Elephant Retirement Park
Elephant Retirement Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
The Elephant Retirement Park is located an hours drive outside of Chiang Mai city. The main focus of the park is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for elephants to live. Established at the beginning of 2013, visitors can enjoy a unique experience in caring for good nature and happy elephants where the quality of life is of the utmost importance. NO ABUSE, NO CHAIN, AND NO RIDING. You can get to know the elephants by feeding them, observe them, and learn about herbal care. The park providing all transport, bottled water, experienced guide, and great Thai Vegeterian food and the best elephant experience of a life time. You can look available date on the website for visit cute elephant.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
823 reviews
Excellent
689
Very good
82
Average
28
Poor
13
Terrible
11
Laura G
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Me, my husband and two sons (10 & 8) did the ½ day experience. We were collected from our accommodation in Chiang Mai at 7.30am, then travelled with the rest of our group (8 of us in total) for an hour to the park.
We had a drink and piece of toast on arrival then briefed about the elephants and what would happen. They gave us clear instructions on how to act with the elephants, so we stayed safe and so we didn’t frighten the elephants.
We started by feeding them sugar cane and getting used to stroking their trunks, then we fed them soy milk. We then walked with them into the park, all carrying a bag of bananas which we fed them. We then hung out with them, stroking them and watching them play.
Each elephant had their own mahout (handler) giving them instructions but also encouraging us on how and where to stroke them. My son even sat and hugged one elephants leg.
We had changed into swimsuits and the parks clothes before starting. We then helped scrub them with mud in their mud bath area, getting very muddy ourselves which was great fun. After that we all got in the water bath and washed all the mud off with bowls and scrubbing brushes.All of this is in muddy, squidgy, cold water, great fun.
After that we had a simple tasty vege and rice lunch. There was someone taking photos which we could have purchased. We then got driven back to Chiang Mai.
I’d recommend this park as the elephants seem really happy, there was no offer of riding them. The elephants have all been rescued. There was a Brazilian vet volunteering there for 3 months on our trip and she only have nice things to say about the park and the animal welfare.
We had a drink and piece of toast on arrival then briefed about the elephants and what would happen. They gave us clear instructions on how to act with the elephants, so we stayed safe and so we didn’t frighten the elephants.
We started by feeding them sugar cane and getting used to stroking their trunks, then we fed them soy milk. We then walked with them into the park, all carrying a bag of bananas which we fed them. We then hung out with them, stroking them and watching them play.
Each elephant had their own mahout (handler) giving them instructions but also encouraging us on how and where to stroke them. My son even sat and hugged one elephants leg.
We had changed into swimsuits and the parks clothes before starting. We then helped scrub them with mud in their mud bath area, getting very muddy ourselves which was great fun. After that we all got in the water bath and washed all the mud off with bowls and scrubbing brushes.All of this is in muddy, squidgy, cold water, great fun.
After that we had a simple tasty vege and rice lunch. There was someone taking photos which we could have purchased. We then got driven back to Chiang Mai.
I’d recommend this park as the elephants seem really happy, there was no offer of riding them. The elephants have all been rescued. There was a Brazilian vet volunteering there for 3 months on our trip and she only have nice things to say about the park and the animal welfare.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh C
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
This was quite possibly the best thing I have ever done! We were very cautious on choosing a place that was ethical, and we made the right choice. From the get go you can tell they are very careful with making sure these elephants don’t do anything they don’t want to do. They are so well cared for, they are not made to do any tricks, and they have all been saved from labour/work/shows/entertainment/neglect. Each elephant has their own carer and they all have such incredible bonds with them it’s insane. I’d recommend the full day tour. We got to hike through a jungle with the elephants, stopping often to feed them. We then had lunch which was included and then got to make them vitamin balls to feed to them, and then it was mud bath time and clean pool time! The elephants were made to go in the pools or stay in there if they didn’t want to. Our tour guide (I think his name was Yan, from Sweden) made sure we weren’t just there to be up close to them, but to walk away with a plethora of knowledge about them. A 10/10 experience.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pumpkin
22 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Although I don’t necessarily agree with elephant sancutuaries, I decided to visit whilst in Thailand for the experience & this was by far one of the most ethical ones. They rescue elephants from other sanctuaries that dont treat the animals very well. We were given a brief of how to treat the elephants with respect & a few rules on what not to do. The tour guide was lovely and very knowledgeable. There is a photographer also that takes brilliant pictures for 300 baht, which most people bought.
The elephants seemed very happy and weren’t forced to do anything they didn’t want to. We fed them, bathed them and went on a walk with them. Probably the best sanctuary out there.
