Chiang Mai -Karen Tribe Native Elephant ( Office )

Definitely a wonderful experience. Karen tribe takes care of 7 elephants at the sanctuary. Each has its own caretaker who looks after them 24/7.

Appox. 1hr 45min drive away from the city is where the place is located. They provide a very detailed and informative guide. During the time, we get to help feed the elephants, make their daily supplements, help them take their bath with natural herbs…etcs.

My family and I all had a good time and they are willing to recommend this tour to their friends coming to Chiang Mai. Most importantly, here, they treat the elephants well and respect them as we would to a person. Planning to come in a different season to visit them again.

One of the best experiences of our entire trip! This elephant sanctuary is the work of an entire village working together to bring an outstanding and educational experience to everyone involved. It is not a tourist cluster to be sure--and the elephants are treated with such amazing love, respect, and consideration--and they involved us in every aspect of the elephants life for a full day. It is a do not miss experience!

An amazing experience from start to finish! They provided us with the most beautiful spread of food for lunch. We then got to meet the elephants which were looked after extremely well. 🩵 we got one elephant per person which added to the overall experience. A must visit when in Chiang Mai! 💜

Highly recommended if you're in Chiangmai!

An experience of a life time, where you're not only here to see the elephants, but you'll also befriend an elephant and learn how to treat them through the Karen tribe ways.

The day starts off early, being picked up and then driven through the wonderful mountainous scenes and ends with a feeling of fulfillment and extreme joy.

Once you arrive at the venue, you can sense a great small community. You'll get to get up and close with the different elephants, learn their names and feed them. You won't only be learning about elephants, but also the history of the Karen tribe.

You'll be assigned elephant for the day, where you learn different phrases to feed and praise the elephants.

After feeding the elephants, you'll then be fed with authentic Thai cuisines such as Pad Thai, sticky rice with mango and a wild variety of local fruits and desserts. They also provide a sample taste of their specialised coffee which is amazing.

The best part of the experience was being able to traditionally safely ride your assigned elephant downhill (you can also walk it down hill if you don't want to ride), when this is done, you'll be by a river where you get to wash the elephants and take some amazing pictures which will be taken by the tour guide.

By the end of the trip, you'll feel attached to your assigned elephant and sad that the experience is coming to an end.

The guide and the other elephant caretakers were amazing, you can tell they really care for the elephants with how they are treated.

All in all an unforgettable experience, one that will live with me a lifetime and one I will tell everyone I know about.

Thank you all!

Go here over any other place small groups of 2 per elephant made it intimate and rewarding. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!!!

We had an incredible experience riding elephants with Karen's Tribe Native Elephants! The highlight of the day was getting to feed these gentle giants, which was a truly unforgettable moment. Bathing the elephants was also a unique and heartwarming experience, as we bonded with these majestic creatures. Riding them was an adventure like no other!

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the visit was meeting the 3-year-old baby elephant. This adorable little one stole our hearts and added an extra layer of charm to the day.

The staff at Karen's Tribe Native Elephants were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring towards their elephants, ensuring their well-being and happiness. This eco-friendly and responsible elephant experience left me with cherished memories that I'll treasure forever. I can't recommend this adventure enough – it's a 5-star experience all the way!

One of the best day of my life.

If I ever was going back to Chiang Mai, that would be one my must do (Maybe a two day trip this time).

Our guide was great, funny and really interresting. He would ask us question, make sure everyone was involved. As for the elephants, well.. let's say they are the best creatures you could hope for.
Every elephant has its trainer and the trainer helps us throught everything.
We started by saying hello to all elephants then we had our own. Shempo was my big baby for the day and I was her weird white human. I was taught how to feed her corn sticks and bananas. Her young daughter, Nui, was there as well, picking her own bananas in my bag.

Then our guide showed us how to prepare a vitamin ball to make sure the elephants were healthy. He taught us how to see if the animals were sick or not. It was really interesting.

While the elephants were taking a break from us, we ate the most amazing meal. We felt like the luckiest in the world. Pad thai, fried rice, fruits... you name it!

In the afternoon, we rode our elephants, bathed them and cleaned them. It was the dream!
Did you know elephants can purr when they are happy? Well they do!!

