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 109 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sergio Santos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ha sido una experiencia genial. Muy recomendable! La gente muy agradable y daban comida al final muy rica. Ves a los elefantes de manera ética.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marina Arana 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Una experiencia muy buena y recomendable. Muy agradable la gente
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carolina Cedeño 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I absolutely recommend this place. From the moment you arrive, you can tell that everything is done with so much care and respect. They have two beautiful dogs, and as soon as you see them, you can tell how well they are looked after. That immediately gives you an idea of how well the elephants are cared for too. This is a place where animal welfare is truly respected. It’s beautiful for taking photos and walking around, but more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to appreciate how incredible nature can be when you don’t interfere with it and simply observe and share the space with the animals. You don’t need to feed, bathe or ride an animal that doesn’t want to do those things. These animals don’t need to perform for us. They just need to be protected and rescued. I really hope they receive many more visitors in the future. So please, visit this place. 🐘❤️ PD. The guide is great, good English and very friendly. They gave us fruit, water and a very tasty fried rice (vegetarian).
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mikel Larena 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia genial, nos trataron increíble, simpáticos, muy divertido, y una experiencia muy respetuosa y única. Muy recomendable
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Beatriz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Santuario etico de verdad, no hay contacto con los elefantes, ni ducha ni ni gun tipo de adiestramiento.... Los ves en su hábitat después de un rato de andar por la selva para encontrarlos. La gente que te acompañan son gente de la zona que respetan a los animales como íbamos buscando y te ofrecen todo lo que tienen. Una experiencia muy bonita. Gracias
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lia Grazioso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The guide is super funny and helpful, they respect the elephants and you get a really nice lunch with an amazing view!! One of the best experiences that we did here :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Ro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Increíble la visita al santuario de elefantes, una experiencia perfecta de principio a fin. Lo que más nos gustó fue la observación: ver a los elefantes a su aire en un terreno gigantesco no tiene precio. Da mucha tranquilidad comprobar que el respeto hacia los animales es 100% real. Nada de espectáculos ni circos; lo que te cuentan sobre cómo los cuidan es totalmente verdad. Todo súper transparente y con un trato de diez, que al ir en grupos pequeños se disfruta muchísimo más. Mención especial para nuestro guía, John Rambo. Un profesional cercano y auténtico que nos explicó todo al detalle. Se le notaba a leguas la pasión por lo que hace. Un par de consejos prácticos si van a ir: - Llévense unos calcetines para las botas de agua que te dan allá, así el pie no se te resbala y caminas mucho más cómodo. - No se olviden del bañador para el final de la excursión. Ojo, que quede claro que NO es un baño con los elefantes (lo cual se agradece bastante, demuestra que no priorizan el morbo del turista). El baño es en unas cascadas brutales que tiene la propia familia en la zona para cerrar el día con un buen chapuzón. Si buscan un sitio verdaderamente ético, transparente y respetuoso con los animales, lo recomiendo a ojos cerrados.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Artemy P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Una experiencia maravillosa. Tratan a los animales con verdadero respecto, se puede percibir incluso en como se comportan los elefantes. Totalmente recomendado , son buena gente respetuosa con animales y personas.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mirko Gelsomini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza piacevole e semplice. Scelta poichè etica: gli elefanti sembrano essere liberi di vagare senza alcuni obblighi o inposizioni.
  
 
  
  
 
     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 116 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       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 Unser Highlight in Chiang Mai Ein unglaublich tolles Erlebnis. Andere werben mit Worten wie ethisch oder natürlich, hier trifft alles zu und das an einem wirklich wunderschönen nahezu magischen Ort mitten in einer tollen Landschaft. Schon bei der Ankunft streifte der Blick über die schönen kleinen Reisterrassen hinüber zum Wald. Nach einer kurzen Begrüßung gab es ein paar Infos zu Elefanten im allgemeinen, für jeden ein Paar Gummistiefel und schon ging es los auf einen Rundweg durch das Gelände. Bereits nach vielleicht 200 Metern tauchte am gegenüberliegenden Berghang ein Elefant auf einer Lichtung auf, allerdings sehr weit entfernt. Da sich die Tiere komplett frei bewegen können sieht man sie immer wieder an unterschiedlichen Plätzen. Sie ernähren sich zu 70-80 % selber, die restlichen 20-30% werden mit frischen Bambus an 2 Futterplätzen zu gefüttert. Somit ist die Aussicht quasi garantiert. Schon vorm Start der Tour hatte unser sehr netter Guide erzählt, dass es einen wenige Tage alten Elefantenbullen im Gelände gibt. Als wir diesen dann aber mit seiner Mutter zu Gesicht bekamen war das ein unglaublich schönes Erlebnis. Der Guide achtete auf genug Abstand und Ruhe. Da unsere kleine Gruppe aber genau dieses Erlebnis suchte harmonierte das alles perfekt. Wir standen vielleicht 10 - 15 m entfernt von den Tieren auf einer leicht erhöhten Position. Die Tiere liesen sich von uns überhaupt nicht stören und man konnte sehen, dass es ihnen sehr gut geht. Kein Vergleich zu dem Camp, welches ich bei meinem letzten Besuch in Thailand besuchte. Auf unserem weiteren Weg sahen wir noch einige Elefanten und auch 3 Wasserbüffel in den Reisfeldern. Wer wollte konnte noch ein erfrischendes Bad am Wasserfall nehmen und dann ging es weiter zurück zum Ausgangspunkt, welchen wir nach cirka 2- 2,5 h wieder erreichten. Dort ga es noch ein leckeres Mittag mit Reis aus eigenem Anbau. Insgesamt eine wundervolle Erfahrung. Genau so, wie man sich ein solches Camp vorstellt, bei dem es zuerst um das Wohl der Tiere geht. Organisatorisch auch perfekt. Kommunikation extrem schnell und gut. Binnen 1 - 2 Minuten bekam man eine Antwort. Der Fahrer war pünktlich da und brachte uns sehr sicher zum Camp und zurück. Orga definitiv volle Punktzahl. Aber auch für alles andere. Speziell wer mal nach Abwechslung zum Trubel der Stadt, ihren Tempeln, Märkten und Restaurants sucht ist hier genau richtg. Meiner Meinung nach jeden einzelnen Baht, Euro oder Dollar wert. Unser absolutes Highlight in den 7 Tagen Chiang Mai
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Journey54302726444 
 
