Chiang Mai Elephant Friends
9.0
Exceptional(302 reviews)
A, 202/1 Moo 9, T, Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
+66 99 551 4514
+2
Hotel Description
Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Nestled in the serene landscapes of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Elephant Friends offers a unique retreat at A, 202/1 Moo 9, T, Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque mountains, the hotel is ideally located for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests can easily access nearby attractions such as the Elephant Nature Park, renowned for its commitment to elephant rescue and rehabilitation, just a four-minute drive away. The hotel features a charming design that embodies traditional Thai aesthetics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Each room at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends is thoughtfully designed for comfort, providing a tranquil space to unwind after a day of exploration. Guests have praised the spacious accommodations, which offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm. The atmosphere is enhanced by delightful touches, making it a perfect choice for families and couples seeking relaxation. Special amenities include high-speed internet access and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Transportation is a breeze with convenient public transport options nearby, including Chiang Mai International Airport, which is just a 52-minute taxi ride away. The hotel prioritizes guest safety with robust health and safety measures, ensuring a worry-free experience for all visitors.
At Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, guests can engage in popular activities such as bamboo rafting at Maewang, which is only a four-minute walk from the hotel. For those eager to explore local culture, significant landmarks like Wat Luang Khun Win and the beautiful วชิรธาร Waterfall are within easy reach.
Dining options abound in the area, with recommended nearby restaurants such as Tawan Riverside Resort Restaurant Cafe, known for its authentic Thai cuisine and just a minute away by taxi. Other excellent choices include มีดี MEEDEE Restaurant & Cafe and Galae Restaurant, both celebrated for their culinary delights and unique atmospheres.
With its prime location and exceptional service, Chiang Mai Elephant Friends warmly invites guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting culture and beauty of Chiang Mai, creating unforgettable memories during their stay.
Each room at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends is thoughtfully designed for comfort, providing a tranquil space to unwind after a day of exploration. Guests have praised the spacious accommodations, which offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm. The atmosphere is enhanced by delightful touches, making it a perfect choice for families and couples seeking relaxation. Special amenities include high-speed internet access and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Transportation is a breeze with convenient public transport options nearby, including Chiang Mai International Airport, which is just a 52-minute taxi ride away. The hotel prioritizes guest safety with robust health and safety measures, ensuring a worry-free experience for all visitors.
At Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, guests can engage in popular activities such as bamboo rafting at Maewang, which is only a four-minute walk from the hotel. For those eager to explore local culture, significant landmarks like Wat Luang Khun Win and the beautiful วชิรธาร Waterfall are within easy reach.
Dining options abound in the area, with recommended nearby restaurants such as Tawan Riverside Resort Restaurant Cafe, known for its authentic Thai cuisine and just a minute away by taxi. Other excellent choices include มีดี MEEDEE Restaurant & Cafe and Galae Restaurant, both celebrated for their culinary delights and unique atmospheres.
With its prime location and exceptional service, Chiang Mai Elephant Friends warmly invites guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting culture and beauty of Chiang Mai, creating unforgettable memories during their stay.
The Most Outstanding Trait
1. Guests praised the rooms for their spaciousness and comfort
2. Only a four-minute walk to Bamboo rafting Maewang
3. Friendly and attentive service received positive reviews
4. Restaurant on-site serving delightful meals
5. Unique bar experience for evening relaxation
6. Delicious breakfast buffet featuring local specialties
6.6 Good
Location rating
Top sights
Elephant Nature Park - Elephant Freedom
4 min
Kerchor elephant eco park3 min
เป็น น้ำตกวชิรธาร1 hr 13 min
Bamboo rafting Maewang Chiangmai (ร้านโสภาทรัพย์)4 min
Wat Luang Khun Win35 min
Nearest locations
Tawan Riverside Resort Restaurant Cafe
1 min
ร้านแม่หลวงแขก3 min
มีดี MEEDEE Restaurant & Cafe4 min
Windows Café and Restaurant36 min
Canyon View Restaurant38 min
Chom Cafe and Restaurant46 min
The View Village46 min
Galae Restaurant58 min
See more Interesting locations
Good to know
| Check-in | 14:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Location rating | 6.6 |
| Nearest airport | Chiang Mai International Airport |
| Travel time to airport | 52 min |
Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)
Check-in: Fri, Nov 01
Check-out: Sat, Nov 02
$62
$65
$65
$65
$70
$69
$78
$83
$70
$70
$73
$85
$78
$79
$83
Recommended properties nearby
Location
A, 202/1 Moo 9, T, Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
Airports:
Chiang Mai International Airport
Taxi: 52 min
Lampang Airport
Taxi: 2 hr 7 min
Nearby locations
6.6
Good Location
Top Attractions
Top Restaurants
Amenities and Facilities
Activities
Watercraft rental
Languages spoken
English
Accessibility
Not accessible
Food & drink
Restaurant
Bar
Table service
Breakfast
Breakfast buffet
Wellness
No fitness center
No spa
Pools
No pools
No hot tub
Rooms
Air conditioning in some rooms
Pets
No pets
Parking & transportation
Parking
Self parking
Transfer
Services
Front desk
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Policies & payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Cash
Bathrooms
Private bathroom
Shower
Internet
Wi-Fi
Reviews
100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo
8.7
244 reviews
Wonderful
183
Excellent
22
Good
11
Below Average
3
Not Good
18
DAVID BAEK
5/5
Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, an hour's drive from Chiang MaiIt is a natural theme park with a variety of activities such as an elephant wake-up call, an hour-long walk with snacks, and bamboo boat rides.The room was a log cabin and did not have a TV, but it was clean and bug-free, so I was able to spend a comfortable stay.For dinner, there was Korean BBQ and Thai food, and it was more delicious than I expected. The best thing is that you can see a great view.The elephant wake-up call is a preferred option as it allows you to see the elephants up close by waking you up in the morning and giving you corn.It was a very satisfying place to play in the river right below.
akiko “akiko” TK
5/5
Less than 2 hours from Chiang Mai city. It was difficult to get around, but I'm glad I stayed here for the last night of my 4 nights in Chiang Mai and it added some variety to my trip. It felt good to be in nature. The elephants and chickens were cute. The elephant only asked for a wake-up call in the morning. I did not apply for the plan to spend time with the elephants because I thought it would be time-consuming if I only stayed for one night. Therefore, the only contact I had with the elephants was to watch them from a distance, except for feeding them during the wake-up calls, which was a shame. The food at the restaurant and the morning buffet were both delicious.
Sam Chian
5/5
The beauty of this place cannot be conveyed in photos!The room is very comfortable, except for the small amount of water.The food in the restaurant was inspired by my time in Chiang MaiThe best food even surpasses some Michelin recommended restaurants!If you want to experience elephant interaction, this is highly recommended!Because All Day's itineraries are all independent and will not be mixed with others. Totally VIP level!It's a little more expensive but well worth it.And the service staff and elephant trainers here are very good at taking photos! If you have enough time, stay here for two nightsIt’s a good choice!
Noah Vogel
1/5
BAD BAD BAD! Don't support these people. They mistreat their elephants and are clearly distressed.
Raudel Ruvalcaba Figueroa
5/5
One of the best experiences, if they have chained elephants at night but since they explain why, it makes sense, they treat them very very well, it is highly recommended to stay
Sara van acoleyen
5/5
It is just fantastic, the animals, the people, accommodation.Highly recommended. It's just a pity that I didn't book more days. You can relax by interacting with the animals and the friendliness of the people is indescribable. It was just great.
