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VISIT THE MOST ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN CHIANG MAI
Visit the most famous and ethical elephant sanctuary, the Elephant Nature Park.
If you'd prefer to avoid animal shows and performances, then this programme is perfect for you.
Why is this the most ethical elephant sanctuary, and who is Lek Chailert?
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting to know elephants up close, while treating them respectfully and ethically, then the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is the place for you. This incredible sanctuary is not just a tourist attraction but a true haven for elephants, where their welfare and protection are the top priority.
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai was founded by dedicated animal activist Lek Chailert, who has devoted her life to the protection of elephants. Not only is Lek Chailert the founder of the park, but she is also one of the world’s most renowned elephant conservationists. She is the founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, which aims to provide elephants with a safer and more dignified life.
The park’s ethical approach makes it unique for visitors. The elephants are not kept in captivity, forced to work, or used for entertainment. Instead, they live freely, under protection and care, while visitors have the chance to observe and learn about them up close.
Visiting the park allows tourists to learn more about these majestic animals and observe them in their natural habitat. Not only will visitors leave with unforgettable memories, but they will also become more aware of their responsibility to protect and care for elephants.
How can you participate?
Send me an email at info@lillawadee.com, mentioning which programme, dates, and how many people are interested.
I will reply with further details and important information within 1-2 days.
You can book the programme through me, transfer the fee to me, and I will arrange everything with the provider. Of course, you can always contact me before and during the programme if needed.
Please notify us as early as possible if you wish to visit the elephant park, ideally 2-3 weeks before your planned date.
Programme Options:
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Half-Day Programme
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Elephant Skywalk
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Full-Day Extended Programme
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2 Days, 1 Night
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1-Week Volunteer Programme
1. Half-Day Programme:
In the half-day programme, you have the option of a morning or afternoon session. For the morning session, a member of the elephant park staff will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30 AM. For the afternoon session, pick-up will be around noon. The programme starts with a short introduction where you’ll learn why elephant trekking is harmful to the animals and what makes a sanctuary ethical. This is followed by a guided tour along the riverside where you can observe the elephants in their natural habitat and behaviour. Before saying goodbye to the elephants, you'll enjoy a pleasant lunch together. What’s included: - Transfer - Meals - Admission fees - Tour guide fees - Insurance What should you bring? Flip-flops, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a camera, and a reusable water bottle.
Price: 2,500 baht/adult – 1,250/child (0-11 years old)
2. Elephant Skywalk – Full-Day Programme
The Elephant Skywalk takes participants to two locations: one as part of the "Hands Off" project and the other at Elephant Nature Park. At both locations, you will learn about the elephants, their history, and what makes a sanctuary ethical. You’ll also meet other rescued animals, including water buffalo, dogs, cats, horses, and goats. The programme starts around 7:30 AM and ends around 5 PM. What’s included: - Transfer - Meals - Admission fees - Tour guide fees - Insurance What should you bring? Flip-flops, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a camera, and a reusable water bottle.
Price: 3,500 baht/adult – 1,750 baht/child (0-11 years old)
3. Full-Day Extended Programme – Care for Elephants
For those who want to get to know these magnificent animals even better in their natural environment and take part in their daily care, the full-day extended programme is highly recommended. The programme runs from 8 AM to around 4-5 PM. Guests will join a small group led by a guide, with the opportunity to learn more about elephant behaviour and get to know the elephants during feeding time. Expected programme: 1. Pick-up from your hotel and arrival at the "Care for Elephants" site. 2. Introduction and getting to know the rescued elephants. 3. Preparing healthy treats for the elephants. 4. A hike in the mountains with the elephants. 5. Enjoying a vegetarian buffet lunch. 6. Observing the elephants bathing. 7. Elephant feeding. 8. Shopping for souvenirs. 9. Visiting Elephant Nature Park and learning about the rescued elephants. 10. Return to your hotel. What’s included: - Transfer - Meals - Admission fees - Tour guide fees - Insurance What should you bring? Flip-flops, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a camera, and a reusable water bottle.
Price: 6,000 baht/adult and the same price for children over 12 years old
(Children younger than 12 are not allowed to participate in this programme)
4. 2 Days, 1 Night
For those who want to get to know these magnificent animals better in their natural environment and take part in their daily care, the two-day programme is highly recommended. The programme runs from approximately 8 AM on the first day until 5 PM on the second day. After arrival, guests will listen to an informative talk on elephant behaviour and what makes a sanctuary ethical. You will participate in daily care activities, observe the elephants, and learn a lot about them. By the end of the day, participants will be able to recognise individual elephants and understand their current behaviour and what influences it. Guests will spend the night in rustic guesthouses with private bathrooms, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and fans. You will hear the elephants breathing and snoring during the night, and in the morning, you can observe them from your terrace. Important: Each guest is allowed to bring only a small carry-on bag (56x36x23 cm). What’s included: - Transfer - Accommodation - Meals (two lunches, one breakfast, and one dinner – vegan menu) - Admission fees - Tour guide fees - Insurance What should you bring? A change of clothes, toiletries, flip-flops, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a camera, a reusable water bottle, a flashlight, and gardening gloves.
Price: 5,800 baht/adult and 2,900 baht/child (0-11 years old)
5. One-Week Volunteer Programme
For those who want to spend a week experiencing the daily life of elephants, getting to know these amazing animals, and supporting the conservation of a highly endangered species, this programme is highly recommended. The park provides sanctuary for elephants harmed by trekking and poor treatment, including those with disabilities, blindness, or emotional trauma. In addition to elephants, the park also shelters buffalo, dogs, cats, and other animals. Volunteers will take part in daily tasks, such as caring for the elephants and other animals, preparing food, and maintaining the site. Each house on-site accommodates 2-3 volunteers and is simply furnished, with a private bathroom, fan, and mosquito net. What’s included: - Transfer - Accommodation - Meals (three vegan meals a day) - Admission fees - Practical education on elephant conservation - Internet access What should you bring? A change of clothes, toiletries, flip-flops, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a camera, a reusable water bottle, a flashlight, and gardening gloves.
Price: 15,000 baht/adult and the same price for children over 12 years old
(Children younger than 12 are not allowed to participate in this programme)
Cancellation:
The elephant park does not refund any fees in case of cancellation. However, if they are informed in time, they will allow you to reschedule your visit for up to two years.
Please notify us of any changes at least 10 days before your visit. Failure to do so will result in additional fees from the elephant park, and the value of your modified programme will be less than the original.