Half Day Morning - Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary

The Half Day Morning program is the most popular way to visit Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary. You get the full feeding, mud and bathing routine while the day is still cool, and you are back in Chiang Mai with the afternoon free. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants elephant time without giving up a whole day.

Pickup from hotels in Chiang Mai city is between 07:00 and 07:30, followed by a drive of about 45 minutes north to Khi Lek. At the sanctuary 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 where each one came from while you feed and play with them. Then it is into the mud spa together, followed by a bath in the water. You rinse off and relax at the swimming pool before the drive back, arriving at your hotel around 12:30.

The sanctuary does not allow riding, shows, hooks or chains; 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 half-day programs, so have breakfast before pickup.