Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary, or BEES for short, is a family-run refuge for retired elephants in the Mae Chaem district, about a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai. Spanning over 120 hectares of forest, fields, and streams, it is one of the strictest sanctuaries in the country. Visitors are not allowed to touch the elephants. Bathing, petting, and hand-feeding were discontinued in 2018. Visitors spend their time walking through the grounds and observing the herd from a distance. Rescued dogs and cats also live on the property.

Most visitors book an all-inclusive package for 2, 4, or 7 days starting at 6,000 baht, including transfers from Chiang Mai, accommodation, and meals. Transfers from the temple grounds depart between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. from hotels within the old city moat, or from Wat Chai Siphum for all others. Those arriving by car can participate in a one-day guided tour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This costs 2,500 baht per person (1,800 baht for young people aged 10 to 17), including breakfast and lunch.