Experiences, attractions and activities · Based in Chiang Mai
Elephant Freedom Project
Elephant Freedom Project is an elephant sanctuary in the hills of Mae Wang district, about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. Formally established in 2016 and run by the Tanaseth family, it cares for a small herd of elephants that formerly worked in transport, logging, trekking and riding, alongside calves born at the sanctuary.
The project describes itself as a hybrid hands-off sanctuary: there is no riding, no shows and no forced interaction, and visitors walk alongside the elephants at their pace. Programmes include a full day, a morning half day, an afternoon half day and a one-hour feeding experience, combining food and vitamin preparation, hand-feeding, jungle and river hikes, bathing in the river and a visit to a waterfall.
Each elephant is accompanied by its mahout, and the team is drawn from local hill-tribe communities. Groups are kept small, with a stated aim of three to four guests per elephant, and lunch is a Thai vegetarian meal prepared by a neighbouring family home.
Services
- Full-day elephant programme (about 8 hours, hotel transfer included)
- Half-day morning programme with jungle hike
- Half-day afternoon programme with river hike and waterfall
- One-hour elephant feeding experience
- Preparing elephant food and vitamin supplements
- Walking alongside the elephants in forest and river
- River bathing with the elephants (full day and afternoon)
- Thai vegetarian lunch (vegan on request)
- Karen outfits lent for the day and free tour photos
- Adopt-an-elephant sponsorship
- 3-in-1 combo tour: bamboo rafting, zipline and an afternoon elephant tour (about 9 hours)
- Free transfer from Chiang Mai city for full-day and combo tours
- Transfer for half-day tours and the feeding experience available for an extra fee
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