Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

No riding. No performance, Small groups of Max 8-9 Guests

CHIANGMAI ELEPHANT CARE (Mae Taeng)

⭐ 5.0 average rating from 1,300+ Guests From Google maps and TripAdvisor

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 852 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Maneesh Ralli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing experience from start to finish. It was clear that the elephants are very well looked after and that their wellbeing is genuinely the priority.

We had plenty of opportunities to interact with the elephants and take some great photos, while also seeing them in a more natural environment — eating, playing and bathing.

The whole experience felt respectful and well organised, and we really enjoyed being able to spend time so close to the elephants. I’d highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone visiting the area.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   lara feltre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza meravigliosa dall’inizio alla fine. Autista che ci ha prelevato e riportato all’hotel puntuale e con un’ottima guida. Al nostro arrivo al santuario ci ha accolto mr Ford; guida disponibile e pronta a rispondere ad ogni nostra domanda è veramente innamorato del suo lavoro e dei quattro elefanti presenti nel parco. Santuario etico e rispettoso dei ritmi della giornata degli elefanti. Pad thai ottimo e acqua fresca.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Connor Crowley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional experience, highly recommend doing a tour with Changmai Elephant Care!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stefan Wipraechtiger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience. The elephants can move freely around and they are not forced to do anything they don't like. Groups are kept small (maximum 9 pax) and there are a maximum of two groups a day (to protect the animals). You will be able to feed the elephants. There is no elephant riding, swimming with elephants, or show, again, to protect the animals. Our guide, Ford is his name, was great and explained a lot about the sanctuary and the elephants itself. Fantastic to see that the entire team is taking good care of the animals. The great experience started already with our driver Tod, which told us a lot about Chiang Mai and it's surrounding. Thanks to the entire team for the unforgettable experience and for taking good care of the elephants.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erik Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia increíble!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Iléna Rachel Allouche 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. C’était parfait ! Merci pour cette super expérience (éthique). Le guide Ford est une personne exceptionnelle, hyper pédagogue, et très sympathique. Une fois arrivé, nous avons pu manger un padThai exceptionnel, vraiment très bon. Je recommande à 1000% !!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   cacá Quartiero 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place is amazing and Ford is super knowledgeable!!!! No better place to visit and learn about the elephants in an ETHICAL WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Sterricker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simply amazing  great day the tour guy called Ford very good lots of knowledge
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haya Abu Hamad 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ford was a great tour guide and the place is very friendly and ethical. They take very good care of their land and elephants

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 446 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Martin B 
 
 
 
 Verified Elephant group
I was picked up promptly at arranged time, the drive took just over one hour to drive to sanctuary collecting one further guest along the way Driver was very helpful. On arrival I we were meet by the main guide Ford , who explained how tie tour would go. Ford was very knowledgeable on elephant We got to feed the group including a two year old baby who did what he wanted. We helped make and feed the elephants some special food before watching them in the river. We ended the day with a nice PadThai Great experience would highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sébastien L 
 
 
 
 Verified Chiang Mai elephant care
Superb morning, magnificent landscape and very pleasant and kind person. It is magnificent, we recommend it 1000%. Contact with the animals, extraordinary unique experience, we recommend it.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ryan W 
 
 
 
 Verified Fabulous Experience
Ford was so awesome. I learned so much about elephants I never would have imagined. He made our stay as comfortable as possible. This tour is a must see if you are interested in elephants and seeing them in the habitat in a respectful manner.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kay W 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 experience!
I had a great time. The sanctuary takes very good care of the elephants and I learned a lot! Ford was an amazing guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ron B 
 
 
 
 Verified Chiang Mai Elephant Care
A wonderful experience to see how the elephants here are being saved and getting a second life.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stay51115793459 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect both for elephants and visitors!
We had a wonderful experience at this sanctuary and cannot recommend it enough. From the start, our driver, Tod, was kind, polite, and very flexible with our schedule. Our guide, Ford, was exceptional—deeply knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share fascinating details about both the elephants and the local nature. During the visit, we prepared medicine for the elephants and fed them. We felt completely safe the entire time because the guides took care to explain elephant body language, showing us when the elephants are relaxed and what they feel comfortable with. Crucially, the flow of the day followed the elephants' natural pace and needs rather than forcing interactions. It is clear that this sanctuary prioritizes the animals' well-being, making the experience genuinely pleasant for the elephants as well as the visitors. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mika Katelyn F 
 
 
 
