Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang mai

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai was among the first of the new breed of elephant attractions in Thailand which prioritise the welfare of the animals. Often acting as retirement and care homes for elephants previously employed in the logging or tourism industries, they provide as natural an environment for them as possible. While you can still interact with the elephants (bathing them being an especially popular activity), riding on them is strictly out of the question.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai was among the pioneers of the new ethical elephant attractions which have swept Thailand. Effectively a retirement home for the gentle giants who have worked in the often-unpleasant logging and tourism industries, the sanctuary allows careful interaction between visitors and residents. There are no gimmicks, no circus tricks, and absolutely no riding, as it can harm the surprisingly weak backs of these mighty creatures. The sanctuary is a paragon of responsible tourism, being operated in partnership with the nearby Karen hill-tribes and locals from Chiang Mai. At the time of writing, the sanctuary is home to over 30 elephants, with several spacious locations around 60 km from Chiang Mai for them to range in peace and comfort.