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Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting
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Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting

3.4(5 reviews)
12 hour(s)
English (United Kingdom)
Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Meet and feed rescued elephants in a natural jungle setting

Walk, bathe, and play with elephants in a caring, ethical sanctuary

Refresh with a swim at the beautiful Mae Wang Waterfalls

Experience a scenic bamboo rafting ride along Mae Wang River

Learn about elephant care and local Karen hill tribe culture

A Heartwarming Jungle Escape: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Adventure in Chiang Mai


Escape the bustle of the city and journey into the lush countryside surrounding Chiang Mai for an unforgettable encounter with rescued elephants in their natural habitat. The day begins with a scenic drive through rolling rice fields, charming hill tribe villages, and peaceful local farms before reaching the refreshing Mae Wang Waterfalls, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing swim amid the beauty of northern Thailand's tropical landscape.


The adventure continues at the Pon Elephant Thailand Sanctuary, an ethical refuge dedicated to the care and protection of rescued elephants. After receiving a warm welcome and changing into traditional Karen hill tribe attire, guests are introduced to the sanctuary's conservation mission and the remarkable stories of its gentle residents. Visitors then have the opportunity to hand-feed the elephants with bananas, creating meaningful connections in a calm and respectful environment.


Accompanying the elephants through the surrounding forest offers a rare glimpse into their natural behaviour as they forage freely and interact with their family groups. One of the most memorable experiences follows at the river, where guests can help bathe and gently brush the elephants, enjoying playful moments while learning about the importance of responsible wildlife tourism and animal welfare.


The journey concludes with a tranquil bamboo rafting experience along the picturesque Mae Wang River, surrounded by dense jungle and breathtaking mountain scenery. After a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, guests return comfortably to their hotels in Chiang Mai with lasting memories of one of Thailand's most rewarding eco-adventures.

What's Included
  • Entry or admission fee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Guide
  • Lunch
  • Fruits
  • Drinking water
What's Not Included
  • Towel
  • Gratuities
Price start from

$ 58.31

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Activity Provider: MY Holiday Centre

Customer Reviews

3.4
Average
Based on 5 reviews
K
Kennedy J.Google
October 31, 2025

Drove past this place on the way to another elephant sanctuary. From the road you can clearly see the elephants are chained up in an extremely small area - we witnessed this on both the drive in and out which clearly demonstrates that they spend most of the day like this. There was even a calf which looked around a year old that was chained up, pretty heart breaking so see. If you’re looking for a properly ethical sanctuary this is not it. I would strongly advise people to look else where and discontinue supporting these kinds of practices so these animals can live freely like they deserve.

A
Ailie P.Google
July 22, 2025

This is not an ethical sanctuary, please do not go. An ethical sanctuary should not allow bathing and would not bring the elephants to an area for tourists to see, they would be free to roam which they are not here. Myself and my friends were falsely informed that it was ethical and quickly realised upon arrival it is far from it. The elephants have collars around them and when questioned on this the worker said this is how they are ‘controlled’. They also bring them down to the car park from an unknown area which makes me worry they do not want us to see their living conditions for a reason. The elephants seem visibly scared from the workers continuously intimidating them and is extremely disturbing to watch.

C
Claire K.Google
May 31, 2025

We had the most amazing tour with Bamboo elephant family care and Mr. A. We got to see the sticky waterfalls, visit elephants, and go white water rafting. With the elephants, we got to pet them, feed them, and bathe them. We learned a lot about how they are raised and cared for. Mr. A was a lovely guide who made sure we had everything we needed and snapped lots of great pictures of us along the way! I would recommend this company to anyone who visits Chiang Mai, it was definitely a highlight of our trip!

Explore More Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting
Explore More Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting
Explore More Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting
Day In a City

Explore More Chiang Mai: Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting

Discover the wonders of Chiang Mai, Thailand with this unforgettable experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature with a visit to an ethical rescued elephant sanctuary nestled deep in the lush jungles outside Chiang Mai. Your day begins with a scenic drive through serene countryside, passing rice fields, hill tribe villages, and local farms. On arrival at Mae Wang Waterfalls, enjoy a refreshing swim before heading to the Pon Elephant Thailand Sanctuary, where a warm welcome and an introduction to the sanctuary’s mission await you. Dressed in traditional Karen hill tribe attire, learn about the lives and history of these gentle giants before meeting and feeding them bananas in their natural, peaceful environment. Highlights of your tour include: Meet and feed rescued elephants in a natural jungle settingWalk, bathe, and play with elephants in a caring, ethical sanctuaryRefresh with a swim at the beautiful Mae Wang WaterfallsExperience a scenic bamboo rafting ride along Mae Wang RiverLearn about elephant care and local Karen hill tribe cultu. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature with a visit to an ethical rescued elephant sanctuary nestled deep in the lush jungles outside Chiang Mai. Your day begins with a scenic drive through serene countryside, passing rice fields, hill tribe villages, and local farms. On arrival. This tour includes: Entry or admission feeHotel pickup and drop-offGuideLunchFruitsDrinking water. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature with a visit to an ethical rescued elephant sanctuary nestled deep in the lush jungles outside Chiang Mai. Your day begins...