Sunshine for Elephants - Single Day
Location: Chiang Mai province (Mae Taeng Area - North of the Chiang Mai city) – Northern Thailand
Nearest Airport: Chiang Mai (CNX)
Duration: Full Day (This trip includes a visit Elephant Nature Park)
Please see the Availability Calendar - Select your preferred date to Book Now !
About Sunshine for Elephants
Sunshine for Elephants is an ethical elephant project in a wonderful location, providing a safe and caring home in nature for rescued elephants. Almost a decade ago, this elephant camp stopped offering elephant riding and transitioned to our Saddle Off model to allow elephants to live a more natural life.
Upon arrival at Sunshine for Elephants, you will meet the elephants and feed them seasonal fruits. Then, enjoy a walk with the elephants along scenic jungle paths, including flat terrain and some uphill sections. Witness the elephant’s natural instincts as they forage on native vegetation, cover themselves in mud, and scratch against trees. Visitors also help preserve their forest habitat by tying blessed sashes around the trunks of trees.
Arriving at a wooden hut atop a hill overlooking beautiful scenery and a small stream, learn to make som tum (Thai green papaya salad) and enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet lunch. After lunch, guests prepare rice banana health balls for the elephants, one of their favorite treats, before walking downhill back to the project.
In the afternoon, watch the elephants swim and cool off in the river. Later, enjoy delicious seasonal fruits while overlooking the impressive vista of the rock garden and river before bidding farewell to the elephants and traveling to Elephant Nature Park to spend time observing the herds.
Safety Guidelines
We take the safety of our guests and the well-being of the elephants seriously. Our tour guides are highly trained and experienced in working with elephants and ensure all interactions are safe and respectful. Before the tour begins, guests receive a safety briefing that includes instructions on how to behave around the elephants. We limit the number of guests per tour to minimize stress on the elephants and never force them to perform unnatural or harmful behaviors.
About your trip
Starting from 8:00am - 8:30am. Pick up from your Chiang Mai city hotel, or you must be at our office no later than 8am. - (Please check map)
If you are staying out of town (outside Middle ring-road) additional charges apply. Please advise on your reservation form.
Returning: around 4:30 - 5:00pm to Chiang Mai city.
Sunshine for Elephants Trip Highlights
- Change into traditional Lanna clothing
- Wash and cut fruit and feed the elephants
- Walk through the jungle with the elephants
- Feed the elephants bananas along the way and observe them foraging
- Tie blessed sashes around trees in the forest to protect them
- Learn how to make som tum, traditional Thai green papaya salad
- Enjoy a vegetarian buffet lunch served in a bamboo hut in the forest
- Make banana health balls and feed them to the elephants
- Walk downhill back to the project with the elephants
- Watch the elephants bathe in a beautiful section of the river
- Enjoy a platter of fruit overlooking the rock garden
- Visit Elephant Nature Park to observe the herds
Other Information
- Baggage / Luggage allowance: One small day pack per person
- What to Bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Sandals/Flip Flops, Change of clothing as you may get muddy or wet, Shoes for walking, Camera, Bug Repellent, Refillable Water Bottle.
- Trip Operational Months: All Year Round
- Age Suitability: Adults and children over 4 years old
- Fitness Level: Moderate to Challenging - Participants should be capable of walking in jungle terrain with some steep and possibly muddy slopes. Children must be fit and able to walk for 2-3 hours to join this program.
What is Included:
- Transportation from Chiang Mai city to and from project
- Food for the elephants
- Freshly prepared vegetarian buffet lunch in the forest
- Coffee / Tea / Drinking Water
- Admission fee & insurance
- Qualified English speaking tour guide
- Afternoon visit to Elephant Nature Park
Trip costs: (per person)
Adult Rate: 3,500 Baht (12 years old)
Child Rate: 1,750 Baht (4 - 11 years old)
Bookings close: 2 pm (GMT+7), on the day before you are due to visit. A deposit is required to secure your place(s).
****Please note schedule may be flexible due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances****