Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai — Observation Only

Elephants as they were meant to be wild, free, and never touched.

Why Observation Only?

At our sanctuary, we believe that true respect means giving elephants the freedom to be themselves. Our mission is simple: protect, not perform.

We don’t offer rides or bathing because elephants aren’t entertainment.

They’re family.

Respect Their Dignity

Elephants are intelligent, emotional beings. We give them space to express natural behaviors without pressure, tricks, or forced interactions.

Let Them Live Naturally

Here, elephants roam forests, bathe in mud, and bond with their herd — just as they would in the wild. Observation lets you witness their real personalities without interruption.

Your Visit Makes a Difference

When you book a visit with us, you’re doing more than joining an ethical elephant experience — you’re becoming part of something bigger.

Every booking goes directly to support:

Elephant care and well-being
The salaries and training of their caretakers
Scholarships and school lunches for children in the local hill tribe village

Your support helps protect these gentle giants and give back to the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them.

Our Promise to the Elephants

Every elephant here lives free from chains, from performances, from pressure.
No rides. No shows. No tricks. Just elephants being elephants, loved, protected, and finally at peace.

100%

Ethical

Rescued Elephants

5★

Conservation Rating

Meet Our Family

Each elephant at our sanctuary has their own journey of rescue, healing, and rediscovery of freedom. They are not just animals. They are teachers, mothers, protectors, and friends.

Elephant Calf • Jungle Explorer

Born into safety at the sanctuary, Elephant is curious, playful, and loves chasing butterflies through the trees.

Elephant reminds us what true freedom looks like when life begins with safety, love, and the freedom to simply be an elephant.

Soul Sisters

Rescued from separate trekking camps, these two formed an instant bond that has only grown stronger over time.

Rarely seen apart, they spend their days walking side by side, sharing quiet moments, and offering each other comfort, companionship, and unwavering friendship.

Silent Healer

Once used in logging and ceremonies, Elephant arrived carrying scars from a difficult past.

Elephant spends his days roaming freely through the forest, foraging at his own pace, and resting beneath his favorite fig tree.

Each elephant at Eve79 Sanctuary carries a story of survival, healing, and hope.
As you walk alongside them, our guides will gently share their pasts and the path that led them to safety.

Your Visit Experience

More than a tour — this is a peaceful journey of connection, understanding, and presence.
Every step is designed to honor the elephants — and awaken something in you.

Welcome & Education (30 min)

Begin your visit with a warm greeting from our local team.

We’ll share our story, explain the importance of observation-only care, and help you understand how to respectfully engage with these incredible beings.

Guided Observation (2-4 hours)

Follow forest paths and natural viewing spots as you watch elephants roam freely — grazing, playing, resting, or socializing at their own pace.

There’s no show here — just real, raw elephant life unfolding before you.

Reflection & Q&A (30 min)

After your walk, we invite you to pause, share, and ask.

Talk with our guides, reflect on what you saw, and learn how your visit helps protect elephants for generations to come.

