Experience an ethical and immersive encounter with elephants at the Majestic Elephant Project, located in the scenic Mae Taeng valley, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. This full-day program allows visitors to walk alongside retired elephants in their natural jungle habitat, feed them, observe their behavior, and learn about their care in a compassionate, Saddle Off model that ensures their well-being. The experience combines wildlife observation, cultural interaction, and adventure: after spending time with the elephants, participants will enjoy a traditional Thai cooking lesson and a vegetarian buffet lunch overlooking the valley, before finishing the day with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure along the Mae Taeng River. By joining this program, you support ethical elephant tourism and help these gentle giants live more natural, dignified lives.
Activity Details
Full-Day Ethical Elephant Experience with Whitewater Rafting
Duration : 8–9 hours
Group Size : 8–10 visitors
Fitness Level : Moderate – walking along uneven jungle trails with some uphill sections; rafting depends on river conditions
Age Suitability : Adults and children 12+
Pick-up & Drop-off :
- Pick-up: 08:00–08:30 from Chiang Mai city hotels (or 08:00 from project office for guests staying outside city center; transport to office must be arranged by visitor)
- Drop-off: 16:30–17:30 at Chiang Mai city hotels
- Travel time: Approximately 90 minutes each way
- Transportation includes air-conditioned minivan and 4WD vehicle for the final 10 minutes to reach the project
Program Highlights & Activities:
Meet the elephants : Arrive at the project in the jungle and get acquainted with the elephants, observing them in their natural surroundings.
Walk with the elephants : Stroll along scenic jungle trails with the elephants, offering them sugarcane and fruit while watching them forage on native plants.
Observe elephant behavio r: Witness elephants interacting, foraging, and swimming in the river, capturing magical moments in their lush environment.
Cooking experience : Participate in a traditional Thai cooking lesson and prepare Pad Thai.
Vegetarian buffet lunch : Enjoy a freshly prepared vegetarian buffet overlooking the Mae Taeng valley.
Prepare elephant treats : Make tamarind banana rice balls, a nutritious treat that aids elephant digestion, and feed them to the elephants.
Whitewater rafting adventure : Cross the river to the rafting start point and enjoy a thrilling rafting experience down the Mae Taeng River, passing beautiful landscapes (conditions permitting).
Alternative activity : Visitors who prefer not to raft can stay at the project and spend more time with the elephants.
Inclusions:
- Transportation from Chiang Mai city hotel to & from the project
- Elephant food and treats prepared during the day
- Freshly prepared vegetarian buffet lunch
- Admission fee & insurance
- Whitewater rafting (subject to river conditions)
- Qualified English-speaking tour guide
What to Bring:
- Hat or cap, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Camera, walking shoes/trainers, sandals or flip-flops
- Clothes suitable for getting wet (swimsuit, board shorts, t-shirt)
- Towel and change of clothes for after rafting
Operational Months: All year round
Minimum Participants: 2 people
If you would like to join as a solo traveler, please contact us at majesticelephantproject@gmail.com.
Topography: Mountain, jungle, and river
Nearest Airport: Chiang Mai (CNX) – guests should stay in Chiang Mai city the night before
Additional Information:
- During Covid, elephants continued to live naturally in the Mae Taeng valley, foraging and swimming while staff prepared daily food.
- The project follows the Saddle Off model: no riding or unnatural activities, focusing on elephant welfare.
- The project was founded in 2016 by Khun Tu and his wife, transitioning from a former riding camp to an ethical sanctuary for retired female elephants.
