Elephant Rescue Park, Chiang Mai

Wow, what a privilege this experience was. In the past, like many, I have fell into the tourist trap of elephant “sanctuaries” where the promise of happy well kept animals is the tag line - with the reality being somewhat different but this experience was on a whole new level. No rides, no chains, no cages and no shows makes this a truly intimate and unique experience. The Elephant Rescue Park is a lush and expansive landscape where the elephants get to enjoy freedom and above all else around the clock care, love and attention. It was truly amazing to be able to walk alongside and interact with these wonderful animals whilst they went about their everyday life. This beautiful habitat rescues elephants from various backgrounds including logging, riding and circus industries and gives them a place to live their life surrounded by everything they enjoy. The carers were amazing with a clear and special bond between them and the animal and it was a joy to watch the interaction. UK based volunteers Julie and Steve were very knowledgeable, super inviting and a pleasure to be in the company of. They looked after us during our time at the park and made us feel welcome at every opportunity - thank you! If you are looking for a truly special experience and have a love for elephants then this is the place for you, don’t even consider other attractions no matter how many bells and whistles they may offer. I will definitely be making another trip here given the opportunity, it was incredible. Thank you Elephant Rescue Park, Steve & Julie and everyone else for an unforgettable experience. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

The elephants are rescued from abuse of people (this includes circuses, businesses that use elephants for logging or for riding, etc.). The sanctuary makes sure that the elephants are taken cared of and are nursed back to recovery if they have injuries. So instread of riding them, its far better to spend a day with them You get to feed them, learn interesting things about them, walk with them and bathe them. The team over there is amazing, and the experience of being with the elephants would be great for kids as well.