Visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

Before we came out to Asia we knew without a doubt that we wanted to spend a day with the elephants at the Elephant Jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai. After researching the many options we decided to opt for the one day walk with elephants, a decision that we are so glad we came to. Often listed as one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is working hard on spreading the word of ethical tourism and helping tourists to understand the dangers of riding elephants, an activity that unfortunately still goes on today.

About the sanctuary

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical eco-tourism project set up by Chiang Mai locals and members of the Karen hill-tribes. The money raised through visits and donations goes towards rescuing elephants that have been mistreated and pays for their care, food, land and veterinary care. Since 2014 they’ve expanded and now have sanctuaries in 4 locations across the country: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya. They offer a variety of different experiences from half days to full days with trekking and even overnight stays. For more information on their mission, check out their website here.

Our experience

Check out our vlog from this incredible day:

After a much earlier than usual alarm, we jumped up into the back of a pick-up truck with wooden benches on each side for the one and a half hour journey to the camp. Hurtling through the empty streets of the city we picked up other tourists, all trying to hold on as we sped out of the city and onto the highway. With the wind rushing through the back of the truck and a quick coffee pit-stop we were wide awake by the time we arrived at the camp an hour and a half later.

Arriving at the camp we were handed a traditional Karen hill-tribe top to wear whilst feeding the elephants. We were given a safety briefing and instructions for how to feed the elephants safely before meeting the elephants for the first time. For the next hour or so we fed the elephants countless bananas, holding one out at a time for them to grab with the ends of their trunks. The experience was pretty incredible and certainly lived up to expectations.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai, Thailand

Asian elephant, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai, Thailand

After a good couple of hours spent with the elephants, feeding them and taking countless photos, we changed and headed down towards the mud bath. The elephants were there ready, already covered in the sloppy wet mud and waiting for us to join in. For the next 20 minutes or so we slipped around in the mud, rubbing it in to their skin, their backs and heads. One of our favourite elephants, affectionately named ‘naughty boy’ laid down on his side, with his legs kicking out in all kinds of different directions. From the mud bath we headed down to the river where we just about managed to stay upright and wash off, the elephants included!

As we came back up from the river, a lunch was laid out for us on the table of chicken curry, rice, vegetables and fruits. We were then instructed that it was time to rest… which meant lying in the shade on very cute elephant print pillows. Next on the agenda was giving the pregnant elephant and oldest elephant their ‘medicine’. For this we crushed oats, rice, bananas, pineapple and salt together and rolled them into balls to give to the elephants.

Trekking with the elephants

Following on from this, we began our trek into the jungle with the elephants leading the way. We very slowly walked behind them, taking in the views all around us. To walk through the jungle with such huge, incredible animals was a true highlight of the day, something that I’m so glad we decided to add on. There were only about 5 of us plus the guides and we walked for over an hour just watching the elephants do their thing.

Unfortunately it was then time to say goodbye to the elephants we had spent the day with and head off towards another camp, camp 9. This camp is still being built and is the newest camp at the Chiang Mai sanctuary. It had a different feeling to the one we had been at for the whole day, it appeared really quite man-made which in our opinion, wouldn’t have made for as great an experience. From camp 9 we headed down the hill, down some narrow tracks until we came across a beautiful waterfall. We could hear the water crashing down before we could see it. The water crashed into the pool at the bottom and we knew we had to jump in. Following our hilarious guide, we jumped in and swam around in the cool refreshing water. It really was the perfect way to end a hot day in the dry sunshine.

Trekking at the elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai, Thailand

I can honestly say this day was one of our favourite experiences in Thailand and worth every penny. We had a fantastic time and it was so rewarding to see where the money goes and how they are looking after these previously mistreated animals. The work they’re doing across the country is fantastic but they still have a long way to go, meaning all visits and donations really do help. We couldn’t recommend the experience enough and would confidently say it is an absolute must do if you’re in Chiang Mai or even Thailand in general.

Have you been to the EJS? How was your experience?

Happy adventuring,
Lorna