The elephants seemed very happy and weren’t forced to do anything they didn’t want to. We fed them, bathed them and went on a walk with them. Probably the best sanctuary out there.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nigelw101
London, UK59 contributions
Jan 2023
I did a half day morning. Like other reviewers, I was careful to choose a tour with all the right eco and welfare credentials. It was a great choice. I was able to interact with the elephants in a way I was comfortable with and learnt so much about them from our Swedish expert, Jan (or Yan?). The other people in the group were all great, too, and we were able to ask questions and get good answers.
After picking up our bags with food for the elephants, we went for a walk in the woods with them. Then some of us entered the mud pool and the washing/scrubbing it off pool with the elephants before showering (just us - not the elephants). A buffet lunch was ready for us afterwards which was really tasty.
The minibus was very comfortable. We were a group with 2 minibuses - so about 16 of us. It felt like a whole day - all very enjoyable.
After picking up our bags with food for the elephants, we went for a walk in the woods with them. Then some of us entered the mud pool and the washing/scrubbing it off pool with the elephants before showering (just us - not the elephants). A buffet lunch was ready for us afterwards which was really tasty.
The minibus was very comfortable. We were a group with 2 minibuses - so about 16 of us. It felt like a whole day - all very enjoyable.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aimee
4 contributions
Nov 2019
I went back in November and the only reason it took me this long to write a review was because I really couldn’t put into words how incredible my experience was.
Our guide was such an accomodating, friendly and knowledgeable man. The entire experience was fantastic from start to finish.. so much so we booked in last minute for another visit the next day!!
The food was THE BEST food we had during our entire two week stay in Chiang Mai. Beautiful, fresh, wholesome home made Thai food.
Being so close with the elephants and being able to really see their personalities shine and their happiness and freedom show was so heart warming and inspiring. I became particularly close with a 3 year old elephant named tong, who I think about nearly every day since leaving.
This place, the people and the elephants have warmed my heart and I couldn’t be more thankful to the amazing staff for taking such amazing care of these lovely creatures and allowing me and my family to have the most memorable experience of my life. I will definitely be back to visit as soon as I can. I really Couldn’t recommend this place more :)
Our guide was such an accomodating, friendly and knowledgeable man. The entire experience was fantastic from start to finish.. so much so we booked in last minute for another visit the next day!!
The food was THE BEST food we had during our entire two week stay in Chiang Mai. Beautiful, fresh, wholesome home made Thai food.
Being so close with the elephants and being able to really see their personalities shine and their happiness and freedom show was so heart warming and inspiring. I became particularly close with a 3 year old elephant named tong, who I think about nearly every day since leaving.
This place, the people and the elephants have warmed my heart and I couldn’t be more thankful to the amazing staff for taking such amazing care of these lovely creatures and allowing me and my family to have the most memorable experience of my life. I will definitely be back to visit as soon as I can. I really Couldn’t recommend this place more :)
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you to visit our park. We are welcome you to be our guest again. Hope to see you again one day soon!
Written January 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikolas
Frankfurt, Germany24 contributions
Dec 2021
Nice experience with what seems to me well kept and treated elephants.
We were there for half a day, could feed the elephants, took a walk with them and then bathed with two of them - because of the weather it was not sure if the elephants wanted to bath in the morning, but luckily they joined a bit in the end.
Elephants seemed to be treated well here and you could still enjoy hanging out with them ;)
We were there for half a day, could feed the elephants, took a walk with them and then bathed with two of them - because of the weather it was not sure if the elephants wanted to bath in the morning, but luckily they joined a bit in the end.
Elephants seemed to be treated well here and you could still enjoy hanging out with them ;)
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simvim
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Had a great experience at this elephant retirement park. Yan was a great host and provided a lot of information about the elephants aswell as what to do around them, what to look out for and how to feed them properly. He was also open to any questions about the elephants.
The workers were also nice and offered to take photos of us with the elephants.
We fed them and gave them a mud bath before washing it off.
It was a lovely experience and I fully recommend it !
The workers were also nice and offered to take photos of us with the elephants.
We fed them and gave them a mud bath before washing it off.
It was a lovely experience and I fully recommend it !
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Delord
Rochefort, France3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Very wonderful experience, Yann was a nice guide and he explain us everything about elephant.
If you’re looking for a place where elephants are healthy and happy, that is the place.
Everything you’ll see there is about care of elephants, if you love animals, you should go there, very quiet place and our guide was a lovely guy who love the elephants, what’s better to make a beautiful day?
Thanks Yann, and thanks to the rescue park to be there.
I wish you the best, ‘cause you deserve it.
If you’re looking for a place where elephants are healthy and happy, that is the place.
Everything you’ll see there is about care of elephants, if you love animals, you should go there, very quiet place and our guide was a lovely guy who love the elephants, what’s better to make a beautiful day?
