Elephant Half Day

Johnny Boy Elephant Sanctuary sits in Ban Huai Pong in the Mae Wang district, about an hour's drive south west of Chiang Mai. It began as a joint project between the Karen village community, the families who own the elephants and locals from Chiang Mai, with the aim of giving the animals a natural home where they live on their own terms. A small family cares for the elephants here, and the operator keeps groups small, so visits stay personal.

The half day program is the core elephant visit without the waterfall and rafting. You put on the sanctuary's matching outfit, are introduced to each elephant, make herbal medicine balls and feed them, walk with them through their home ground, join their mud bath and wash and brush them in the river. A traditional Thai meal is served at the sanctuary. Groups are small, and guides speak English.

With the drive from Chiang Mai each way the outing takes five to six hours in total, which leaves the rest of the day free. Bookings are for 2 people or more. It suits families, couples, friends and anyone who wants unhurried time with a few elephants rather than a crowd. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and bring a change for the drive home. Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai is included: at 07:00 to 07:30 for the morning program and at 11:30 for the afternoon program.