Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting Experience

Overview

Available languages

Thai

English

Mobile ticket

Engage in a day of ethical elephant care and serene bamboo rafting at Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary. Prepare meals for gentle giants, participate in a hands-on vitamin ball workshop, and learn how to make authentic Pad Thai in a local cooking class. After spending quality time with the elephants, drift down the Mae Wang River, soaking in the jungle scenery and the chance to spot these majestic creatures from a distance. This full-day adventure emphasizes respect for wildlife and cultural immersion, making it ideal for animal lovers and those seeking unique local experiences.

- Spend a full day observing elephants in their natural habitat

- Participate in a Pad Thai cooking class and enjoy your meal

- Bamboo rafting along the picturesque Mae Wang River

- Includes transportation, meals, and a certified English-speaking guide

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour will proceed despite the bad weather as long as it is still safe to do the activities.

What to bring • Extra clothes that you don't mind getting wet and dirty • Towel • Insect spray • Jacket (please expect colder weather than Chiang Mai city)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary

Observe elephants as they roam freely in their natural habitat—no riding, no bathing, just respectful, ethical care. At Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary, you'll prepare their food, craft herbal vitamin balls, and help plant for their future. Then, join a hands-on cooking class to make authentic Pad Thai and enjoy your creation before bidding farewell to the elephants.

3 hours 30 minutes • Admission Included

Mae Wang Waterfall

Visit the beautiful Mae Wang Waterfall, a serene escape surrounded by lush jungle and mountain scenery. Cool off beneath the cascading water or take a dip in the shallow stream at its base. The area is perfect for relaxing—sit on smooth rocks, listen to the soothing sound of flowing water, and take in the natural beauty around you. With birds calling overhead and greenery all around, it’s an ideal moment to unwind and reconnect with nature before continuing your adventure.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Drinking water

Cooking workshop materials and ingredients

Material for elephant food and vitamins

Certified English-speaking tour guide

Insurance

All necessary materials and equipment are provided to ensure a safe & ethical elephant observation.

Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (in Chiang Mai city areas)

Your freshly cooked Pad Thai creation

Gratuity (not mandatory)

Pickup points

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Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary and Bamboo Rafting Experience

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Best day ever
784farah,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had the best day yesterday at big boy. They treat the elephants respectfully and prioritise their retirement from shows and logging etc. Immersed in the Karen tribe we learned so much about elephants, Thai tribal cultures and how to cook the perfect pad Thai. Amazing value for money, the bamboo rafting was so peaceful with the chance to see elephants along the water aswell. The waterfall was stunning!! Mr su our guide made the day amazing with top jokes and interesting facts, we all love him.
Unforgettable experience
emmabY3708FR,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This elephant sanctuary we visited was truly amazing from start to finish. The elephants were treated with such care and respect and it was amazing to see them in their natural habitat and to roam freely. We learnt about how to take care of the elephants and what they eat by making them food. We finished the day off by making our own pad Thai as a group and sat and looked out at the elephants while we ate it. A memorable experience that must be done.