Half Day Afternoon - Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary

The Half Day Afternoon program gives you the core Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary experience in one afternoon, leaving the morning free for a cooking class, temples or a lie-in. It suits visitors with only one afternoon spare, and it is the cooler end of the day for anyone who finds the midday sun hard work.

Pickup from hotels in Chiang Mai city is between 13:30 and 14:00, followed by a drive of about 45 minutes to the sanctuary in Khi Lek. You change into traditional mahout clothing and meet the herd with a basket of bananas. The team explains how the elephants behave and tells you each one's history while you feed and play with them. Then comes the part most people remember: a mud spa with the elephants, followed by a bath together in the water. You rinse off and relax at the swimming pool before the drive back, arriving at your hotel around 18:00.

The sanctuary does not allow riding, shows, hooks or chains, and the visit is built around feeding, walking beside and bathing the elephants. You will be muddy and wet, so wear a swimsuit under the mahout clothes and bring a towel and a change. Drinking water is provided; the supplier does not list a meal on the afternoon program, so eat before pickup.