It was fantastic!
Dont ever hesitate to book a day of two with them. You won't regret it!

Magical memories! Booking this experience with Karen Tribe Native Elephants was a joy from start to finish! Booking was simple- initial inquiry through their website and communicating with Sun over WhatsApp. We were picked up by Garoon on the morning of the excursion, took some dramamine (just in case) and enjoyed the beautifully scenic drive to their village!

As soon as we arrived we were greeted by the sight of their harmonious herd enjoying their breakfast. We were encouraged to go and greet each elephant one by one. I was a little nervous with my two young boys and their interactions with the elephants, but I soon found that there was no need to worry. They truly are gentle giants. They took bananas from my boys so gingerly!
We were assigned Chomphou and her baby Nui who was an adorably big toddler. But even banana loving, mischievous Nui was calm and at ease with my boys. Together we continued to help feed them, cut grasses for them, dust off their bodies and cool them off with a hose. Lunch was a beautiful spread of fruits, rice, noodles, and special Thai sweets. We were even treated to some delicious village grown coffee. Then we helped to prepare their daily vitamins by grinding rice and mashing it with other nutritious fruits and vegetables.

After lunch we went on an adventurous ride in the back of a pick-up truck to meet the herd in the jungle for their daily exercise. We were showed 4 different methods of how to safely get up on the elephant for a ride. Then those who wanted to ride their elephant could ride them down to the river for their baths, or just walk down beside them. Initially I thought my husband would need to ride with one of our boys, but our elephant trainer said that our two small boys could ride on Chomphou, the mama elephant together without an adult. That was truly a test of faith, but after a few minutes, my heart rate went back to normal and I knew that they were safe in Mama Chomphou’s care. We walked all the way down to the mountain to the river as Chomphou carried our boys with such gentleness. Once at the river we got to work scrubbing Mom and baby with their naturally made soap, rinsing and playing. My boys truly loved this part.

Finally, we said goodbye to our new friends, dressed out of our wet clothes and journeyed back home with incredible memories of our experience. Truly, do no hesitate to book this. Sun and his group do a wonderful job of lovingly taking care of their herd and strengthening their tribe by supporting their young people in getting a good education. We learned so much about elephant care, the Karen tribe and Thailand. Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience!

We had the most amazing experience! The guides and trainers are professionals that know their elephants, very caring and understanding.
We would recommend without any hesitation for the most authentic experience with this tribe!

Absolutely incredible day out
If you really want to learn about the elephants and there use in Thai culture,.there is not a better place to visit
I loved every single second I spent there

My elephant sanctuary experience with the ethnic Karen tribe was truly authentic and enriching. Unlike other tours run by organizations that purchase elephants, this sanctuary is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Karen tribe. The genuine connection between the tribe and their elephants was evident, creating a unique and ethical encounter.

The immersion into Karen culture added a fascinating layer to the experience. From traditional practices to heartfelt stories shared by the tribe members, it felt like more than just a tour – it was a cultural exchange. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Karen people made the visit even more memorable. I highly recommend this elephant sanctuary experience for those seeking a meaningful and authentic wildlife encounter.

An extraordinary experience in the middle of the forest and rice fields, with a very small group (10 people at that time) where the goal is not just to see elephants but to learn how to care for them and get to know them.
We had a complete experience with an authentic tribe and its respected elephants: from cuddles to bathing through treatments and walks...
A day full of learning, sharing and surprises. Everything is very well organized by people who are passionate about their profession and their elephants.
This day spent with the Karen tribe and its elephants will remain unforgettable to us. Thank you!

Our most amazing experience in South East Asia, Sun and the Karen Tribe were so welcoming and really made us feel connected to their tribe and these special animals. The day was really educational and was centred around caring for the elephants and not just another ‘ethical’ tourist trap. Activities include feeding, washing and walking, as well as making their dietary medicine from scratch and finally ending with the choice to ride your elephant, as the tribe has done for hundreds of years. Could not recommend this tour more highly, thank you Sun!

Please note you cannot book in person, you can book a trip with them only over email. This location is not a real location!