Program options

Daily Schedule

Pricing

What’s Included in Your Experience

What Our Guests Say

Real moments. Real emotions. Hear from travelers who felt the magic of truly ethical elephant observation where peace, respect, and wonder come together.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 168 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Víctor De Castro Bermúdez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. La verdad que una actividad genial, caminando por señva y viendo a los elefantes ain tocarlos ni alimentarlo.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentine Laval 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience.
Elephant are free to move, we cannot touch them, we don’t feed them so perfectly ethical.
I recommend coming to Eve79 Sanctuary and support this nice family
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ciara Hart 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience, they were extremely welcoming and offered us coffee and tea. Their treatments and respect towards he elephants was amazing. It felt like such a local and special experience.
Their food was amazing, would 100% recommend choosing this sanctuary.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Raquel López 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Laberge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Guide très gentil, belle expérience. Semble être une place éthique, nous ne pouvons pas toucher les éléphants, ni les nourrir, ni trop les approcher. Ils semblent bien et heureux. On a eu un dîner inclus, qui était très bon. Préparez-vous à faire une bonne marche ! Je recommande.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mike Müller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Es war eine lustige und spannende Tour mit unserem Guide Rambo, er hat uns viel über die Elefanten erzählt und ist auch sehr behutsam in der nähe von Elefanten umgegangen.
Gegen Ende der Tour konnten wir uns an einem Wasserfall noch etwas abkühlen, bevor es zurück zum Camp ging und wir unser Erfrischungsgetränk und etwas zu essen bekamen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a wonderful and truely ethical experience. Hands off and witnessing the elephants in their natural habitat, they looked healthy and thriving. John Rambo and his family were knowledgeable and fun. They guided us safely through hilly jungle paths on about a 2 hour trek, pausing to point out interesting flora and fauna. We saw 3 elephants (one a baby) and never felt rushed. Trip trip concluded with a refreshing dip in a local waterfall followed by a delicious lunch of vegetable fried rice and watermelon.  His daughters had some beautiful local craft on display but there was no pressure at all to buy anything. However we gladly purchased some beautifully made elephants bracelets. A wonderful half day trip and even my kids (9 and 12) were able to manage the trekking.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrea Cocchia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica, nel rispetto della natura e degli elefanti!!! Abbiamo passato una giornata meravigliosa insieme a Jhon Rambo le sue figlie  e Thi custodi e guide del posto!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Atenea Baena 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Completely ethical sanctuary, only observation.
Beautiful place with rice fields.
Nice hike and swimming in the river.
Amazing guide.
Perfect for families and whoever wants to do it.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 124 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Catherine H 
 
 
 
 Verified Truely ethical
Wonderful. Beautiful setting, jumbo and family knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Trek through jungle seeing all sorts of flora and fauna including 3 elephants (1 baby). Refreshing waterfall and delicious lunch. I would recommend travel sickness tablets for the minibus trip round the mountain roads though!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrea C 
 
 
 
 Verified UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Beautiful place and fantastic trip while respecting nature and the natural habitat of the elephants. Jhon Rambo, his daughters, and Thi, the custodians and guides, are very pleasant, knowledgeable, and nice people. An unforgettable day
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tony T 
 
 
 
 Verified Eve 79 (Elephant Sanctuary
We had a wonderful experience with our trekking and elephant sightseeing adventure, guided by John Rambo and his daughter. Both were very friendly, cheerful, and welcoming. John explained everything clearly and shared interesting information along the way, making the entire journey enjoyable and memorable. We ended the day with a delicious lunch, accompanied by fresh coconut water and sweet watermelon. Overall, it was a fantastic experience with great hospitality and an excellent guide. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun and memorable adventure!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ilaria P 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
Amazing experience! The guide was super nice and friendly, very close meeting with elephants without stressing them out, no show, only real elephants life! You get to see them and prepare some food for them then you leave it around, they leave the animals free to walk around! Nice lunch and Amazing view! Honestly I recommend it a lot
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Greta C 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect day
Superlative experience!! Very nice and super knowledgeable guide!!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marina D 
 
 
 
 Verified Eve 79 elephant sanctuary
An incredible place. A most ethical sanctuary and a beautiful landscape. Rambo is the best!! The food was very good. Excellent day.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carolina V 
 
 
 
 Verified Spectacular
An unforgettable experience. The site is spectacular for seeing the elephants and nature and the guide Rambo is wonderful. Highly recommended to go both alone and with friends
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Inma R 
 
 
 
 Verified Visit ethical sanctuary
The experience is recommended, our guide, Rambo, a very kind and super funny man. The sanctuary is ethical and beautiful. We took a tour where we could see elephants and monkeys, we made a stop at the river and they fed us.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christine V 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience Elephant in the wild
If you want a truly ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, go with Eve79. Khun Kong was an amazing guide who taught us about the local flora and the history of these rescued elephants. We loved that there was no riding or forced bathing—just pure observation in a beautiful mountain setting. The visit to the waterfall and the delicious local lunch were the perfect way to end the day. 5 stars all the way!"
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kan G 
 
