Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

Outty Ranking 78 5.0 · 37 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $62

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$62
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting worth booking?

Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting is a 9-hour experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from $62 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
5/5 (37)
Duration
9 hours
From
$62 per person

We pride ourselves on being a highly ethical elephant sanctuary. Our elephants have been rescued from unethical parks and attractions where they have been chained, caged and ridden. Here we provide our elephants with the

What you get

    About this experience

    We pride ourselves on being a highly ethical elephant sanctuary. Our elephants have been rescued from unethical parks and attractions where they have been chained, caged and ridden. Here we provide our elephants with the love and care they need, maintaining and sustaining peaceful, respectful interactions between humans and animals. We allow our elephants to roam freely in our park and we stand firmly against the use of cages, chains and elephant riding. Our establishment is owned and managed by the Karen Hill Tribe and our Karen guides and Mahouts (Elephant keepers) provide insightful understandings into the park, the elephants and local history.

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission fees
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Bottled water
    • Tea and coffee
    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. You will be collected from your accommodation between 7:30-8:00am by your designated tour guide. You will be driven for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the Doi Inthanon Elephant Park. On the way, you will stop off at a local fresh food market where you can buy local fruits and grab breakfast. At the Elephant Sanctuary you will be greeted by members of the Karen Hill tribe and be given traditional clothing to wear. Each person will be provided with a bag of fruit and vegetables to feed the elephants. During the experience you can feed and admire our majestic elephants before participating in a jungle walk and bathing in the water with them.

      180 minutes here

    2. Mae Saphok Waterfall

      Your adventures will continue in the afternoon as you travel to the beautiful Mae Saphok Waterfall where you will enjoy lunch of traditional Thai food by the water. After lunch, you will embark on an adventure down river on the bamboo rafts to soak up the Thai countryside and culture.

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Doi Inthanon Elephant Sanctuary

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 2Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 3Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 4Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 5Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 6Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    32 verified traveler reviews for Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    32
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Grisel_P · August 2026

    Enjoyable time with elephants.

    Great tour guide. Great time with elephants. Food was good. Waterfall was pretty. Bamboo rafting was fun. This tour is a little more rugged than other elephant tours (more walking and going up hill and within trees).

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much 🙏🐘🐘

    via Viator

    pilarlA9059RB · August 2026

    Amazing experience

    We had such an amazing experience on our day trip with Cooper! 🐘🌿 From the elephant sanctuary in the middle of the jungle to staying in a beautiful local house with incredible views, everything felt so special and authentic. We felt very well looked after and guided throughout the whole experience. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and incredibly natural. We also loved the bamboo rafting — such a fun and peaceful way to finish the adventure! It was the perfect combination of nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. We’re so happy we chose this experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something authentic and unforgettable! ❤️

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much again 🙏🐘🐘

    via Tripadvisor

    Tour19045290796 · July 2026

    Great Day Trip!

    We had a great day visiting the elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Tony and his friend were incredibly helpful, friendly, and very knowledgeable, making the whole experience enjoyable and informative. We also stopped at a local restaurant where the food was absolutely delicious. Overall, it was a wonderful day from start to finish, and we would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Chiang Mai.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much again 🙏🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    SBlackman · May 2026

    Magical day with elephants and nature

    We had a glorious day with the elephants, especially a mother with her four month old son… such a humbling and beautiful experience… finishing the afternoon with lunch by a waterfall and bamboo rafting was brilliant… highly recommended

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing and support our elephant hope you enjoy with your holiday 🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    975sherridanb · May 2026

    What a fantastic day…

    The time we spent with the elephants was glorious… having a four month old baby boy elephant with his mother and another female was a beautiful and humbling experience. Lunch at the waterfall followed by bamboo rafting was a lovely way to spend an afternoon… highly recommended

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much again 🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $62 to $2000
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    13
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)72
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chiang Mai.

    How much does Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting cost?

    +

    Prices start at $62 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chiang Mai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chiang Mai is not rushed.

    Is Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chiang Mai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting?

    +

    Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chiang Mai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chiang Mai and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chiang Mai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chiang Mai?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Chiang Mai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai, Full Day Thai Cooking at Farm (Chiang Mai), Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Chiang Mai 1 Day: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting.

    Pick your date