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

The Maerim Elephant Sanctuary in the Mae Rim Hills, about 45 minutes north of Chiang Mai, is an interactive sanctuary founded by Busabong "Pui" Kuetkong after witnessing the suffering of elephants due to deforestation and tourism. There is no riding, no shows, and no tethering. Visits are based on direct contact. You feed the elephants bananas from your own basket, give them a mud bath, and bathe with them.

The half-day excursion (morning or afternoon) costs 1,600 baht for adults and 800 baht for children under seven, including hotel transfer. The full-day excursion costs 2,000 baht and additionally includes a jungle hike along a stream, a noodle soup cooking class, and lunch. Those who prefer to keep their distance can book the one-hour "Welcome & Feeding" visit for 800 baht. This visit completely avoids bathing with elephants, but requires individual transportation. Since World Animal Protection advises against bathing with elephants, this short visit is the most contact-free way to experience these animals.