Karen Elephant Serenity – Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Full Day Tour in Chiang Mai
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Mae Wang, just 90 minutes south of Chiang Mai, Karen Elephant Serenity is an ethical elephant sanctuary devoted to giving rescued elephants a safe and natural home. Surrounded by grassy fields, lush forest, and distant mountains, this sanctuary allows visitors to spend a full day immersed in the elephants' world—observing their natural behavior, walking alongside them in the forest, and supporting sustainable elephant care.
Morning Activities: Feeding & Forest Walk
Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your Chiang Mai city hotel between 8:00–8:30 am, followed by a scenic drive through the countryside. After transferring into a 4WD vehicle for the final stretch along a dirt road, you will arrive at the sanctuary and be greeted by your friendly English-speaking guide.
The day starts with a chance to meet the elephants up close. Feed them fresh fruit such as bananas and sugarcane, and get to know their unique personalities. Next, learn to prepare nutritious herbal health balls, made from rice, bananas, rice husks, and salt—traditional supplements that help keep the elephants strong and healthy.
After this introduction, join the elephants on a gentle walk through grassy fields and into the forest. As you stroll, you'll have the opportunity to hand-feed bananas, watch the elephants forage on native plants, observe them scratching against trees, and even see them dusting themselves with mud. From the shade of a handcrafted wooden lookout tower, take in panoramic views of the valley and capture breathtaking photos of the elephants grazing below.
Lunch With a View
Returning from the forest walk, you'll enjoy a freshly prepared vegetarian Thai buffet lunch served in a tranquil setting overlooking the valley. All produce is organic and locally sourced, ensuring a delicious and eco-friendly meal.
Afternoon Activities: Water Play & Mud Bath
In the afternoon, follow the elephants to a nearby stream, where you can watch them drinking, splashing, and swimming. On the way back, stop to observe them rolling in the mud pit, an important natural behavior that protects their skin from the sun and insects. Witnessing the elephants socializing and showing affection for one another is a truly heartwarming experience.
Choice of Activity: Bamboo Rafting or Fruit Cake Making
To end the day, guests can choose between two unique experiences:
- Bamboo Rafting: Travel a short distance to the Mae Wang River and embark on an exciting bamboo rafting journey, floating gently down the river under the guidance of a local expert.
- Elephant Fruit Cake: Stay at the sanctuary and help prepare a giant fruit cake, decorated with sugarcane, bananas, and other treats, before presenting it to the elephants and watching them enjoy it with delight.
Tour Details
- Tour Type: Full Day Visit (approx. 8 hours including transfers)
- Group Size: Small groups of 8–10 people for an intimate experience
- Pick Up: 8:00–8:30 am (Chiang Mai city hotel)
- Drop Off: 4:00–4:30 pm (Chiang Mai city hotel)
- Fitness Level: Easy to moderate; leisurely forest walk suitable for families
- Age Suitability: Adults & children aged 2+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
- Topography: Grassy fields, forest, hills, and stream
- Facilities: Lunch area, lookout tower, bathrooms, showers, lockers
What to Bring
- Hat/cap, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Camera, walking shoes/trainers, sandals/flip flops
- Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Passport number for insurance purposes
- For bamboo rafting: swimsuit/board shorts, T-shirt, towel, and change of clothes
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Practices
Karen Elephant Serenity is committed to sustainability and supporting local communities. Food for the elephants is grown nearby, using only organic methods without chemicals or pesticides. Bananas and sugarcane are purchased directly from local farmers, while elephant dung is recycled as fertilizer for crops. Leftover food is given to local villagers for their animals, and rubbish is carefully recycled. The sanctuary facilities, including the lookout tower, are built from natural and reclaimed materials such as bamboo and wood. Water dispensers are provided to reduce plastic use.
Why Choose Karen Elephant Serenity
This program offers much more than just a day trip—it provides meaningful interaction with elephants while ensuring their dignity and natural behavior are respected. By joining this tour, you not only enjoy unforgettable memories but also contribute to the welfare of the elephants and help support ethical, eco-friendly tourism in Chiang Mai.
