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Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai, River Rafting, Zipline & Waterfall

5.0(73 reviews)Chiang Mai, ThailandOperated by Elephant Freedom Project
  • Duration9 hours
  • GroupShared · max 25
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesThai, English
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai focused on observation and education, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure including bamboo river rafting, zipline, and a visit to the beautiful Mae Sapok Waterfall.

Begin your journey with hotel pickup in Chiang Mai before heading into the mountains to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants live in a natural jungle environment.

Learn about the traditional elephant care and the role of mahouts (care-keeper) while observing rescued elephants roaming freely in their natural environment.

Continue the adventure with a scenic bamboo river rafting experience through lush forest landscapes, offering a peaceful and authentic way to explore the countryside of Mae Wang.

After your river journey, enjoy a short hike to the stunning Mae Sapok Waterfall.

Guests will enjoy a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, offering a taste of traditional Thai cuisine in a sanctuary setting.

What to expect

9 hours5 stopsShared tourMax 25 travellers

  1. Mae Wang

    Thailand

    Pass by

    Travel through the beautiful Mae Wang district south of Chiang Mai, known for its lush mountain scenery, Karen hill tribe communities, and traditional elephant culture. This rural valley provides the natural environment where the elephants live and roam.

  2. 3 hoursAdmission included

    Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai located in the Mae Wang mountains. Guests will observe rescued elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat while learning about traditional mahout culture. You will watch the elephants forage, socialize, and enjoy a refreshing river bathing experience alongside their mahouts.

  3. 1 hour

    Enjoy a scenic jungle walk to Mae Sapok Waterfall located in the Mae Wang valley. Guests can relax beside the waterfall, explore the surrounding forest, and swim in the natural pools before returning to the sanctuary.

  4. 1 hourAdmission included

    Experience an exciting zipline adventure set in the lush jungle of the Mae Wang valley. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, guests will glide through the forest canopy on a series of ziplines and platforms while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and tropical landscape. Professional guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience suitable for beginners and adventure seekers alike.

  5. 1 hourAdmission included

    Enjoy a peaceful bamboo rafting experience along the Mae Wang River, surrounded by lush jungle scenery and mountain views. Guests float downstream on a traditional bamboo raft guided by an experienced local boatman. This relaxing journey offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand and observe local village life along the riverbanks.

Pickup & meeting point

You can choose either hotel/location pickup or to meet the guide at the start point.

Pickup starts about 30 minutes before the departure time.

You can request a pickup location of your own.

Start

Please meet our guide at the Three Kings Monument in the center of Chiang Mai Old City. Our team will be waiting near the statue holding an Elephant Freedom Project sign. If you have difficulty please contact us via WhatsApp at +66 95 785 5191.

End / drop-off

Please meet our guide at the Three Kings Monument in the center of Chiang Mai Old City. Our team will be waiting near the statue holding an Elephant Freedom Project sign. If you have difficulty please contact us via WhatsApp at +66 95 785 5191.

Pickup locations506

The operator lists 506 pickup points. 40 are shown here; choose yours from the full list when you book.

