't take our money. Honestly, such incredible and beautiful people. It was a genuine joy and a pleasure to share every moment...

I can’t believe it took me a year to write a review. This place, the ride to there via motorbike, the scenery and mostly the lovely people who runs this place made my trip 100000% better. I went middle of the week around noon ish. I was the ONLY tourist there. Immediately, they took me in and I started to help with food prep for the elephants. Then, finally met the mom/pop elephant with a baby one! Spent a long time with them by feeding them and washing them. Wow… I will remember the elephants forever. Then after, I just sat by the owners and talked through the translator and they just took care of me with snack and drinks. Also gave me rings made of elephant hair. Just the hospitality of them were above the rest. The whole experience didn’t feel like a normal touristy thing to do. They just welcomed me. What an experience! Maybe I didn’t want to write a review because it felt like a hidden gem that only I wanted to keep for myself but please go visit. Help and give them donation. You...

I had an incredible experience at the Elephant Sanctuary! The owner and her daughter were exceptionally kind and accommodating. They arranged a pick-up service for us from the countryside, making our visit hassle-free. Surrounded by nature, the sanctuary was beautifully maintained, providing a serene setting for our time with three female elephants and a playful baby elephant.

What struck me was the peaceful atmosphere, as the sanctuary isn't crowded with tourists. During our visit, there were only a few small groups, allowing for an intimate and authentic experience with these majestic animals.

To top it off, we were treated to a delicious meal at the end of our visit. I highly recommend this sanctuary for anyone seeking a meaningful and enjoyable encounter with elephants in a tranquil environment. Thank you to the team for a...