By supporting this sanctuary, you are contributing to a brighter future for the elephants and helping to promote ethical tourism in the region. The discussion covers various topics including the history of elephants in Thailand along with the camps philosophy on elephant care ethics. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. The surroundings are peaceful, you really feel connected to nature. Our instructor Sonje (forgive me if I misspelled) made us incredibly comfortable while sharing time with the elephants. The staff are fun and kind! As I wash away the mud, I wont soon wash away the memories. Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour Go beyond the sightseeing. Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. We just booked through our hotel. From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. Explore destinations at your own pace. The bath is the last structured activity of the day, as youre then given some free time to enjoy the buffet lunch while the elephants roam free. Bathing the elephants at Chiang Mai Elephant Home. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai This elephant munches on a tree at Into the Wild Elephant Camp. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. My name is Alex and I've been vegan for over five years! By joining us, you're directly helping these elephants to live a happy, more natural life. Shared bathroom facilities are available, along with a communal area for meals and relaxation. 98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+, Heather Stern Wilensky, The waterfall experience is always a highlight of the day. There are, unfortunately, still a handful of elephant parks that operate by training elephants to carry dozens of tourists on their backs or, for the sake of a photo, by forcing elephants to dance and paint pictures for crowds of paying customers. Elephants have played a major role in Thailands history and performed manual labor for centuries. Others forbid this practice under any circumstances. At BEES, visitors observe elephants from a distance as it is a no-touch sanctuary. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . A once in a lifetime moment I nearly missed for the love of a good breakfast and a nap. Topped off with a waterfall experience, a beautiful location. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai: Address, Phone Number, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai Reviews: 4.5/5. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia, Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. The secret elephant sanctuary is a once in a life time experience! ), Long Term Travel Packing List: Tips and Hacks for Digital Nomads, Belvedere Murgia Timone: A Hike with Spectacular Views in Matera, Italy, Winchester Walks: 10 Scenic Hikes and Walking Paths in Hampshire, Cheesefoot Head: A Lovely Walk with a Hilarious Name in Winchester, Chiang Mai Itinerary: 4 (Or More) Amazing Days in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Hikes: Four Easy Jungle Treks with Great Views, 9 Amazing Chiang Mai Markets, Walking Streets and Flea Markets [2022], Hike the Monks Trail to Wat Pha Lat: Chiang Mais Jungle Temple. Nibble on fresh fruits and snacks as you watch the elephants play in the water. Wat Chedi Luang. However, one of the experiences that everyone (including us) seems to want is an elephant experience! per noi fondamentale saperlo prima di prenotare. It can be rather confusing to know whats ok and which facility to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary. Rooms are private or shared, depending on the guests preference, and feature mattresses on the floor, bed linen, fans, and mosquito nets. will always reply within 24 hours. Some conservationists believe its not possible to have a true sanctuary in Thailand any more due to deforestation. I really did not like this part. The guides were shouting constantly creating a very stressful environment. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In our opinion, experiencing elephants in their natural habitat is a must-do activity during your Thailand trip, and our premade itineraries can easily accommodate a trip to one of these amazing sanctuaries. So it's no surprise that ethical elephant sanctuaries are one of the most popular activities for travelers in Southeast Asia. All the elephants in the park are rescued from places like circuses, logging industry, mistreatment camps, hard working sites and unfortunate accidents. On a different but relevant note, this sanctuary only serves vegan-friendly food, which is a big plus in our eyes. Regards The following list includes five excellent elephant sanctuaries in and around Chiang Mai. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Riding elephants can cause severe physical and psychological stress to the animals, as their spines are not designed to support the weight of humans. I am sure the Sanctuary are doing a good job overall, but I believe they should keep a greater distant betweeen elephant and tourist. This is a great experience; one you will not soon forget. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. The minimum stay is overnight. Others exploit the animals and keep them chained up most of the time. Hey there! Unfortunately, the training required to tame elephants is often quite inhumane. These practices may include recycling, composting, water conservation, and using renewable energy sources. An ethical elephant sanctuary should have a primary focus on rescuing elephants from exploitative situations, such as logging, begging, or performing in circuses. Debbie Woods. just one specialist throughout. Check out our Full Day Elephant Experience, Our Half Day Morning tour, or our Half Day Afternoon Tour . You will learn about Chang Chills six resident elephants as well as some interesting facts about Asian elephants and their mahouts. The following list of the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai is a result of that research. We will never forget our time at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp 4! Highly recommend you do this when your in Chang Mia we went to camp 2 as we did the all day tour Id say do the all day as half day in my opinion would be over far too quickly I think youd regret having to leave the elephants so soon. The best moment is washing the elephants which takes place at the end of the visit. During this time, you will have plenty of time to pet, feed, and admire them. Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Highly recommended. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. Elephants roaming freely at Into the Wild Elephant Camp. This is an experience like no other. We offer four tours daily and allow for same-day booking. Secret Elephant Sanctuary With a Baby! | a Must Do! | Chiang Mai With elephant family Best impression with unbelievable Thank you for joining us Book Now!! After the introduction we started feeding the elephant which seemed like a good experience both for the tourist and the elephant. You would think they tried to make a calm environment but they were running around shouting, when it seemed very unnecessary. Browse through a wide range of Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai are Happy Elephant Home, Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Valley, Elephant Hills, Elephant Nature Park, and many more. The largest and most well-known elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park (ENP) provides homes for distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. When visiting Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary, expect a profoundly rewarding experience that centers on the welfare and happiness of these magnificent animals. Today they all live their best best life in harmony with nature and . Patara Elephant Farm. Just because an organization isnt in this article doesnt mean that it engages in unethical practices. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. An ethical sanctuary strives to replicate the natural habitat of the elephants as closely as possible, offering them plenty of space to roam and socialize with other elephants. Its a very small sanctuary, with only three elephants, of which one baby elephant. Best experience in Thailand! Elephant Green Hill allows you to touch the elephants. Tickets to ENP often sell out weeks in advance, so be sure to book ahead. A plethora of options on things to see and do. Then prepare food for feeding elephants such as Banana, Watermelon, Suga cane, and other things the elephants can eat.Tour guide introduce the technique of feeding and talking with elephants before giving in to the real thing.After that trek to the hill with elephants they can find own food in the nature.Then geting arrive to the Mud spa can join in the mud with elephants.After that follow elephants to the nature pool in the river stream from mountain enjoy take a bath with them.And last activity making elephants laxative herb medicine and feed them.Finished take a shower get lunch return to hotel. by Tassanawan Malai | July 17, 2022 If there's one animal that first comes to your mind when you hear or read the word "Thailand," it's the elephant. Looking for a truly authentic Thai experience? The Best 4 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai - Asia Highlights more, #68 of 369 Outdoor Activities in Chiang Mai. After depending on humans their entire lives, most rescued elephants cannot survive in the wild. Its perfect if you dont want too much hiking or wish not to spend the entire day. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Rantong does not engage in any of these activities. We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Cambodia, and Vietnam), 2 Weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia for Family, 2 Weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia With Mekong Cruise, 8 Days in Vietnam and The largest and most well-known elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park (ENP) provides homes for distressed elephants from all over Thailand. 1,400 (half day) Elephant Tour Then prepare food for feeding elephants such as Banana, Watermelon, Suga cane, and other things the elephants can eat. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services.. Most of elephants are free to move around the acres of land, though two of the bull elephants have their own separate enclosures. Nestled in the lush greenery of Mae Chaem, Thailand, Burm & Emilys Ethical Sanctuary (BEES) was founded in 2011 by Burm Rinkaew and Emily McWillian. If youre looking for the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, you have to add Elephant Green Hill to your list. Thailand, 11 Days in Thailand and This question is still under debate by conservationists. Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. Many of the animals in the park are disabled or are . He was helpful, kind, and willing to accommodate our pee and coffee breaks. What a great moment to reflect upon life. Some so-called sanctuaries allow tourists to ride on elephants or force the animals to perform tricks. Secret Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai. Full description. Because they have a large piece of land, the elephants can roam here in a simulated natural environment. I will update my review in a few months. Experience a unique and ethical journey into the world of elephants and Thai culture while giving back to these majestic animals and the community that supports them. Guests can also participate in feeding the elephants, fostering a deep connection with these gentle giants in a very controlled environment. Elephant Freedom Project offers visitors a unique experience while visiting our elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep. She was responsive and knowledgeable. All the elephants in the park are rescued from places like circuses, logging industry, mistreatment camps, hard working sites and unfortunate accidents. The Best Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai - 55Secrets Elephant sanctuaries have become increasingly popular attractions for tourists in countries like Thailand, where these gentle giants hold cultural significance and symbolize spiritual values. 