 
 
 Verified Our highlight in Chiang Mai
An incredibly great experience. Others advertise with words like ethical or natural, here everything applies and that in a truly beautiful, almost magical place in the middle of a great landscape. Upon arrival, my gaze already swept over the beautiful little rice terraces toward the forest. After a short welcome, there was some information about elephants in general, a pair of rubber boots for everyone, and off we went on a circular path through the grounds. Already after perhaps 200 meters, an elephant appeared in a clearing on the opposite mountainside, although very far away. Since the animals can move completely freely, you see them again and again in different places. They feed themselves 70-80%, and the remaining 20-30% is supplemented with fresh bamboo at 2 feeding stations. Thus, the view is virtually guaranteed. Even before the start of the tour, our very nice guide had mentioned that there was a few-day-old bull elephant on the grounds. But when we caught sight of him with his mother, it was an incredibly beautiful experience. The guide ensured enough distance and quiet. Since our small group was looking for exactly this experience, everything harmonized perfectly. We stood perhaps 10 - 15 m away from the animals in a slightly elevated position. The animals were not disturbed by us at all, and one could see that they are doing very well. No comparison to the camp I visited during my last trip to Thailand. On our further path, we saw a few more elephants and also 3 water buffalo in the rice fields. Those who wanted to could take a refreshing dip at the waterfall, and then we continued back to the starting point, which we reached again after approximately 2 - 2.5 hours. There was also a delicious lunch with rice from their own cultivation. Overall, a wonderful experience. Exactly as one imagines such a camp, where the well-being of the animals comes first. Organizationally perfect as well. Communication extremely fast and good. You received an answer within 1 - 2 minutes. The driver was there on time and brought us very safely to the camp and back. Organization definitely full marks. But also for everything else. Especially those looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the city, its temples, markets, and restaurants are in exactly the right place here. In my opinion, worth every single baht, euro, or dollar. Our absolute highlight in the 7 days in Chiang Mai

4.9

Average Guest Rating

500+

Happy Visitors

100%

Would Recommend To a Friend

4.9

Average Rating

500+

Happy Visitors

100%

Would Recommend

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EVE79 a no-riding, ethical elephant sanctuary?

Yes. EVE79 is an observation-only sanctuary in Chiang Mai. There is no elephant riding, no bathing, and no shows. Rescued elephants roam freely in the forest and guests observe them without forced interaction.

How much does a visit to EVE79 Elephant Sanctuary cost?

Half-day tours are 1,800 THB per adult and 1,200 THB per child (4–12). Full-day tours are 2,500 THB per adult and 1,800 THB per child. The 2 days 1 night experience is 4,500 THB per adult and 2,500 THB per child. Infants visit free. Prices include round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city centre.

Where is EVE79 Elephant Sanctuary located and how far is it from Chiang Mai?

The sanctuary is in Mae Wang District, Mae Win Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city centre is included with every booking, with morning pickups at 7:00–7:30 AM and afternoon pickups at 12:00–12:30 PM.

What is included in an EVE79 elephant observation tour?

Each visit includes an expert English-speaking guide, round-trip transport from Chiang Mai, insurance, access to elevated forest viewing platforms, tea, coffee and drinking water, and a herbal inhaler souvenir.

What is included in an EVE79 elephant observation tour?

Is EVE79 Elephant Sanctuary officially licensed?

Yes. EVE79 is fully licensed and recognised by the Thai Government, and all operations meet the required legal and ethical standards for elephant care.

Officially Certified by Thai Authorities

We are fully licensed and recognized by the Thai Government. All operations at our sanctuary meet the required legal and ethical standards.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai — Observation Only

Why Observation Only?

Respect Their Dignity

Let Them Live Naturally

Your Visit Makes a Difference

Our Promise to the Elephants

Meet Our Family

Your Visit Experience

Welcome & Education (30 min)

Guided Observation (2-4 hours)

Reflection & Q&A (30 min)

What’s Included in Your Experience

What Our Guests Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Officially Certified by Thai Authorities

Book your visit