Travelling November to February? That is peak season, so book your date ahead. What to know for November–December →
Half-day morning ethical elephant sanctuary day trip from Chiang Mai to Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary (Doi Inthanon foothills, Chiang Mai). Activities: Elephant observation, Vitamin-ball feeding at the feeding table, Pad Thai cooking. Suitable for: Early risers, travelers who want an afternoon free in Chiang Mai for temples or markets.
| Location | Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary, Doi Inthanon foothills, Chiang Mai, Thailand |
|---|---|
| Price | ฿1,500 per adult, ฿1,100 per child (ages 4–8). Prices are in Thai baht (THB). Deposit to book: 25% per guest (฿375 adult, ฿275 child). The rest is paid on the tour day. |
| Hotel pickup | Complimentary pickup and drop-off are available for accommodation within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old City. |
| Pickup time | 7:00–7:30 am |
| Return | Back at your hotel about 2:00 pm |
| Length | Half-day, about 7 hours hotel to hotel |
| Fits your trip | Takes your morning: pickup 7:00–7:30 am, back about 2:00 pm, so the rest of the afternoon and the evening are free. Online booking stays open until 10 hours before pickup (Thailand time), so it can fill a free day at short notice. |
| Included |
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| Elephant welfare | No riding and no shows. Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary welfare policy |
| Cancellation | Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time for a deposit refund. Stripe, our payment processor, keeps its 6.5% processing fee. Full policy |
No. This tour does not include elephant riding, circus-style shows, tricks, or forced performances. The point of the day is to meet elephants in a calmer way, learn from the guides, and join simple care activities only when they make sense for the herd.
No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom.
A child aged 4–8 pays ฿1,100. An adult pays ฿1,500. Infants aged 0–3 visit free of charge. Children must stay with a parent at all times. This day is aimed at Early risers, travelers who want an afternoon free in Chiang Mai for temples or markets. Families should review heat and transfer time before booking.
Yes — Chiang Mai tours include round-trip hotel pickup within 5 km of Chiang Mai Old City. Nimman, the Old City, and Riverside guest houses are inside that zone. A small transfer surcharge may apply outside the standard pickup area; message ThaiEleHub before paying the deposit to confirm.
This is a half-day experience. Hotel pickup is 07:00–07:30 Thailand time, and the current itinerary returns around 14:00. The exact return time depends on traffic and weather, and your final pickup details are confirmed before the tour.
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time for a deposit refund. Stripe, our payment processor, keeps its 6.5% processing fee. This fee is not charged or kept by ThaiEleHub. Cancellations made within 24 hours of scheduled tour start time are non-refundable. Bookings made within 24 hours of tour start are non-refundable once paid. No-shows are charged the full tour price; the deposit is not refunded. To request a date change, contact ThaiEleHub customer service on WhatsApp (+66 98 858 9666) at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time; changes are subject to agreement and availability. Full rules are on the cancellation and refund policy page.
Chiang Mai transfer inside the listed area; Elephant welfare and safety briefing; Local guide, drinking water and insurance; Local meal are included. Elephant riding and elephant shows are not included. Remaining balance is settled on the day.
Online booking closes 10 hours before pickup (Asia/Bangkok). A date is held once the deposit payment succeeds. The balance is paid on the tour day. There is no live seat map. Travelling November to February? That is peak season, so book your date ahead.
Hotel pickup is 07:00–07:30 Thailand time. Round-trip pickup is included within 5 km of Chiang Mai Old City, including Nimman, the Old City, and Riverside guest houses. A small transfer surcharge may apply outside the standard pickup area; message ThaiEleHub before paying the deposit to confirm.
The meeting point is your Chiang Mai hotel or accommodation inside the listed pickup area. Final pickup location and time are confirmed one day before your visit. Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup window.
Hotel pickup is 07:00–07:30, arrival at the sanctuary is 09:30, Pad Thai cooking is at 12:00, lunch is at 12:30, farewell is at 13:00, and hotel return is at 14:00. Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care, without touching the elephants. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom.
Secure sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medication. A change of clothes is useful after habitat care.
Half-day departing Chiang Mai. Guests cannot touch the elephants; you watch them from a distance. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom. Round-trip hotel pickup is included inside the listed city zone. Adult fare ฿1,500. Child fare ฿1,100 for ages 4–8. Infants aged 0–3 visit free of charge. Book on this page with no account. A date is not held until the deposit payment succeeds.
Watch the herd from a distance and feed vitamin balls at a table. Adult ฿1,500, child 4–8 ฿1,100. No riding. Hotel pickup. Pad Thai lunch.
