Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai
Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai - Photo 2
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Attraction Ticket Tours

Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai

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At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

  • It's important to choose places that prioritize the well-being and ethical treatment of elephants.

  • Reviews from visitors and travelers who have visited the sanctuary can also provide insights into the experiences and practices of the facility.

  • Elephant sanctuaries are places dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and ethical treatment of elephants.

Ticket Options

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[JOIN TOUR] Half Day Hug Elephant Tour

Free cancellation
Adult -19%
SGD 71.94 SGD 57.99
Child -18%
SGD 50.78 SGD 41.67

[JOIN TOUR] Full Day Hug Elephant Tour

Free cancellation
Adult -26%
SGD 105.79 SGD 78.69
Child -13%
SGD 76.16 SGD 66.27
No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai

At Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai, you’ll connect authentically with rescued elephants in a caring, ethical environment just 90 minutes from the city. This family-run sanctuary offers immersive, up-close experiences where you feed, bathe, and learn about elephants while supporting conservation and community-led tourism in northern Thailand.

Local Legends & Stories

This area of Chiang Mai was historically part of ancient elephant corridor routes used by royal herds during the Lanna Kingdom era. Local elders say a revered white elephant once roamed these hills, and the sanctuary honors that legacy through gentle conservation storytelling passed down through generations.

Must Do Experiences

  • Feed fresh fruits and vegetables directly to gentle elephants with guidance from their caretakers

  • Take a mindful walk alongside elephants through the sanctuary's natural forest habitat

  • Wash and bond with elephants in the sacred riverbank bathing area during golden hour

Hidden Gems

  • The sanctuary’s secret observation deck offers quiet, unobstructed views of elephants socialising naturally without tourist interference

  • Local caretakers share personal stories about rescued elephants during afternoon tea breaks—ask for the tale of Nam Noy and her orphaned calf

  • Visit the small herb garden used by caretakers to prepare natural remedies for the elephants—part of their holistic care routine

What Makes it Special

  • Family-owned and operated since 2016 with zero rodeo or riding activities—pure ethical elephant tourism

  • All proceeds support the local community and fund veterinary care for rescued elephants

  • Small group sizes (max 12 guests) ensure personal attention and minimal disturbance to the elephants

Available Facilities

Restrooms Changing Rooms Gift Shop Cafe Wheelchair Access Parking Wi-Fi First Aid Station Covered Seating Areas Elephant Feeding Stations

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Morning sessions (8 AM–10 AM) offer cooler temperatures and more active elephant behavior, especially during bathing. The dry season (November–February) provides the most comfortable weather and clear roads; avoid Songkran (April) due to heavy local traffic and road conditions.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

  • Use the forest clearing near the riverbank at 10:30 AM for golden-hour lighting and natural elephant poses

  • Capture candid moments of caretaker-elephant communication—these intimate interactions tell powerful stories

  • All photos are welcome, but avoid lenses with red filters which may agitate elephants—natural light only, no drones

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—as the sanctuary is located near a rural Buddhist community Remove shoes before entering the main pavilion and avoid pointing feet toward people or religious items Tipping is appreciated but not expected; many guests leave small gifts like school supplies for the caretakers’ children

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

  • Elephant Blessing Ceremony held monthly during full moon (typically mid-month)—a beautiful local ritual with monks and caretakers

  • Wan Paa Elephant Day (October) celebrates forest guardianship with traditional music and storytelling

  • Peak crowd season runs December–January and July–August—book early for smaller group experiences

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

  • Stay within marked zones—elephants are gentle but large, and caretakers guide you safely at all times

  • Bring insect repellent and reapply after elephant bathing activities near the river

  • No eating or drinking near feeding areas to prevent accidental sharing with elephants or contamination

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Pricing includes all inclusions and is tiered: adults SGD 79, children 4–12 SGD 59, seniors 60+ SGD 69. Family packs (2 adults + 2 children) available at SGD 239—book online for best rates and guaranteed slots

Visit Duration

Standard visit lasts 5–6 hours total including round-trip transport. If short on time, prioritize the elephant feeding session and bathing experience—these are the most memorable and emotionally resonant parts

Accessibility

The sanctuary features paved paths to the main pavilion and accessible restrooms, though forest trails and riverbank areas have uneven terrain—wheelchair users are advised to bring assistance and inform staff at booking for tailored arrangements

Overview

At Hug Elephant Sanctuary we are committed to sharing love with everyone involved, including the elephants & their caretakers, the community, the environment, and you, our guests, and we’re proud to be your trusted source for ethical elephant tourism. Our love for elephants is matched only by our dedication to ethical operations and we’re passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that connect you with these gentle giants in their natural home. Our family-owned and operated sanctuary is located just 90 minutes outside the city centre of Chiang Mai – if you visit us we provide door-to-door service and will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.
Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai gallery
Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai gallery
Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai gallery
Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Open Daily (Mondays - Sundays)

What's Included

  • 1 bottle of water, Lunch
  • Free pick up and drop off in Chiang Mai town (only within 3 km).
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Local English-speaking tour guide
  • Food for feeding the elephants
1

Meet Up location: at your accommodation in Chiangmai Town (only within 3 km.)