Hotels & residences40

  • Ritalanna Riverside Spa ResortChangklan Road 33, Mueang Kaeo, 50100, Thailand
  • Akira Thaphae Hotel7 Soi 4, Thaphae Rd, Chang-Klan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Collection O Khu Mueang Near Tha Phae Gate111/4 Kotchasarn Road, Chang Klan Sub district, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Chang Khlan, 50100, Thailand
  • Baanswn`Inthaawn Baansuan In Town Hotel19 Soi 2, Boonruengrit Rd., Suthep Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Baan Chinnakarn109 Thanon Sithiwongse, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand
  • PE-LA Thapae Boutique Hotel61 Moon Muang Rd., PraSingh, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Dancenter Bupamontra Chiangmai17Sripingmuang Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Glory Wabi Sabi Hotel11 Sanamkila Road, Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Amora Thapae Hotel Chiang Mai22 Chaiyapooum Road, Chang Moi Sub-district, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand
  • Sleep Mai? Lifestyle Hotel Thapae2 Kotchasarn, Lane 2 Alley, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Muang Thong5 Ratchamankha Rd, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • North Star Guest HouseT_hnn Mul Meuxng 2, 38, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Mini Boutique House2/1 Samlan Rd. Soi1, Prasing Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • L Nimman Chiang Mai Boutique Hotel19 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Lane 17, Su Thep, 50200, Thailand
  • Shangri-La Chiang Mai89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Here Chiang Mai88/12 Prapokkloa Road Tambon Phra Sing, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Sunday Villa Sirilanna Hotel89/3 Ratchapakinai Road, Phrasing Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • The Grand Napat70/1 MuenDamPraKot Road, T.ChangPhuk, A.Muang, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand
  • President226 Wichayanont Rd., Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • The Royal Guest House5 Kotchasarn Soi 4, Tambon Changklan, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort1/1 Soi 9 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Udai Poshtel & Cafe2 Ratvithi Road 23/1 Sripoom, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Zhong Jian Shangwu Jiudian388/1 Thnn Ce Riy Ratr Tabl Fa Ha M, Wat Ket, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand
  • Chada Mantra Hotel18 Moon Muang Road Soi 6, Sri Poom Rd, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping By IHG153 Sridonchai Road Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Villa Klang Wiang19/8 Soi 6, Ratchamaka Road,, Phrasing, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Rimping Village13/1 Soi 2, Chiangmai-Lamphun Rd, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
  • Le Pure Hotel Chiangmai81/1 Arak Road Lane 1, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • The Empire Nimman22/3 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep Meaung Chiangmai, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Roseate Hotel24/1, 88 Sriphum Road, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Pornping Tower Hotel46-48 Charoen Prathet Rd., Chang Klan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • iSilver Hotel16/1 Soi 3 Wualai Road. Tambon Haiya, Amphoe Muang, Tambon Hai Ya, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai132 Loykroh Road, Night Bazaar Shopping Centre, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Hyde Park Chiangmai59 Soi Chiang Kham, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • We Briza Hotel Chiang Mai3/3 Wangsingkam Rd, Changmoi, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand
  • Rachamankha6 Rachamanhka 9, Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Fang Chiang Mai Hotel48 Soi Kampangdin 1, Kampangdin Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • Eurana Boutique Hotel7/1 Moonmuang Rd., Soi 7, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • Sumittaya Chiangmai Hotel198, Ratchapakhinai Road, Si Phum, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
  • ZEN Rooms Chiang Mai Thai House5/1 Thapae Road Soi 5, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
  • You may choose to meet the guide at the departure point.
  • You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.

Pickup instructions

Complimentary round-trip transportation from Chiang Mai City is included. Pickup time is typically between 08:15–08:45 AM, depending on your hotel location. Exact pickup time will be confirmed on the morning of the tour by 7:45 AM. Please wait in the hotel lobby or at the main entrance 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. If you are staying at an Airbnb or private residence, please provide the full address and a WhatsApp contact number so our team can coordinate your pickup easily. If your accommodation is located outside the Chiang Mai City pickup zone, we will contact you to arrange the closest meeting point.

Redemption

Ticket Redemption Instructions Please present your Viator booking confirmation (mobile or printed) to your driver at pickup. Hotel pickup is included for hotels within Chiang Mai city. Pickup time is typically between 08:15–08:45 AM depending on your location. Our team will contact you on the morning of the tour by 7:45AM via WhatsApp or your email to confirm the exact pickup time. If you have any questions please contact us using the phone number provided in your booking confirmation.

What's included

Included

  • Traditional Thai vegetarian buffet lunch served at the elephant sanctuary. All meals are gluten free.
  • Bamboo rafting experience Mae Wang River. Relaxing rafting along the River surrounded by jungle.
  • Bottled water
  • Admission to an ethical elephant sanctuary in the scenic Mae Wang valley.
  • Zipline adventure Mae Wang. Jungle zipline adventure with safety equipment and trained instructors.
  • Elephant vitamin ball preparation activity for the elephants using natural ingredients.
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Round-trip transportation from hotels within Chiang Mai city limits in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Professional English & Thai speaking guide, providing insight into elephants & local culture.

Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 15 travellers per booking
  • At least one adult must be included in the booking
  • Age bands: Infant (0–3), Child (4–9), Adult (10–99)

Languages

Guide
Thai, English
Written
Thai, English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it's cancelled because the minimum isn't met, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 2 hours before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Asia/Bangkok
Product code
374957P6

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Your preferred pickup point
  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

5.0/ 573 reviews
  • 573

Ratings aggregated from Tripadvisor (73).

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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