10:30. Weve put together a list of tried and tested ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai where you can be rest assured that they care for their elephants with the love and respect that these amazing animals deserve. Our Full Day Tour is fully inclusive. Hiking shoes and perhaps some flip-flops or sandals in case you need to go into the water. Swimwear underneath so you could change easily. In Chiang Mai, there two separate "branches" of elephant tourism. Through these efforts, Burm and Emily continue to foster a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship. You will feed the elephants two times during your visit. Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. By educating visitors about responsible tourism and the importance of conservation, ethical sanctuaries empower individuals to become advocates for elephant welfare and make more informed choices when interacting with these animals. Bullhooks and sharp sticks have traditionally been used by mahouts to control elephants. This sanctuary is an excellent initiative and working to save elephants from businesses that exploit and abuse them! At the end of the day, you will have the chance to watch a film about how elephants are trained to work and perform in shows and camps in Thailand. Our sanctuary is just one hour from Chiang Mai City. Visitors to BEES will stay in one of seven private Thai-style accommodations on sanctuary grounds. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai - Facebook 303 talking about this. Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai: Ethical Animal Encounters However, not all sanctuaries are created equal, and some may not prioritize the well-being of the elephants they claim to protect. If I am not mistaken it cost 1.7k per person. Tour guide introduce the technique of feeding and talking with elephants before giving in to the real thing. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!! Please click here to see our guest comments and reviews. Have Fun !!!!! Check out our Full Day Elephant Experience, Our Half Day Morning tour, or our Half Day Afternoon Tour. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary | Chiang Mai - Facebook Elephant Green Hill is part of the Saddle Off project by Elephant Nature Park, but is located in a different sanctuary relative to the famous one. The package deal includes two traditional Thai buffet meals, pick up and drop off to your accommodation in Chiang Mai (terms and conditions apply), drinking water and even food for feeding the elephants! Recommended by Alexander from Travel Your Memories. Secret Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand, June 2022 Also I liked that they stated the elephant came first, so humans should keep away if the elephant became unhappy. During each of these visits, guests observe the elephants and also prepare their foods and help out with other tasks at the sanctuary. This really makes it a unique experience. Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a remarkable ethical elephant sanctuary nestled in the serene forests of Sukhothai, Northern Thailand. The park also serves as a home for other rescued animals, including dogs, cats, and buffalo. Important note: Sukhothai is actually a 4-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, so its location isnt technically in Chiang Mai. BLES emphasizes the importance of personalized care and attention for each elephant, with a deep understanding of its unique physical and emotional needs. There is the opportunity to take part in an elephant cooking class where you will prepare food and supplements for the six elephants. I hope to share this knowledge with you and inspire you to explore new hiking trails too! Chiang Mai Elephant Home rescues and takes in elephants that come from abusive environments such as circuses. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Now it is on my bucket list for the next time I return to Northern Thailand. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. BEES is a place where humans now work for them. Before heading back to Chiang Mai, you will have the opportunity to shop for a souvenir such as a beautiful wooden elephant. An elephant gives herself a dust bath at Elephant Green Hill. Click Hereto Check out all our tours. Feed bananas and interact with the rescued elephants. Sharon was fantastic. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in the park, where they are allowed to socialize and roam freely. Youll get to feed them, walk with them, hug them, play with them, bathe with them and so much more. You can choose to watch them or walk near them after your meal. Connect with majestic gentle giants at the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, where compassionate care, responsible practices, and unforgettable encounters come together in harmony. Hopefully, I can use Vegan Foundry as a channel to help you out on your own journey! Prepare their food, journey on an elephant jungle hike, lunch in the mountains, prepare elephant supplements, and join us for the elephant river hike, and river swim. By supporting BLES, you are contributing to a sustainable and ethical approach to elephant conservation, helping to shift the paradigm towards a more responsible and compassionate form of tourism in Thailand. