Doi Inthanon and Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Explore Doi Inthanon and an ethical elephant sanctuary, with an English-speaking guide, transport and lunch included.

11-12 Hours
Transfer inc.
English
Age 1+
Daily tour
Food inc.

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An English-speaking guide · Ethical elephant sanctuary · Hotel pick-up · Entrance fees and lunch included

What is the best Doi Inthanon and elephant sanctuary tour from Chiang Mai?

This Doi Inthanon and elephant sanctuary tour from Chiang Mai combines nature and ethical elephant encounters in one unforgettable day. Visit Thailand’s highest peak, the Royal Pagodas and a responsible elephant sanctuary, with trekking, an English-speaking guide and lunch included.

  • Doi Inthanon and Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Trekking
  • Visit Thailand’s Highest Peak and the Royal Pagodas
  • Ethical and Responsible Experience with Rescued Elephants in Chiang Mai
  • Trek Through Tropical Rainforest Along the Pha Dok Siew Trail and Its Waterfalls
  • Full-Day Nature Tour with an English-Speaking Guide, Entrance Fees and Lunch Included

Experience the magic of an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, where you’ll learn how rescued elephants are cared for and interact with these gentle giants in a respectful, cruelty-free environment. Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, and explore the magnificent Royal Pagodas, with spectacular views across the northern mountains. Complete your adventure with a trek along the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, passing waterfalls and tribal villages.

A full-day tour combining nature, culture and wildlife in one unforgettable experience.

Book now and make the most of your time in Chiang Mai!

✓  Hotel pick-up included.

✓ Entrance fees included.

✓ Local English-speaking guide.

✓ Ethical and responsible elephant sanctuary.

Group tour rates

Price per person

  • Adults: 2,190 THB
  • Children (4–10 years): 1,990 THB
  • Children under 3: free

During peak season, book in advance to secure your place.

Featured Experience

A close and respectful encounter with rescued elephants, where you can feed them, walk alongside them through the jungle and observe their natural behaviour in a free-roaming environment, directly contributing to their welfare and conservation.

“The best part is knowing that, thanks to you, their story continues with respect, care and dignity.”

Itinerary

07:00–07:30 | Morning Pick-up

  • Your day begins with pick-up directly from your hotel in Chiang Mai. From there, we’ll head into the mountains, where you’ll meet our guide for the first and most moving part of the excursion.
  • (The exact pick-up time will depend on your accommodation’s location and the number of participants.)

 

Ethical and Responsible Elephant Sanctuary

  • This sanctuary is a safe haven for rescued elephants, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with them in their natural surroundings. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the sanctuary’s mission, hear the elephants’ rescue stories and learn about their behaviour and care. The staff will explain the guidelines for respectful interaction, ensuring the animals’ welfare and an enriching experience for visitors. You’ll also have the option to wear traditional mahout clothing, connecting with the culture of northern Thailand. This immersive experience with elephants in Chiang Mai will help you appreciate the importance of their protection and create unforgettable memories.

 

Traditional Thai Lunch

  • After an exciting morning, we’ll take a break to enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch. You’ll savour Pad Thai, Thailand’s famous national dish, prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients and served with a selection of seasonal fruit to help you recharge.

 

Doi Inthanon National Park: The Roof of Thailand

  • We’ll ascend to the highest point in Thailand, at 2,565 metres above sea level. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you walk along wooden boardwalks winding through a moss-covered forest. We’ll visit the mausoleum of Prince Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, and admire panoramic views stretching across valleys and mountains.

 

King and Queen Pagodas: The Royal Pagodas

  • Our next stop is sure to take your breath away. We’ll visit the two majestic twin pagodas built in honour of the King and Queen of Thailand. Admire their elegant architecture and peaceful gardens filled with flowers, all set against spectacular views that make this spot feel like a balcony overlooking paradise.

 

Tropical Rainforest

  • Get ready for a 1.5-hour trek along a lush trail described as the “last Eden of the Himalayan mountain range”. Immerse yourself in the rainforest’s rich biodiversity, discover spectacular waterfalls and experience the beauty of this unique ecosystem.

 

Tribal Village

  • During the trek, the trail will take us through a tribal village. Here, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into rural life, with impressive rice terraces whose appearance varies depending on the season, organic coffee plantations and traditional houses built on stilts.

 

Approximately 18:00 | Return to Chiang Mai

  • After the trek, we’ll travel back to Chiang Mai in our official transport, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll arrive at your hotel between 19:00 and 20:00, ready to relax after a full and extraordinary day.

 

Important Information

  • What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes that can get wet, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light jacket or sweatshirt are essential, as temperatures at the mountain summit can be considerably cooler.

