Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park: a Visit to Thailand’s #1 Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
A close encounter with elephants is one of the must-dos when you’re visiting Chiang Mai with kids.
We went to Elephant Nature Park on our daughter’s 7th birthday and it was an incredible experience for our entire family.
If you are wondering whether visiting Elephant Nature Park with kids is a good idea, we’re here to tell you that it is!
The park works to rescue and rehabilitate abused elephants. You will get to learn all about the animals’ stories, watch them take mud baths and swim in the River and even prepare meals for the oldies.
Possible ways to visit Elephant Nature Park
There are a couple of different ways to visit and get to know Elephant Nature Park. We decided on an overnight visit.
ENP itinerary during an overnight stay
Day 1
8-8.45 AM: pick-up from hotel
9.30 AM: arrival at ENP and administration
9.45 AM: coffee break
10 AM: walking tour (elephants up-close)
11.30 AM: coffee break/free time
12 AM: lunch
1 PM: walking tour (bathing elephants, dog shelter, elephants up-close)
2.45 PM: coffee break
3 PM: check-in
4.15 PM: elephant watching during sunset
5.15 PM: free time
6 PM: dinner
7 PM: evening activity or free time
Day 2
7 AM: breakfast
7.40 AM: elephant watching (the herd leaving for the Skywalker for the day)
8 AM: jungle hike + feeding the elephants
9.30 AM: visit the Skywalk project
10.30 AM: cat cuddling @ the Cat Kingdom or walking the dogs @ the Dog Shelter
11.15 AM: coffee break/check out
12 AM: lunch
1 PM: preparing rice balls + feeding them to the elephants + walking tour
2.30 PM: coffee break
3 PM: return to Chiang Mai
4.30 PM: arrival at hotel
Is Elephant Nature Park ethical?
ENP is one of the most ethical animal sanctuaries in the world. They work hard to ensure that the elephants are treated with respect, kindness, and love.
The park is staffed by veterinary specialists and dedicated caretakers who have a deep understanding of these amazing animals. They provide the best possible care for every elephant in their sanctuary.
The goal at ENP is to give each elephant a safe and comfortable home while teaching visitors about the plight of these intelligent animals.
But their work doesn’t stop there: besides rescuing elephants and other animals, ENP also works with local elephant camps to educate on animal welfare standards and fight against elephant abuse.
Elephant Nature Park’s founder, Lek Chailert, is a truly inspiring person who has dedicated her life to the protection and preservation of these beautiful creatures.
She has received many rewards and recognitions for her work but always takes time to play with the elephants and chat with visitors on her daily visit to the park. She truly is an admirable woman (can you tell I’m fangirling yet?)
All in all, it’s safe to say that Elephant Nature Park is as ethical and responsible as it gets. it’s one of the best sanctuaries in Asia or even in the world and we highly recommend a visit!
Elephant Nature Park price
ENP what to bring
Visiting Elephant Nature Park with kids: our experience
For our stay at Elephant Nature Park, we decided on a 2 day/1 night package.
The Park is located in the mountains North of Chiang Mai and it takes about 1 to 1,5 hours to reach it. Transport from and to your hotel is included in the price.
We were picked up from our hotel early in the morning, a little past 8 AM. There was already a family with a young girl in the minivan, so we were pretty happy (and as it turned out, the girls got along great).
After picking up an 8th person, our group was complete and the adventure could begin!
Day 1
We arrived at Elephant Nature Park around 9.30 AM.
About 1 minute after entering the domain, we saw our first elephants! What?!!
First, the administrative side of things had to be ticked off. We were welcomed with a warm smile and asked to fill out a few forms, pay the remaining fee (only 10% has to be paid in advance), and leave our luggage at the office. You should take all your important items with you though.
Our guide Art showed us the covered area that is the central hangout spot of the park. This is where we would eat and spend our free time during the next two days.
The best part was that Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue center for endangered elephants. So we knew that by visiting, we were directly supporting the conservation of these majestic animals.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience for our kids, especially on their birthday! It’s something we will never forget and would highly recommend to anyone looking for an educational and meaningful way to spend their time in Chiang Mai.
Wrap-up: is It worth visiting Elephant Nature Park with kids?
Visiting Elephant Nature Park is a wonderful experience for families with kids, as it offers a unique opportunity to learn more about these majestic creatures and develop empathy towards them. Plus, you’ll have some amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
