Today, elephant tourism in Chiang Mai has evolved, placing a strong emphasis on the ethical treatment and conservation of these magnificent creatures. Visitors to Chiang Mai can now engage with domesticated elephants in a way that respects their welfare and honors the cultural heritage of the Karen tribe. Here are some notable elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai that uphold these ethical standards, reassuring tourists who support responsible tourism.

Northern Thailand is elephant country. In the past, the animals were trained and worked in the lumber industry and on public works. Now, these elephants and their descendants are retired and are given a better life in the elephant sanctuaries of the Chiang Mai region. PM Tours values the smaller sanctuaries that give the elephants all the room to move around and that only expose them to small groups of visitors. We have a strict no-riding policy and only offer ethical elephant tours. Here is our top 3 of the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.