Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour worth booking?
Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from $45 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Get ready for an unforgettable day as you meet gentle elephants and climb the amazing Sticky Waterfall on a full-day tour from Chiang Mai. Begin at an elephant sanctuary where five elephants, including a playful baby, en
What you get
About this experience
Get ready for an unforgettable day as you meet gentle elephants and climb the amazing Sticky Waterfall on a full-day tour from Chiang Mai. Begin at an elephant sanctuary where five elephants, including a playful baby, enjoy a life of freedom. Feed them bananas and bamboo, walk beside them in the jungle, and join in the fun of a mud bath and river splash. With no riding, no chains, and no performances, this sanctuary offers a rare, hands-on connection in a cruelty-free setting. The journey continues at the famous Sticky Waterfall, a limestone cascade where you can climb directly up the flowing water without slipping. Surrounded by lush jungle, it is a refreshing and unforgettable highlight, making this tour the perfect combination of culture, adventure, and nature in one day.
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Elephant's food and snack
Not included
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
At the elephant sanctuary, your day begins with a warm welcome from the guides who share fascinating stories about the elephants’ lives. Change into traditional clothing and step closer to these gentle giants in a way that makes them feel at ease. Hand-feed them bananas and bamboo from your own basket and see their personalities shine. Stroll together through the jungle, enjoy the playful fun of a mud spa, and splash with them in the river for an unforgettable bath. Take part in preparing herbal vitamin balls that help keep the elephants healthy, and savor a simple yet delicious Thai meal surrounded by nature. This is a rare chance to bond with elephants in a truly meaningful and joyful way.
180 minutes here · Admission included
After your time with the elephants, continue to the famous Sticky Waterfall, one of Chiang Mai’s most unique natural wonders. Unlike ordinary waterfalls, the mineral-rich limestone here creates a natural grip, allowing you to climb directly up the cascading water without slipping. Surrounded by lush jungle, the experience feels adventurous yet refreshing, as you cool off in the clear flowing streams. Whether you choose to climb, explore the forest trails, or simply relax in the tranquil setting, the Sticky Waterfall offers the perfect balance of fun and relaxation, making it a highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. **This visit is optional. Please select the corresponding option if you wish to include it in your tour.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chiang Mai
Please meet us at the McDonald's in front of Tha Phae Gate, and kindly arrive 10 minutes early. We’ll reach out to you via email or Whatsapp the day before to make sure all goes smoothly.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please meet us at the McDonald's in front of Tha Phae Gate, and kindly arrive 10 minutes early. We’ll reach out to you via email or Whatsapp the day before to make sure all goes smoothly.
Options you can book
Elephants & Sticky Waterfall
Sticky Waterfall: Includes a visit to Sticky Waterfall, where you can climb the limestone cascades and enjoy a refreshing jungle adventure. Duration: 6 hours: We may begin with the elephants/waterfall based on conditions. We’ll plan the best flow for you. Pickup included
Elephant Sanctuary Only
Duration: 3 hours: Enjoy 3 hrs at Elephant Sanctuary near Chiang Mai. Feed, walk, and bathe with elephants in an unforgettable experience. Pickup included
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ThaiDay Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Will not do this again
I would not recommend this tour nor would I redo it. First things first, it is not clearly described in the description but a driver picks you up. No tour guide until the elephant place where a guide is with you but then again you leave with the driver who doesn't really talk or explain what is next or how long to the next place etc. I do not think the cost was worth it. The elephant sanctuary- although the elephants are not in chains, I would not say it is ethical. They stage it all and the caretakers force them to stand and eat while you take your pics, sit and eat for more pics, make them go into the water so you can have your fun with them. Some guides had their guests sit on the elephants leg for pics which I thought was horrible. An ethical sanctuary for me is when the elephants wander and do what they want and you get to observe and interact on their terms. If they want to eat, we feed etc. I did not like how Controlled and forced it felt. Good side is there are just 4 elephants sharing the large space. Lunch was nothing great. I wish there was an option to opt out. It was a very plain basic pad thai and they offered chilli on the side but there was a dead cricket in the chilli bottle so hygiene was just lacking. Washroom was clean in that space but bring wipes and hand sani as soap was empty. The falls was cool. The driver just told us what time to be back and left us to our own time. You don't need a guide for the falls so if you manage your own transportation to and from, that would work well! I would do better research on which sanctuaries to check out. I chose this because the original reviews were good but I would not suggest this. There was others that do it right. Lack of chains only doesn't mean ethical. Its to do with control and forcing interaction with people. It was a timetable like now its time to feed them. Now it's time to take pic. Now its time to make this item for them. Now its time to get into the water and splash. Some guides were forcing the little elephant to spray the people while another kept yelling at the older one to squat in the river so people could splash them with the buckets of water. Avoid booking this.
via Viator
Elephant tour and sticky falls
This tour was not for us No English guide hence absolutely no interpretation Beat up old Toyota with bad suspension not air con in the back Driver and guide left their visors down the whole trip limiting passenger view Driver nibbled on berries and left pips in view 3 .5 hours of driving with no interpretation Elephant farm was great with excellent interaction and interpretation Sticky fall were interesting but without interpretation and due to long drive not really worth the effort
via Viator
Amazing Day in Chiang Mai!
Probably our favorite day from our trip to Thailand! The pickup was prompt. Our driver was kind. And the overall experience was amazing! The people at Lanna Elephant Care showed us such friendliness and allowed us to have a wonderfully close time with the elephants. We learned the names of the elephants as well as their personalities. We got to feed them, walk with them, and bathe them. After that, a nice serving of pad Thai. Awesome time! After that we went to the sticky waterfall. Wow!! So much more than we expected from pictures. It has to be one of the coolest natural creations I’ve ever experienced. Overall, an incredible experience! Definitely worth your time!
via Viator
Fabulous visit to elephant sanctuary!
Fabulous morning feeding, petting, snuggling and bathing the elephants! Guide was great with photo ops. Top and pants were offered so our clothes did not get wet. Bathrooms perfect for changing. Pad Thai lunch was included and served with watermelon and water. Spent an hour and half at Sticky Waterfalls. Nice experience climbing the falls but very crowded. We were in a van with 4 other groups, a total of 13 people. There was no guide, only a rude driver, who spoke little English. He claimed not to understand when requested to drop us off at our hotel, which everyone else was doing. He had difficulty following the GPS. At the falls, he parked a distance away from the entrance, with no indication of where to go. All in all, a good day, but this driver should not be with foreign guests.
via Viator
A Chiang Mai Must Do!
The was absolutely one of the most fun animal encounters I've ever had. Everything was so nice. The elephants looked happy and well cared for. Shawn our guide explained about the elephant's care and needs. He was so informative when asked questions about each elephant and their routines and needs. The lunch served was so tasty, we could even get seconds!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chiang Mai.
How much does Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $45 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 Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour take?
+
Plan for about 8 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 Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 8 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 Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour?
+
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 Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour?
+
Around 3 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour 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 Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall Day Tour.
Pick your date
