Our story since 2007
Elephant Sanctuary began in Chiang Mai in 2007 with one simple rule: elephants are not rides, and they are not performers. They are family, not attractions. Nearly twenty years on, everything we do, from our Chiang Mai care program to our programs in Phuket, Bangkok and Pattaya, still starts from that rule.
Elephants are big, social, curious animals, and they do best when they have room to choose. So instead of a show, we give you time. You feed the elephants, walk beside them and watch how they graze, dust themselves, rest and spend time with each other. Ten quiet minutes of watching teaches you more than any trick ever could.
The people who know them best
Every day, mahouts look after the elephants in our Chiang Mai care program. They know each elephant’s habits and moods, who’s feeling playful and who wants a quiet morning, and our guides work alongside them to show you how to stay safe and when to give the elephants space.
A day that follows the elephants
Your visit follows the elephants’ rhythm, not a script. Feeding happens when they’re ready to eat, and walks go at their speed. River time happens only when the elephants lead it and conditions are suitable. If they’d rather do something else, that’s fine with us.
Your visit also helps support the elephants’ food and daily care, and the people who provide it. That’s why we keep our programs simple and honest: no riding, no shows, just time with elephants.