  • Fitness Level: This tour includes an approximately 1.5-hour walk along natural trails with uneven terrain and inclines, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

  • Elephant Sanctuary: All interactions with the elephants are based on respect. You must always follow the keepers’ instructions to ensure the animals’ welfare.

  • Allergies and Special Requirements: Your well-being is our priority. Please inform us of any food allergies or special requirements when making your booking.

  • Itinerary Notice: To ensure your safety and provide the best possible experience, the order of stops or the route may change without prior notice due to traffic, weather conditions or other external factors.
  • Restrictions: Pregnant women, children under 1 year old and people with medical conditions and/or back problems cannot join the tour.

Tour included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Chiang Mai
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide 🇬🇧
  • Entrance fees for the national park and elephant sanctuary
  • Accident insurance

 

Not Included

  • Personal expenses

What to bring

For Your Visit to the Elephant Sanctuary

  • Towel/swimwear
  • Sandals or Crocs
  • A change of clothes

 

For Trekking in Doi Inthanon

  • Suitable trekking clothing
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Raincoat in case of rain
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Cap or hat
  • Cash for personal expenses
  • A photo of your passport on your phone

Dress code at the Royal Pagodas: Wear T-shirt and long trousers. No flip-flops, tank tops or shorts.

Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism

At Olé Tours, we share Koh Samui's deep commitment to the protection and conservation of elephants, majestic animals that have endured the harsh reality of exploitation for decades. We recognise the past of these animals, marked by forced labour in the logging industry and unethical tourism, where mistreatment and a lack of respect were commonplace. For this reason, we work exclusively with sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare, where rescued elephants can find a safe and dignified home.

Through this experience, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of responsible tourism, where respect and admiration for these gentle giants are at the heart of every encounter. Every visit to these sanctuaries is a step towards a future where elephants can live free from suffering, in an environment that respects their nature and contributes to their conservation.

At Olé Tours, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to every responsible traveller who chooses to join us in this important mission. Your choice makes a difference and contributes to a more compassionate future for these magnificent animals.

Important information

Booking notice: To secure your place, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially during high season. Many of our tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly, so we cannot guarantee availability for bookings made only 1 or 2 days in advance.

Itinerary notice: To ensure your safety and the best possible experience, the order of the stops or the route may change without prior notice due to traffic, weather conditions or other external factors.

Restrictions: Pregnant women, children under 1 years old and people with medical and/or back problems cannot join the tour.

Special requirements: Please inform us of any allergies or special requirements when making your booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Accident insurance: To ensure the validity of the accident insurance, you must provide the full name, gender and passport number of all participants. Failure to provide this information may result in the cancellation of your booking. During high season, we recommend securing your place in advance.

Pick-ups: For group tours, our vehicle will pick up participants in sequence, so we kindly ask you to wait patiently at the entrance of your hotel. If you feel the wait is excessive, please contact the operator directly. If your accommodation is inaccessible to the vehicle, pick-up will take place at a nearby alternative meeting point agreed in advance.

Cancellation policy: You will find a brief description of our cancellation policy in the booking form. Please read it before booking. You can also view the full policy in the Terms and Conditions.

Questions or enquiries: Please contact us directly via WhatsApp and we will answer any questions as soon as possible.

FAQs

Is the elephant sanctuary truly ethical?

Yes, it is a responsible sanctuary where the welfare of rescued elephants comes first, with no shows or mistreatment.

 

What will we visit at Doi Inthanon?

You’ll visit Thailand’s highest peak and the Royal Pagodas, and enjoy a trek along the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail.

 

Does the tour include trekking?

Yes, it includes an approximately 1.5-hour walk along natural trails.

 

Is this a group tour with an English-speaking guide?

Yes, this is a group tour accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

 

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts approximately 11–12 hours.

Direct WhatsApp · Fast response · Personalised assistance

Google
Jawad Ali Gul
16 reviews · Pakistan
★★★★★
1 year ago

I had an incredible trip thanks to the guides, who were brilliant and very friendly throughout the day…

Google
JC
42 reviews · France
★★★★★
7 months ago

The tour was very well organised, and the guide adjusted the itinerary so we could enjoy the trek on our own…

Google
Alicia Riva
11 reviews · Italy
★★★★★
2 months ago

Choo is an excellent guide with great English and lots of information about Doi Inthanon. Highly recommended…

The most recommended tours in Chiang Mai

Useful Links

This tour is ideal for nature lovers and anyone looking for an ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai. You can also combine it with excursions to Chiang Rai or local food experiences to make the most of your trip to northern Thailand. Include Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in an organised tour or a tailor-made itinerary across Thailand.