 Verified A True Sanctuary for Elephants, Passionate & Knowledgable Caretakers
My spouse and I had a wonderful experience visiting this Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary! This experience was extremely smooth from pick up to drop off. We expected to get pretty wet and dirty given the rainy season, so we prepared with outdoor shoes and long pants - but the sanctuary provided us boots for the mud so we were good to go the entire time (we were lucky there was no rain for us). We purposefully chose a half day experience and the timing felt just right, as we had plenty of time to take photos and interact with the elephants ethically as we learned about them. A real highlight for us was the elephant caretaker, Ford, as he was so friendly and knowledgeable - we could feel the love, care, and passion he had for the elephants. Everyone working at the sanctuary had a very good relationship to all four of them which was sweet to see! We appreciated how this experience prioritized the ethical aspect of elephants' comfort and needs by keeping our visiting group small and only 2x/day so the elephants were not overwhelmed (no elephant riding and no forced bathing). The elephants had so much space to roam and we followed their lead for food/bath/etc. - we feel so grateful to be able to fit ourselves into the elephants natural habits and learn about these beautiful animals while observing them in their habitat. :) It was fun to make their medicine and give it to them, too. Ford answered all of our questions with ease and also taught us a lot about elephant biology and behavior as well as their care - plus he shared so many fun stories! The staff helped take some photo and video of us feeding them, too. Truly this sanctuary was so wonderful, I definitely recommend choosing this especially to anyone who cares about animal ethics.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sacha D 
 
 
 
 Verified BEST EXPÉRIENCE IN CHIANGMAI
Expérience excellente !! Le guide Ford est incroyable, nous avons vraiment pu profitez de ce moment fantastique avec lui et le padthai que nous avons mangé était délicieux !! Je recommande 10000 fois
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Erik H 
 
 
 
 Verified Very nice
An incredible experience, 100% recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Robert Ian S 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing day with Elephants
Amazing tour the tour guide Ford very good lots ok knowledge . Not rushed great time .
  
 
  
  
 
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elephants walking near river in natural environment at ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai Thailand

Peaceful Environment

CMEC is located in a peaceful natural area of Mae Taeng, surrounded by trees, hills, fresh air, and open space. This kind of environment is much better for elephants than a busy city area because elephants need calm surroundings and room to move.

baby elephant playing in water at ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai Thailand

Access to Natural Water & Foods

The location has access to natural water sources, which are important for elephants to drink, cool down, and play naturally. Water also helps support daily elephant care, cleaning, and food preparation.

family of elephants walking freely in natural green landscape at Chiang Mai Elephant Care sanctuary

Enough Space for Movement

Elephants are large animals that need space to walk, explore, and behave naturally. CMEC’s location gives them more freedom compared with small or crowded tourism areas.

Away from Heavy Traffic and Noise

Mae Taeng is away from the busy center of Chiang Mai, so the elephants are less exposed to traffic, loud noise, and pollution. A quieter environment helps reduce stress and supports better elephant well-being.

ใบอนุญาตและใบรับรอง

Licensed & Certified by the Thai Government

🔍 Click to view ใบอนุญาตประกอบธุรกิจนำเที่ยว Tourism Business License No. 24/01233 Department of Tourism

🔍 Click to view ใบรับรองมาตรฐานฟาร์มช้าง (GAP) Good Agricultural Practices Certification Department of Livestock Development

Company Registration Certificate No. 0505567014363

🔍 Click to view หนังสือรับรองการจดทะเบียนบริษัท Company Registration No. 0505567014363 Department of Business Development

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Meet Our Elephants

A small herd of four, living free from riding and logging

Lucky, the baby elephant at Chiangmai Elephant Care

Lucky Male · 2 years Our youngest, born at the sanctuary. Playful and always close to his mum.

Sabowthor Female · 16 years Lucky's gentle mother. Once worked in riding tourism, now lives a natural life.

Mue Thue Female · 9 years Our newest family member. Calm, friendly and gets along well with the herd.

Mo Ah Po, the oldest elephant at the sanctuary

Mo Ah Po Female · 30 years Our eldest. A former logging elephant now enjoying a peaceful retirement.

Meet the whole family →

From Our Blog

Tips and guides for planning an ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai

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Planning Tips How to Choose the Right Elephant Experience in Chiang Mai So many elephant experiences look the same online. Here's how to tell them apart. Read article →

Real Experience Is an Elephant Sanctuary Worth It? A Real Experience Guide Sanctuary tours are everywhere in Chiang Mai, but are they really worth it? An honest look. Read article →

Read all articles →

Elephants living freely at Chiangmai Elephant Care in Mae Taeng

About Us

Elephants First. Always.

We have worked hands-on with elephants in northern Chiang Mai for more than 9 years. Before opening our own sanctuary, we visited over 20 camps to learn what truly keeps elephants healthy and happy.

Here, our elephants live in open forest, free to walk, eat and socialise at their own pace. Not trained. Not controlled. But real. We keep every group small so the herd stays calm and every guest gets a personal experience.

9+years with elephants

4elephants in our family

9guests max per group

Read our story →