Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon Trek Day Tour

Summary

Ethical Elephant Encounter & Doi Inthanon National Park Trekking

If you want a real connection with elephants—not just photos—and a taste of northern Thailand’s wild side, this day trip is for you. You’ll support ethical animal care, walk through cloud forests on Doi Inthanon’s slopes, and see a side of Chiang Mai most visitors miss.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cool as we left Chiang Mai just after sunrise—jacket definitely needed. About an hour and a half later, we rolled up to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. You could hear the elephants before you saw them—deep, rumbling sounds from behind the trees. Our guide, Nok, greeted us with a grin and handed out insect repellent (trust me, you’ll want it). Changing into camp clothes was quick; lockers were basic but did the job.

We learned about each elephant’s story—one had just arrived last month, rescued from logging work. No rides or circus tricks here. Instead, we fed them bananas (sticky hands are part of the deal) and watched them wander at their own pace. If you’re lucky, one might nudge your arm for more snacks. Bathing is optional for both you and them—no pressure at all. The sanctuary staff explained how they use local herbs for elephant medicine, which I’d never heard before.

Lunch was simple but filling: stir-fried veggies, rice, and fresh pineapple. After saying goodbye to the elephants (harder than expected), we drove about half an hour to Doi Inthanon National Park. The temperature dropped again as we climbed higher—felt almost chilly even in June. The Kew Mae Pan trail winds through mossy forest; there’s a spot where you can hear nothing but birds and your own footsteps on wet leaves.

The King and Queen Pagodas stand out against the mist—locals come here to pay respects, so it’s not just tourists snapping photos. At the summit—the highest point in Thailand—the air is thin and crisp. There’s a wooden sign for photos; our guide took group shots for everyone. We headed back to Chiang Mai by early evening, tired but honestly happy we’d done something good for both elephants and nature.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Inthanon Trek

• Drive to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
• Change clothes and learn about elephants
• Enjoy activities with elephants
• Lunch
• Drive to Doi Inthanon National Park
• Trek Kewmaepan trail
• Visit King and Queen Pagoda
• Visit highest peak of Thailand
• Drive back to Chiang Mai

Top questions

Is elephant riding included?

Nope! This sanctuary doesn’t allow riding or tricks—just natural interaction like feeding and walking alongside them.

How difficult is the trekking part?

The Kew Mae Pan trail takes about 1 hour 45 minutes; it’s mostly gentle but can be slippery after rain. Good shoes help!

What should I bring?

Towel, swimsuit if you want to join elephant bathing (optional), camera, insect repellent, jacket or trousers (it gets chilly), sunscreen—and some love for elephants!

Are meals provided?

Yes! Lunch is included at the sanctuary—usually Thai food with vegetarian options available.

What’s included

Your day includes lunch at the sanctuary, all transportation in an air-conditioned van from Chiang Mai city center, entrance fees for both Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Inthanon National Park, plus guidance from local experts who really know their stuff.