The What’s Up Guide to the Best Elephant Experience in Chiang Mai

Even though there are still wild elephants roaming in some rural areas of Thailand, quite a large percentage of the pachyderm population are enjoying new leases of life in dedicated elephant camps dotted around the nation. Visitors will find there are more than 15 elephant camps within easy driving distance of central Chiang Mai. 

Some camps such as Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary are 100 per cent focussed on giving elephants the best possible care and do not offer the elephant riding. Others, including the legendary Thai Elephant Conservation Centre near Lampang, provide fully immersive experiences with elephant rides, elephant shows, mahout training courses and even the chance of visiting an elephant hospital. Our recommendations on the best elephant camps in Chiang Mai follow.