 
 
 Verified Top ervaring op een ethische olifantenopvang We hebben een top middag gehad in een prachtige omgeving boven in de bergen. We zagen alle vier de olifanten. Er was zelfs een kleine babyolifant van slechts drie dagen oud. Je kunt de olifanten bewonderen, maar op een respectvolle afstand. Er is geen sieraadje van aanraken, bad of voeren. De olifanten genieten van hun vrije tijd in de bergen. Een ethische opvang, waarbij ze hart voor de olifanten hebben die voorheen hard voor de mens hebben moeten werken. De gids was erg vriendelijk en sprak Engels. Hij zorgde ervoor dat je de dieren en de prachtige omgeving volledig kon waarderen. Er was ook nog tijd voor een verfrissende duik in de waterval. Na de middagwandeling wordt er een eenvoudig, maar smaakvol diner geserveerd. Tijdens het eten, kan je (na)genieten van het prachtige uitzicht. Het was echt een geweldige ervaring!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   James Rowdon 
 
 
 
 Verified A very rewarding, authentic and ethical experience. It's quite rare in life that something you plan meets your expectations fully but our experience at Eve79 was everything I was hoping it would be. Trekking through the jungle and tracking elephants and then observing the elephants in what would be their natural habitat. We are a family of 4, with two young children (4yrs and 16mnths) and the trek was challenging for our 4 year old, but possible with some carrying. The kids were kept engaged by preparing 'medicine balls' for the elephants which we handed to a dedicated member of staff who distributed the balls on the ground a safe distance away so we could watch the elephants emerge from the jungle to eat. We were really impressed by the guide's concern for the elephants and our children and the way he would move us out of the elephant's path if he felt they were getting too close. No touching, no bathing, no riding, no hooks... exactly how it should be. Our guide also explained that there are no fences keeping the elephants captive, they stay because the sanctuary provides food for them every day, but they are in theory free to leave. There are staff members keeping track of the elephant's whereabouts and constantly cutting bamboo and grasses for them to eat. I think a full day tour would be enough, but we stayed overnight and had a great time. They really made us feel part of the family. I don't have anything to compare it to, but if you are after an authentic experience tracking a few elephants then this is the sanctuary for you... I f you wanted to see lots and lots of elephants, or get up really close, or didn't want to walk far then this maybe wouldn't be as ideal for you as it was for us.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blanca B 
 
 
 
 Verified Magnífica experiencia Ha superado todas nuestras expectativas, el sitio es precioso y muy grande, el guía es majísimo y divertido y lo más importante, los elefantes están totalmente en libertad, simplemente los observas en su hábitat natural y no interactúas con ellos. Un 10!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sharonandtonycannell 
 
 
 
 Verified A wonderful trip to a truly ethical sanctuary. Beautiful surroundings and guides that respected the elephants. A wonderful day in a truly ethical sanctuary. Watching the elephants roaming was truly magical. All the elephant sanctuary’s claim to be ethical now. Some are more ethical than others. We did our research carefully to ensure we weren’t encouraging a sanctuary with mass tourism. This was truly ethical. Watching from afar. No touching, no riding, no feeding, no bathing. Just as it should be. And the lunch was an unexpected bonus. Rice harvested from the fields below. Truly wonderful.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie G 
 
 
 
 Verified Elephant Sanctuary Eve79 is a great elephant sanctuary with a small number of elephants. I feel this is better than some sanctuaries with many elephants as they have more space to roam freely. I'd recommend a half day tour which is plenty of time to see the elephants eating, visit the waterfall and eat some fresh lunch.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lucy f 
 
 
 
 Verified Based on mutual respect So amazing! Very cool to see the elephants living freely. After visiting this, I can’t imagine how watching elephants in captivity would be enjoyable. This is the only way to do it!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jolanda v 
 
 
 
 Verified Unieke ervaring waarin het welzijn van de olifanten voorop staat We wilden een olifantenreservaat bezoeken waarin het welzijn van de olifanten belangrijk is en dat is bij Eve79 zeker het geval. Je bent toeschouwer, je blijft op gepaste afstand, prachtige omgeving bovenop de berg. Je moet wel goed te been zijn want je wandelend door het bos/ jungle. Nadat je de olifanten heb gezien sluit je af bij een mooie waterval waar je kan zwemmen. We hadden het ochtendprogramma geboekt en kregen na afloop van de tour heerlijke rijst en meloen.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   caitlin d 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 Highly recommend, you can tell the elephants are well looked after. If you want to see elephants and not contribute to their exploitation, this really is the place to go. The staff are lovely, and the food at the end was lovely.

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