a24212000
5/5
Great experience, the elephants are really cute and the natural environment is great⋯
Steve Tsneg
5/5
The bed was great, the activities were fun, and there wasn't much to do in the room. Elephants have runny noses, which is a bit funny🤪
Avi
3/5
Front desk staff Service was excellent, they help with luggage. Tip: Make the drive during the day. Driving at night was awful as it's right in the mountains with no lights, the walk to the actually room is through uneven ground and you need flashlights to get to your room. Inaccessible.Room need maintenance. Gaps in the floor you can see the ground under, allowing lots of creatures to come into the room, sink was broken. Large fridge available on the balcony. Great view from the balcony.Lots of elephants on the grounds, you can book various activities with them, water rafting. Including an elephant coming to your balcony, as a wakeup. The employee who came with the elephant was rude, impatient and was rushing us. Saw him pull the elephant and hop to ride the elephant.Mama and baby elephants pacing and rocking in a tiny cage most of the day and night. The rest were in a large enclosure where they were free to roam.Elephants looked healthy and well cared for.Booked the 3 beds room, $150 CAD.Breakfast was good, with a decent variety.Overall It was a cool experience at the moment, but they could improve.
irene jimenez diaz
5/5
Place with spectacular views, good breakfast and very good food in general. Very good attention from the elephant staff.
Jean-Jacques FLACELIERE
5/5
Wooden chalet along the river. The view is extraordinary, we did not do the activities in this hotel. The restaurant and breakfast are great.
Laura
5/5
It was wonderful staying at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends. Rooms were big and clean, with an amazing view over the river; the staff was welcoming and profesional and the activities were very engaging. We will always remember our stay here.
Room 5
Service 5
Location5
Sara Bateman
5/5
We have been here twice now in the last 18 months. We love the people here. You can tell they love the elephants and take good care of them.We had a very good time with Daniel as our guide during our last visit. He was very helpful. He works so hard, and you can tell he lives his job. He was very attentive to my mother and my aunt. I was very appreciative of this. The service at the front desk was very helpful as well.Our cabin during our first visit was a lot nicer than our cabin this last visit.
ANTONIO GONZALEZ
5/5
The treatment of the guides was spectacular and 100% if I return to Thailand I will return there
Karon Hanke
5/5
Best experience I've had in my life. Our tour guide Leo is awesome! You took a lot of time with us explained everything. He's living such a wonderful life. The whole thing was excellent.
Room 5
Service 5
Location5
Karl He
5/5
A space between the mountains in a rural area, far from the urban area. Space adapted as a sanctuary for rescued elephants.The elephants are cared for, well fed, they have large hectares to walk, eat, swim in the river. The staff attentive and friendly. The food is very delicious.Important: bring clothes that can get dirty and muddy. Payment for activities with elephants is a contribution to help the sanctuary take care of them. The elephants are healthy and happy.
Lisa B.
1/5
In my opinion not 100% elephant friendly!!!I left this camp with mixed feelings. Please read my recommendation fully!On one hand the elephants could be walking around free during the day. Only their mahout was (always) with them. We booked the full day trip were you can feed and take a bath with them (no riding). For me, it didn’t seem that they were unhappy or stressed in these situations (maybe also because they are used to it and I’m not a professional to judge this).On the other hand one elephant showed disordered behaviours such as weaving. In the evening they are chained until next morning. I thought they maybe were only fenced…one elephant showed also disordered behaviour when he was fenced (watch the video). They have signs where they explain why they chain the elephants. So they are fully open about it and claim that the chains are “skilfully used”. I also get the reasons but I wouldn’t say that it’s 100% elephant-friendly.Also, I read after the trip that bathing and feeding them (which includes direct contact with humans) can cause stress because they are wild animals. Normally they are shy to people. This means that their free will had to be broken in the past which makes me really really sad.I probably wouldn’t do it again.
Eve Yung
3/5
At 12 o'clock in the evening, there was suddenly no power in the whole park, and there was no advance notice. It was so scary!The room is clean and the Wifi is not available!During the rainy season, there are a lot of flying ants at night! Remember to bring mosquito repellent! We all had dinner in the room and didn’t dare to go out.The elephant Morning Call charges 1,500 baht in the morning, and the round-trip fare to the city center is 1,500 baht, price for 2 people!
TM
Trip.com Member
3.7/5
For transportation, you need to call a car specially. The hotel can help call a car back to the city for about 700🐷 …
TM
Trip.com Member
3.5/5
Brought two boys for holiday and joined the one day activities with elephant. Done the rafting, elephant bathing and jungle walk in the morning, then lunch at the waterfall. We swam there and left at 2pm. Room was available by then. …