Chiang Mai Khanta Elephant Sanctuary (English Guide)

Introduction to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai was established in 2015, about 45 minutes away from Chiang Mai. It is a retirement home for elephants that previously worked hard in tourism entertainment or the logging industry. Within the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, elephants live freely in a natural environment, naturally socialising and bathing in a huge freshwater lagoon. There are no training hooks, no ankle chains, and no elephant riding programmes. We have been striving to provide as many elephants as possible with the health, freedom and happiness they deserve. We approach elephant ecotourism in a gradual and responsible manner, raising awareness and educating people in Thailand and around the world about elephant care, the plight of Asian elephants, and our conservation philosophy 'Elephant Conservation in Action'. We hope to lead by example and contribute to a positive change in the perception of elephants; to witness a future where elephants are not ridden, poached, overworked or abused, but are treated with care, love and respect.

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in a natural environment, learn about the history and life of elephants, and create precious memories, capturing wonderful moments spent with these amazing animals.

KTA01 : Morning Half‑Day Tour (Itinerary Reference)

06:30‑07:30 Pick up, 12:00‑12:30 Return to hotel

06:30‑07:30 Pick up from hotel lobby (time may vary slightly due to different hotel locations)

07:30 Depart for Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, passing through the rolling hills, forests, and local agricultural areas of Chiang Mai; the drive takes about 50 minutes

08:30 Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change into traditional costumes provided by the elephant camp, and prepare a fruit meal for the elephants

09:00 Find and feed the elephants, interact and play with them, and learn about their habits and behaviour

10:00 Take the elephants to the river for a bath, and enjoy quality time bonding with the elephants

11:00 Enjoy afternoon tea, coffee, take a short rest, and then say goodbye to the elephants

Depart from Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, drive about 50 minutes, and return to Chiang Mai to drop everyone off at their respective hotels

KTA02 : Afternoon Half‑Day Tour (Itinerary Reference)

13:00‑13:30 Pick up, 18:00‑18:30 Return to hotel

13:00‑13:30 Pick up from hotel lobby (time may vary slightly due to different hotel locations)

13:30 Depart for Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, passing through the rolling hills, forests, and local agricultural areas of Chiang Mai; the drive takes about 50 minutes

14:30 Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change into traditional costumes provided by the elephant camp, and prepare a fruit meal for the elephants

15:00 Find and feed the elephants, interact and play with them, and learn about their habits and behaviour

16:00 Take the elephants to the river for a bath, and enjoy quality time bonding with the elephants

17:00 Enjoy afternoon tea, coffee, take a short rest, and then say goodbye to the elephants

Depart from Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, drive about 50 minutes, and return to Chiang Mai to drop everyone off at their respective hotels

KTA03 : Full‑Day Tour (Itinerary Reference)

08:30‑09:00 Pick up, 16:00‑16:30 Return to hotel

08.30 Start picking up from hotel lobby (time may vary slightly due to different hotel locations)

09.00 Depart for Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, passing through the rolling hills, forests, and local agricultural areas of Chiang Mai; the drive takes about 50 minutes

10:00 Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change into traditional costumes provided by the elephant camp

10:30 Prepare a fruit meal for the elephants, feed them, and play with them in the sanctuary

12:00 Enjoy a delicious lunch

13:00 Prepare a sticky rice and herbal mix for the elephants, and learn about their habits and behaviour

14:00 Feed the elephants sticky rice balls and fruit, take them to the river for a bath, and enjoy quality time bonding with them. (This activity allows the elephants plenty of freedom to move, bathe, and play in the mud, giving you ample time to capture cute and beautiful photos of the elephants)

15:00 Enjoy afternoon tea, coffee, take a short rest

Depart from Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, drive about 50 minutes, and return to Chiang Mai to drop everyone off at their respective hotels

The above itinerary times are for reference only; the actual schedule will be based on the arrangements of the elephant camp on the day.

Important Information

Bathing the elephants may get your clothes wet, so it is advisable to bring a swimsuit, a change of clean clothes, a small towel, slippers, a hat, etc.

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the activities, and prepare items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a windbreaker, a camera, etc.

Please take care of your belongings and try not to carry valuables. The organiser shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred during the tour.

As this is a shared tour with group transfers, the scheduled pick‑up time is an estimate. Delays may occur due to traffic conditions and the punctuality of individual guests; your understanding is appreciated! If the driver has not picked you up at the scheduled time on the day of the tour, please be sure to contact our customer service by phone to reconfirm the time. Please do not let this affect your mood for the tour!

As the insurance included in this tour is 'Travel Accident Insurance', if you are accidentally injured during the tour, whether minor or serious, please be sure to inform the guide on‑site or contact our customer service for assistance at the time of the incident. This is to notify the insurance company to verify the situation or arrange for you to be sent to hospital for treatment. If you leave the scene, or contact us only after the tour has ended and you have returned to the hotel, or even go to a hospital, clinic or pharmacy for self‑funded treatment before contacting us, the insurance company may refuse compensation due to difficulty in confirming the situation at the time or because the incident occurred outside the tour insurance coverage period. This would cause you to lose the protection you are entitled to, and our shop will not be able to bear any responsibility.