Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program - Half-Day Tour

This is the simplest way to meet the elephants at Pon Elephant Thailand, a family-run sanctuary in the Mae Wang district south of Chiang Mai. It focuses on feeding and observing rather than bathing, so it suits older visitors, families with small children and anyone who wants a calmer, shorter visit. There is no riding, and the elephants are not made to do anything.

Three departures run each day, in the morning, late morning and early afternoon. After pickup the drive out takes about an hour and a half. At the sanctuary the team gives a briefing on the elephants' habitat, history and behaviour and how to act around them. You then take a nature walk with the rangers to where the elephants are, and spend your time hand-feeding them Napier grass, sugar cane and bananas, watching them up close and taking photos. Afterwards you are driven back to your hotel.

An English-speaking guide and the elephants' food are included. Bring a swimsuit and towel in case the elephants head to the river while you are there, plus sunscreen, insect repellent and some cash. The sanctuary uses the visit to support the local hill-tribe villages and the community forest.