Elephant Nature Park is undoubtedly THE leading elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Thanks to its founding and the dedication of its founders, mentalities and practices began to change, and people gradually became aware of the dark side of elephant tourism. Founded by Lek Chailert, the sanctuary is located in the mountains of Chiang Mai and is now home to over 70 elephants rescued from the tourism industry and its excesses. Here, they can live out their lives with dignity, are pampered, and are spared being ridden on tourists' backs or participating in grotesque shows that merely entertain tourists who don't question how they were trained. Living freely in the vastness of the park, they are no longer forced to do anything. A visit here guarantees a respectful encounter with elephants – something that is sadly not the case in many elephant camps in Thailand. In doing so, they also support the work of the Save Elephant Foundation, which is committed to returning the elephants it has rescued to their owners, and which funds and supports other ethical projects or the conversion of elephant trekking camps into respectful sanctuaries.

Elephant Nature Park offers various options for visiting the sanctuary, from a day trip (2500 THB per person, children under 12 pay half price) to volunteer work with accommodation and meals, and even an overnight stay. The park also supports small, equally respectful projects in the surrounding mountains, providing more intensive contact with the elephants and often including an exchange with the Karen minority. All these options can be found on the Elephant Nature Park website, where you can also book online (early booking is highly recommended as the number of visitors per day is limited). Prices include pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai by minivan, insurance, meals, guides, and return transport.

A visit to Elephant Nature Park is only possible with a pre-booked visitor package through the website or the office in Chiang Mai city center (near Thapae Gate). The package includes transfers from your hotel or the office to the park. Do not attempt to travel independently, as you will likely be denied entry due to limited visitor capacity.

How to get there

How do I get to Elephant Nature Park? A visit to Elephant Nature Park is only possible with a pre-booked visitor package through the website or the office in Chiang Mai city center (near Thapae Gate). The package includes transfers from your hotel or the office to the park. Do not attempt to travel there independently, as you will likely be refused entry due to limited visitor capacity.