Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Spending a day with rescued elephants is one of Chiang Mai's most memorable experiences, but choosing well matters enormously. Skip anywhere that offers riding or shows, and pick a genuine sanctuary where the animals roam, and you observe, feed and walk alongside them. It's a bigger-ticket activity, but an ethical, unforgettable one and money well spent. We'll explain what to look for in a responsible sanctuary so your visit supports the elephants rather than harms them.