Thanks Yann, and thanks to the rescue park to be there.
I wish you the best, ‘cause you deserve it.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mickstruereviews
London, UK20 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
A good half day or the the elephant retirement park. The elephants seem to be well treated. Day started with hotel pickup from Chiang Mai, lunch and then you get to feed, jump in the mud and then wash the Elephants later. Take you swim costume as you will get muddy!. Showers and towels and shirt provided for use. We both enjoyed the day with lots of great photos and we'll worth the visit 👍
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy
Sunnyvale, CA2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Our experience at the Elephant Retirement Park was really special. We got to spend half a day feeding and learning about elephants. Our elephant for the day was Chao Ying (Princess) and she was amazing and beautiful. Our guide was Jan and he was very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. He had a lot of knowledge to offer and has a pretty interesting story himself. Alternative clothes are provided as giving the elephant a mud bath can get very messy (but is also extremely fun). There are also showers for washing off at the end of the day. A hearty lunch is also provided. A word of warning but be ready to get dirty and bring shoes you aren’t worried about getting wet. Once you get around that though it’s truly a special experience. We got the sense during our time that the elephants were in great care. This place really cares for its animals and guests. Easily a highlight and possibly the apex of our Thailand experience.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria G
Milan, Italy169 contributions
ciao! posso chiederti un info? ho letto il tuo commento per quanto riguarda la tua esperienza all'elephant retirement park...i biglietti li hai acquistati in loco, sul loro sito oppure qui su trip advisor? ti ringrazio buona serata
Ferdinando B
16 contributions
Ciao, scusa se rispondo ora, li ho acquistati online perché si riceve un po’ di sconto, ti straconsiglio il posto
Hellennns
2 contributions
Come fanno a sapere in quale hotel alloggerò a Chiang Mai per venirmi a prendere?
Elephant Retirement Park Chiang mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand2 contributions
Sorry for late reply
conepele
Santiago, Chile46 contributions
Hola a todos, quisiera saber si vale la pena hacer solo medio día y cual sería el mejor horario, o definitivamente el día completo, gracias
Felix H
8 contributions
Was ist genau der Unterschied zwischen einer Halb- und Ganztags Tour? Lohnt sich die Ganztägige im Vergleich zur Halbtägigen?
Vanessa N
73 contributions
Hi
In the one day trip, you gent to feed the elephants, playing, sand, mudd and bath time. Lunch is provided. You have more time to enjoy.
In the half day trip you have less time, you just feed and have bath.
I did the one day trip, it was so fun!
Enjoy!
Marissa G
Rockford, IL
What is the main difference between the half day and the full day tour? Will we miss out on anything if we do the half day tour?
Marjan
Veenendaal, The Netherlands53 contributions
Hi Marissa,
The main difference is that it is shorter. So if you don't have a lot of time, you can choose the half day. We know from our customers that the more time you are with the beautiful creatures the more you will love them and feel comfortable with them. It's just what you want. If you are there for a half day, you can see and feed them, wash and bath them to. If you stay longer you have more time to cuddle the baby elephant and get to know these animals better. We always recommend the two day experience because it's so great to wake up in the jungle and see the elephants when you wake up. You have some private time with them and just enjoy being in nature with them. We hope we've answerd your question with this. Feel free to contact us always if you want more information. We hope to see you soon.
With kind regards,
Marjan
Representative of ERP
nous2voyage
Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion Island265 contributions
bonjour
comment peut on reserver directement ? quelle est votre adresse ?et votre n°de telephone ?
merci d avance de votre reponse
Philippe
Epernay, France587 contributions
bonjour,
oui biensur vous pouvez réserver directement auprès d'eux, ils viendrons vous chercher à votre hotel et vous y ramènerons le soir
bonne visite
phil
Akilgraize
Beziers, France2 contributions
Hello, is it's possible to have a bus or any transport to the retirement park, directly at our hotel, we come to chang rai at the 11 december 2016.
Thanks for ur answer
Marjan
Veenendaal, The Netherlands53 contributions
If you are in Chiang Mai, we will pick you up at your hotel/hostel and bring you back at the end of the day. Please send us an email for reservation or questions. We hope to see you soon at our camp! Thank you for your interest in our camp.
Omega J
China
hi, we are visiting CHiang Mai in two days. i am wondering how to book a tour and how much it cost for a one day tour. if it is ok please send me a quick answer. Thank you
Marjan
Veenendaal, The Netherlands53 contributions
We advice you to always book directly, you can do that by phone or email, or our website. If you book with a tourist information center, half of the money you pay goes to the tourist information center and not to the elephants. If you want to support our camp and the wellbeing of the elephants, please always book directly. Thank you so much.
Elephant Retirement Park (Chiang Mai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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