One Day Elephant Lover - Chang Thai Heritage Elephant Sanctuary

Chang Thai Heritage is a small elephant sanctuary in the countryside about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. The one day Elephant Lover program gives you the whole day with the elephants, with hotel pickup, an English speaking guide and lunch included. There is no riding. The sanctuary describes itself as a home rather than a camp, set up to raise young elephants without the use of a hook and run together with local people. It suits families, solo travellers and anyone who wants enough time to get to know the animals rather than rushing through a checklist.

The day starts with an introduction to the elephants and the rules for being around them. You chop sugar cane and bananas into snacks and feed the elephants by hand, then walk with them through the grounds and give them a mud bath. Visitors describe learning to make a natural soap from a local tree, which you use later when the elephants lie down in the river and you scrub them with a brush. The day also includes a cooking session where you make a Thai dish such as pad thai, which becomes part of lunch.

Practicalities: allow about ten hours door to door, including the drive each way. You will get wet and muddy, so wear clothes you do not mind ruining and bring a change. The child rate applies from age 3 to 10. Our office confirms your pickup time when you book.