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The park has provided a loving home for dozens of mistreated elephants from all over Thailand for decades. The baby elephant was wild! Must do while in Chiang Mai - half-day elephant tour. Book your Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai tickets online and skip-the-line! COVID-19 Diary: My Experience with Coronavirus, Hiking the Wonderland Trail Solo: A Wonderland Trail Blog, Ozette Triangle Loop Trail: Easy Backpacking in Olympic National Park, PCT Blog: One Thru-Hikers Journal on the Pacific Crest Trail, Potuguese Camino: A Daily Blog on Walking the Portuguese Way, The Great America (Socially Distanced) Road Trip, A Brief History of Asian Elephants in Thailand, The Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, BEES Burm & Emilys Elephant Sanctuary, How to Choose an Ethical Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, guidelines on choosing an ethical elephant sanctuary, 25 Fun Things to do in Huntington WV for 2022 (with a map! There are tons of opportunities to get some great pictures and you have plenty of time to spend lots of moments with these gentle giants. Brian and Michelle. On arrival, you will be given an introduction to Chang Chills past, present, and future along with the program schedule. Founded in 2006 by Katherine Connor, BLES is driven by the mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a loving home for elephants suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the tourism and logging industries. Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary - Bring elephant to their nature home 08:30. 2. Most of the elephants have retired from the logging or tourism industries and now spend their days roaming the jungle and playing in the mud. So the goal of any Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary or park should be to enable the elephants to have as natural of a life as possible while in captivity. Its perfect for those who prefer not to spend the entire day but want the best of what the full-day tour offers. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and guests can purchase snacks and beverages at the on-site gift shops. Elephant Nature Park is committed to educating visitors about the plight of elephants in Thailand and the importance of conservation efforts. Visit the BLES website to book your visit, keeping in mind that they limit the number of visitors per day to minimize stress on the elephants. A delicious vegetarian buffet lunch is included in the price. Thanks so much! If youre intending to visit an elephant sanctuary, there are a few things you can consider before visiting and while youre there: Supporting ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai not only allows you to have a unique, intimate experience with these incredible animals but also helps to promote responsible tourism practices. The founders of BEES are deeply committed to the well-being of the local community and the environment. It was a great experience. 6,154 were here. I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Being so close to them in a restricted group gives you the opportunity to get to know these beautiful animals, and since its part of Elephant Nature Park you know you can trust their ethical treatment of the elephants. Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with elephants while supporting their well-being and respecting their natural habitat? Your personal travel advisor Others allow it on a limited basis. The sanctuary offers a variety of visitation programs that span from a single day to an entire week. Book your visit directly on the Elephant Nature Park website, where you can find a variety of packages that suit your preferences and schedule. Have Fun !!!!! A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. These conversations are ongoing and provide valuable insight into the treatment of these magnificent animals. Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal transportation, visas, An elephant says hello at Elephant Nature Park. You might want to consider wearing long sleeves and pants. Both organizations were founded by Sangduen Lek Chailert, a renowned conservationist and activist for the welfare of Asian elephants. The program includes activities such as observing elephants in the forest, preparing afternoon treats, and helping with other rescued animals care. Light casual clothing. These elephants were often kept in small pens or chained many hours of the day. We did the half day morning, got to assist with feeding the elephants and bathing them. Alternatively, our knowledgeable travel advisers are on hand to take the hassle out of planning your trip and to help you create your own customized trip . Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Some only let visitors observe elephants in their natural habitat from a distance. I've set up this blog because I'm passionate about veganism and living a more spiritually fulfilling life where I'm more in tune with nature. BEES is the ultimate happy place for retired elephants. The nice thing about visiting Chiang Mai Elephant Home is that it is located between the mountains and jungle. Day 1: You will be collected in Chiang Mai and enjoy sightseeing along the way. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go After the feeding the elephant were being washed and then they were pushed to a small waterpole were the tourist could thriw eater at Them. tour, whether it's a milestone trip, family trip, or bucketlist trip your planning will be made easy with Io ho passato una giornata intera a contatto con gli elefanti e non ci siamo mossi da li. You should check out our vids and image gallery. Moreover, ethical sanctuaries often work closely with local communities, supporting their livelihoods and involving them in the sanctuarys operations. It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. Capital of the North of the Thailand and located close to the highest mountains of the country, Chiang Mai is a city that is more and more appreciated by visitors for its simplicity and authenticity. What You Need To Know. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.