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Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai Half-Day Morning Encounter is a half-day morning ethical elephant tour of about 7 hours at Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai in the Doi Inthanon foothills, with hotel pickup from Chiang Mai. Guests watch the elephants from a distance and feed vitamin balls at the feeding table; guests cannot touch the elephants, and there is no bathing, riding or walking with elephants; Pad Thai cooking is included. You book it directly on ThaiEleHub.com, the booking hub for this tour.
Independent reviews on TripAdvisor ↗ · Camp on Google Maps ↗ · Book on this page, not on TripAdvisor · Updated
Watch from a distance and feed vitamin balls at the feeding table. Guests cannot touch the elephants.
From ฿1,500 / adult · ฿1,100 / child
Travelling November to February? That is peak season, so book your date ahead. What to know for November–December →
Book your deposit on ThaiEleHub — we confirm pickup and WhatsApp support from this page after payment succeeds.
Adult tour price฿1,500Ages 9+. Full fare per adult.
Child tour price฿1,100Ages 4–8. Full fare per child.
1-minute booking: add your contact, tour date and pickup details, then continue to secure your deposit payment on ThaiEleHub.
Start typing to choose a common Chiang Mai hotel. If yours is not listed, enter the full address for your Airbnb, villa or accommodation.
Deposit due today฿37525% per guest. Balance on the day ฿1,125.
25% per guest, paid securely through ThaiEleHub. The remaining balance is paid locally on tour day.
Booking closes 10 hours before departure (07:00 Thailand time). Dates inside that window cannot be booked online.
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time for a deposit refund. Stripe, our payment processor, keeps its 6.5% processing fee. This fee is not charged or kept by ThaiEleHub. Within 24 hours, the deposit is non-refundable. Bookings made within 24 hours of tour start are non-refundable once paid. No-shows are charged the full tour price; the deposit is not refunded. To request a date change, contact ThaiEleHub on WhatsApp at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time; changes are subject to agreement and availability. Message us on WhatsApp ↗
Reservations email: info@thaielehub.com
Secure Stripe checkout on ThaiEleHub. Instant book with express pay where your device supports it.
No riding · no shows
cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time.
Big Boy elephants, bamboo rafting and Pad Thai is a separate full-day tour (about 9 hours 30 minutes). Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants. Then travel on a bamboo raft on the Mae Wang River. No bathing, riding, or walking with elephants. Adult ฿1,800. Child ages 4–8 ฿1,300.
Easy · suitable for most visitors incl. older travelers
Half-day observation route with standard hotel pickup; guests watch the herd from the viewing area.
Standard hotel pickup, short level paths between the viewing area and the kitchen, observation at a gentle pace. Any cell marked Confirm with the sanctuary can be answered in writing before booking — WhatsApp +66 98 858 9666.
Each guest pays a 25% deposit to reserve. The remaining balance is paid locally on tour day. Adult (Ages 9+) 1,500.00 ฿ full · 375.00 ฿ deposit Child (Ages 4-8) 1,100.00 ฿ full · 275.00 ฿ deposit Chiang Mai transfer inside the listed area Elephant welfare and safety briefing Local guide, drinking water and insurance Local meal
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 5 km of Chiang Mai Old City. For accommodation outside the area, ask us to confirm the transfer before booking. Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai Official map reference · Pickup window 07:00 - 07:30 Open in Google Maps
Best for First-time elephant sanctuary visitors Couples and families who prefer no-riding experiences Travelers who want pickup and a planned itinerary Not the best fit for Anyone looking for elephant riding or performances Guests needing step-free access without checking first Guests who cannot manage the stated transfer time
Your browser does not support embedded video. Short, camp-specific footage from Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai. Playback starts only when you tap it.
The Experience
Forget a crowded checklist. Slow down, enter their world, and experience the sanctuary through its most meaningful moments. Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants; you watch them from a distance. There are no hooks and no punishments here. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom. The programme runs at a comfortable pace.
Watch the elephants in the habitat. Riding and shows are not part of this visit. Guests cannot touch the elephants; you watch them from a distance.
Place vitamin balls on the feeding table. Guests cannot touch the elephants; you watch them from a distance.
Help with habitat care. The Pad Thai you cook is the guest lunch.
Thoughtfully Included
Everything essential is prepared before you arrive, so you can be fully present for the day. Spend unhurried time in a greener, quieter habitat designed around elephant wellbeing. Accident insurance and chilled drinking water are included. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom. The programme runs at a comfortable pace.