My partner and I came here for a day trip and it was absolutely magical. The people are so wonderful, and so knowledgeable. You can tell how loved and well cared for the elephants are, and it’s not just a day to go and gawk at elephants (although it is a little bit of that!!), they also teach you about elephants and how to care for them. They teach you about their tribe and culture, and how their tribe has used elephants, how they keep them healthy, and their traditions. To get to spend a day in their routine and learn about their way of life is not only fascinating, but humbling.

The drive there and back is long - almost 2 hours each way but WELL worth it. They come pick you up and drop you off, and lunch is provided. Lunch, by the way, was delicious. Their family is wonderful, and their dog Blackie is a treasure.

Thank you SO much for having us, this was an experience unlike any other. We are grateful and will treasure those memories forever. All the best to you all, and special shout-out to elephant mama Chompoo and baby Nui!!

An incredible experience. Sun and his tribe were extremely welcoming and keen to give their knowledge passed down through generations. The elephants were very well cared for, happy and could want for nothing. It really was a personal experience like no other elephant experience in Thailand.
We stayed the night and had a lovely BBQ. The second day saw us taking a tour around the village, meeting the people who live there, smelling and trying the local produce and being taken to the local waterfall. We finished the trip with one last visit to the elephants and got to say good bye to their handlers.

Best day of my life. So thankful for Sun and the rest of the team. My advice for people going on the tour is to take a motion sickness pill before the drive out there. Once there, it’s just the best experience you can imagine. Great food, and everything you could possibly want from an elephant experience.

We had the best day of our entire trip there and fulfilled a dream. They are so caring for their elephant. An off the grid tribe in unity with nature. We felt so welcome. It was a small group. Each of us had relax time to meet our elephant 🐘 feed him, Bathing him with plants, Then give them natural remedy plants from the forest, the guide were so knowledgeable. Also 7 generation taking care of elephant. It felt so perfect. Then we could ride our elephant. Really impressive. Thank you so much 💓 for the love and care you showed us. May Jehovah bless you 🙏✨❤ also the meal they provided was beautiful and so tasty.

Following thorough research on the subject of Elephant sanctuaries with many not being ethical I was not happy with either one I found until I came across Karen's Tribe, I felt happy and satisfied with my choice, and following the actual day spent there I confirmed this. We arrived and Sun + his team were so welcoming and friendly, he speaks very good English. My boyfriend and I were to care for one elephant between us, our elephant was one of the biggest ones (having to ride her later was quite the mission and experience) her name was Mekapo (not sure how to spell). We got to feed her, bath her, ride her for a short distance and also give them their medicine. There is also a baby called Nui, who is very energetic and quite naughty, in a cute way. :) A nice local and fresh lunch was also prepared for us. The day was truly a memorable one, best experience while in Chang Mai.

My family had such a lovely experience with the Karen tribe and their elephants. Sun was very knowledgeable in sharing about the Karen culture and how they care for the elephants. We had such great fun bonding, feeding, bathing, and walking them. Our guides were very welcoming and took lots of pictures for us. And of course, the elephants were so friendly and adorable, especially little baby Nui! Highly recommend to anyone who is seeking a unique experience in Chiang Mai

One of the most fulfilling experience I’ve had in a long while. As a Thai, elephants are common sights that we’ve seen since we were kids so I did not expect much. Getting to spend a full day, learning elephants’ routine, behaviours, food, and traditional wisdoms of Karen people is very special. Sun and his staff are professional, friendly and eager to share with you their inter-generational knowledge of how Karen people take care of elephants. We spent time with Chompoo and Nui the mother and the baby. They are so much fun to observe. The lunch, rice, sticky rice, phad thai was simple but delicious and fresh and I love that they use banana leaves ad packaging. The ride to the village was almost 2 hours but worth the wait. I will definitely recommend friends and family to immerse in this experience. One suggestion is perhaps to use fewer plastic bottles of drinking water and switch to reusable water bottle instead.

The Karen Tribe Elephant experience will offer you more than you expect. It's a hands-on one on one moment you get to have with your assigned elephant for a whole day - this includes feeding them, checking signs of their health, bathing them, taking them on a walk, and overall connecting with them. What makes this experience different is in the history and lifestyle the Karen tribe has had with the elephants they cared for. Just book an elephant experience trip with them and no regrets guaranteed.