Elephant Discovery Chiang Mai — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

I hardly ever leave reviews, but I want to now for this great half day trip.

We booked half a trip for 1700B per person. In total it turned out the group was 7 people, and usually it is this size (never larger than 12). We were picked up from our hotel at exactly 7:15 by a very kind driver who was also our main guide. The drive was all right, it takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on how many other passengers must be picked up. Note that there is no air conditioning in this pick up truck, but the windows do open. The drive can get a bit bumpy so if you're very easily getting car/motion sick I would recommend different transportation. When we arrived we first had to cross a bamboo bridge that was a bit crooked. That was fun, and a first nice picture moment. The guide took pictures constantly with your own phone so you have many great memories. Then we continued towards the elephants, about a 6 minute walk, but I recommend closed shoes especially if it has been raining. We then arrived and were given some info about the elephants and we could feed and touch them. There were 4 including a young elephant of 7 months old, really cute! We then had some more opportunities to ask questions and talk a bit about how the animals here were treated. This whilst we were cutting fruits herbs and vegetables to create vitamin balls that helped the elephants digestion. This all happened close to the elephant enclosure. Anyway we created the balls by using a large manual pestle and mortar and our hands. Some more pictures and then we fed it to them. The elephants were very thankful and thanked us in a special way, which I will leave as a surprise. We then followed the elephants to the river (if you're not going in the river, do NOT wear flip-flops, I constantly got them stuck in the mud) We didn't get to swim/bathe with them because the rain had made the current too fast and then elephants (especially young ones) will drown. So too bad but understandable. It was really fun just seeing them walk and run in the open walking past you etc. And their keepers were very kind with them but also strict, otherwise they'd end up destroying all the trees in no time. We finished walking with them in a circle and then got to feed them again (they constantly eat). Afterwards we had our own lunch which was prepared by the guide. Warm rice with some meat and watermelon. Very tasty and nice, he also provided us with an unlimited amount of water bottles. We then left for home the same way we came and arrived around 1pm. Then my girlfriend left her phone in the truck, but the driver had noticed and came back to leave it at the reception at our hotel.

In short: amazing, fun, ethical, kind, trustworthy people guide tour and...

I would highly highly recommend this elephant sanctuary. It has to be the best more caring ethical establishment in northern Thailand! I can't say enough great things about it. The gentlemen leading the tours and looking after the elephants were amazing. Most of them speak very good English! We learned SO much today and had ample time with the elephants. They explain why they don't partake in riding or swimming/bathing with the elephants and how practices like these really negatively impact them. We humans are walking chemicals to them, with toxins on our skin(sunscreens and bug spray) hair products, lotions, anything on your body and even the crap in your body your sweating out all has an impact on these beautiful creatures. They provide you with a shirt to wear so the elephants can recognize you, water to drink and wash your hands before touching them. You cut roots and herbs to help smash into medicine balls to feed the elephants, feed them sugar came,corn and bananas. Watch them play and learn all about each of them. The best was watching baby forest Gump play with his tire and walk down to the river. We you can watch them play in the water and splash them with water from the river edge. They poop and pee lots into the river!...so think twice before wanting to swim around with them. Not to mention how strong they are and will want to pull you in with them! But they are well communicated with and respected! This company deserves all the support and praise that can be given! They have smaller groups and only two a day which really helps to cut down on the amount of human exposure they have to keep them healthy. They get to roam to the mountains, spa in the river and are so honoured and understood by their keepers.

Don't hesitate to book this one, I truly think it's the best the group we were with have been there three times, and a good friend of mine used to live here for many many years and speaks highly of all the staff and owner here.

So much...

For fellow animal enthusiasts seeking an authentic encounter with elephants, supported by a genuine team who truly cares.

Our visit to the Elephant Discovery was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip in Chiang Mai. What resonated most was the evident care and respect extended to the elephants. This is an intimate camp, home to 3 adult elephants and an adorable 9-month-old baby (as of Dec 2023), placing the animals’ well-being above profit. They choose to welcome only small groups, like ours consisting of 4 adults and 4 children, which made the experience very special during this morning spent with JJ and his team of elephants caregivers.

We delved into their daily routine, learning how to make their natural vitamins balls out of organic products mashed in a mechanic mortar. The experience of feeding the elephants with bamboo leaves, bananas and sugar cane was a joy, we then went for a little walk down the river where the elephants bathed and played in the water. We participated to all activities, treating the animals with respect.

With its rustic setting, this camp exudes authenticity, their tools and structures crafted from natural materials. To ensure the visitors comfort, modern toilets have been built, clean and well maintained. The lunch wrapped in a banana leaves was very tasty, the portions generous, and we could feed the watermelon leftovers to the elephants.

I highly recommend this camp for animals lovers who look for a genuine experience where the connection with these beautiful animals transcends mere...