Spend unhurried time in a greener, quieter habitat designed around elephant wellbeing.
Accident insurance and chilled drinking water are included.
No riding and no shows. Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants.
Your Itinerary
A clear view of the journey from hotel pickup to your return, with each part of the experience paired with real sanctuary moments. Hotel pickup is 07:00–07:30. Arrive at the sanctuary at 09:30. Authentic Pad Thai cooking is at 12:00, lunch at 12:30, farewell at 13:00, and hotel return at 14:00. Our half-day programme is suitable for all fitness levels and runs at a comfortable pace. Meet your driver at your accommodation and begin the journey in air-conditioned transport. Arrive at the sanctuary for an education briefing, vitamin balls at the feeding table, and habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants. Cook authentic Pad Thai and enjoy the Pad Thai you prepared yourself along with other local Thai dishes. Bid farewell to the elephants and return to Chiang Mai. Final pickup details are confirmed before your tour.
07:00 - 07:30Hotel pickup in Chiang MaiHotel pickup in Chiang Mai (air-conditioned transport).
09:30Arrive at sanctuaryEducation briefing; ethical feeding (vitamin balls at the feeding table only); habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants.Complimentary pickup and drop-off are available for accommodation within a 5 km radius of Chiang Mai Old City.
Final pickup location and time are confirmed by our team one day before your visit. Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup window.
The Fine Print
Clear answers, kept quietly out of the way until you need them. Yes. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom. Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants. Yes, hotel pickup is included inside the listed Chiang Mai transfer area. Enter your hotel name or full accommodation address during booking so our team can confirm the exact arrangement. This is a half-day experience. The programme runs at a comfortable pace, and your final pickup details are confirmed before the tour. Children aged 4–8 receive a reduced rate of ฿1,100. Infants aged 0–3 visit free of charge. Children must stay with a parent at all times. Families should review the itinerary, walking conditions and transfer time before booking. Chiang Mai tours include round-trip air-conditioned hotel transfer within 5 km of the Old City. Chonburi tours include specified central Bangkok and Pattaya zones. We will confirm any small out-of-zone surcharge before your visit. Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time for a deposit refund. Stripe, our payment processor, keeps its 6.5% processing fee. This fee is not charged or kept by ThaiEleHub. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable. No-shows are charged the full tour price; the deposit is not refunded. To request a date change, contact ThaiEleHub on WhatsApp at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time. Date changes are subject to agreement and availability. Please contact us before booking. We can help you choose a gentler itinerary and explain the transfer and habitat-care conditions clearly. Yes. Please add your dietary request during checkout or message us in advance. Vegetarian requirements are easy to accommodate. Bring secure sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medication. A change of clothes is useful after habitat care.
Yes. No bathing with elephants, no riding, and no walking with elephants are offered, as these activities require controlling the elephants which goes against the sanctuary's principles of respecting their natural behavior and freedom. Watch the herd from a distance, feed vitamin balls at the feeding table, and help with habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants.
Yes, hotel pickup is included inside the listed Chiang Mai transfer area. Enter your hotel name or full accommodation address during booking so our team can confirm the exact arrangement.
This is a half-day experience. Hotel pickup is 07:00–07:30. Arrive at the sanctuary at 09:30. Authentic Pad Thai cooking is at 12:00, lunch at 12:30, farewell at 13:00, and hotel return at 14:00. Our half-day programme is suitable for all fitness levels and runs at a comfortable pace. Final pickup details are confirmed before the tour.
Children aged 4–8 receive a reduced rate of ฿1,100. Infants aged 0–3 visit free of charge. Children must stay with a parent at all times. Families should review the itinerary, walking conditions and transfer time before booking.
Chiang Mai tours include round-trip air-conditioned hotel transfer within 5 km of the Old City. Chonburi tours include specified central Bangkok and Pattaya zones. We will confirm any small out-of-zone surcharge before your visit.
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time for a deposit refund. Stripe, our payment processor, keeps its 6.5% processing fee. This fee is not charged or kept by ThaiEleHub. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable. No-shows are charged the full tour price; the deposit is not refunded. To request a date change, contact ThaiEleHub on WhatsApp at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour start time. Date changes are subject to agreement and availability.
Please contact us before booking. We can explain the transfer and the time spent standing at the feeding table.
Yes. Please add your dietary request during checkout or message us in advance. Vegetarian requirements are easy to accommodate.
Secure sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medication. A change of clothes is useful after habitat care.
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