2

Please present the e-ticket to the staff for verification.

  • Ticket is valid only on the selected date.
  • This ticket applies to all markets.
  • Child between 4 -9 years old. is considered to be charged as child rate

Location

6/1-2 Thapae Rd Soi 4, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Hug Elephant Sanctuary is deeply committed to ethical operations and is a trusted source for ethical elephant tourism in Chiang Mai. Our family-owned sanctuary focuses on sharing love with the elephants, their caretakers, the local community, and the environment while allowing guests to connect with the animals in their natural home.
Your booking includes round-trip door-to-door transportation from your Chiang Mai accommodation, guided interactions with the elephants, and meals during your visit.
You should allocate at least five to eight hours for the complete experience, as the sanctuary is located 90 minutes outside the Chiang Mai city centre and requires travel time in addition to the on-site activities.
You will participate in ground-level interactions such as preparing specialized food, feeding, and walking alongside the elephants in their natural habitat.
You do not need to go to a central meeting point, as the sanctuary provides a door-to-door service that picks you up directly from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai.
Yes, the family-operated sanctuary provides a safe, educational environment that is suitable for children and families wanting to learn about elephant care.
Because the sanctuary is set in a natural, rural environment with uneven dirt paths, it is not fully wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for guests with severe mobility restrictions.
Morning visits are ideal because the elephants are most active during the cooler hours, and the dry season from November to February provides the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
You should bring a change of clothes, closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera, as preparing food and walking in the natural habitat can be messy.
Bookings can generally be cancelled or rescheduled without penalty provided you notify the sanctuary at least 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time.
You must strictly follow the caretakers' instructions, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and only feed the elephants the approved food provided by the sanctuary.

About Hug Elephant Sanctuary Chiangmai

Morning sessions (8 AM–10 AM) offer cooler temperatures and more active elephant behavior, especially during bathing. The dry season (November–February) provides the most comfortable weather and clear roads; avoid Songkran (April) due to heavy local traffic and road conditions.
Standard visit lasts 5–6 hours total including round-trip transport. If short on time, prioritize the elephant feeding session and bathing experience—these are the most memorable and emotionally resonant parts
Hug Elephant Sanctuary is located approximately 90 minutes from Chiang Mai city center. The facility is family-owned and operates with a focus on ethical elephant tourism practices. Door-to-door transportation to and from visitor accommodation is included with the visit.
Looking for a unique and life-changing experience? Discover the amazing joy and satisfaction of spending time with our gentle giants in their natural home, and create unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. From learning about the history and behaviour of elephants to splashing with them for a mud bath, there’s so much to discover at Hug Elephant Sanctuary. Our commitment to providing a safe and sustainable environment for our elephants makes us the best choice for anyone who wants to connect with these magnificent creatures in a meaningful way.
Pricing includes all inclusions and is tiered: adults SGD 79, children 4–12 SGD 59, seniors 60+ SGD 69. Family packs (2 adults + 2 children) available at SGD 239—book online for best rates and guaranteed slots
The sanctuary features paved paths to the main pavilion and accessible restrooms, though forest trails and riverbank areas have uneven terrain—wheelchair users are advised to bring assistance and inform staff at booking for tailored arrangements
Stay within marked zones—elephants are gentle but large, and caretakers guide you safely at all times
Bring insect repellent and reapply after elephant bathing activities near the river
No eating or drinking near feeding areas to prevent accidental sharing with elephants or contamination
Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—as the sanctuary is located near a rural Buddhist community Remove shoes before entering the main pavilion and avoid pointing feet toward people or religious items Tipping is appreciated but not expected; many guests leave small gifts like school supplies for the caretakers’ children
Use the forest clearing near the riverbank at 10:30 AM for golden-hour lighting and natural elephant poses
Capture candid moments of caretaker-elephant communication—these intimate interactions tell powerful stories
All photos are welcome, but avoid lenses with red filters which may agitate elephants—natural light only, no drones
Restrooms, Changing Rooms, Gift Shop, Cafe, Wheelchair Access, Parking, Wi-Fi, First Aid Station, Covered Seating Areas, Elephant Feeding Stations

General Questions

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