Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience a day of fun and adventure in Chiang Mai with a tour that includes a waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and bamboo rafting.

Your day begins at Bau Tong Waterfall where it allows visitors to climb barefoot—an exciting and rare experiences. Take in the serene natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and refreshing mountain air.

Next, visit Elephant Sanctuary, a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in a natural forest environment. Here, you’ll quietly observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily routines in peace. We respect their freedom by avoiding any riding or direct interaction, choosing instead to walk alongside them and witness their lives in a natural and ethical setting.

The final, enjoy a scenic bamboo rafting experience as you float down the river, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil beauty.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Bua Thong Waterfalls (Nam Phu Chet Si)

We will head directly to the Bua Tong waterfall, which is about an 80-minute drive. We will spend around an hour there to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore to experience the natural adventure at Bua Tong Waterfall to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfall. Next, we will go to the elephant sanctuary, and it takes 40 for drive.

1 hour • Admission Included

After waterfall, we will be heading to elephant sanctuary, which is about 40 minutes away. Elephant Sanctuary is an elephant conservation park located in the scenic Mae Tang Valley, just an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned into a conservation-focused sanctuary. Our herd of 16 elephants thrives in a stress-free environment, where they spend their days eating, playing, and enjoying natural behaviors without the pressures of rides or shows.

3 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Entrance fee

Lunch

Shopping or Souvenir

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Join Tour

Duration: 8 hours Van Transfer service.: Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour Please provide your address so we can pick you up. Pickup included

Reviews

4.95

1,197 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1157

Paul was amazing and handsome
Cruiser51462304530,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Paul was an amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and professional, very caring towards the elephants and knew what he was doing. He took great pictures and he’s also the most handsome man i’ve ever seen.
Paul
641casj,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great tour! We started by going to the Elephant Sanctuary, where the elephants are being cared for very carefully and respectfully, which was amazing to experience. We got a great buffet there as well and plenty of water. Afterwards, there was a bamboo raft, in which you calmfully float through a river on a raft with elephants on the land around you. Finally, we went to the sticky waterfall, which was very cool! You could climb all the way up and it was a great experience as well. I really have to say Paul is the best tour guide there is! He is helpful, funny and tells interesting information. He even carried our shirts all the way up the sticky waterfall and made a lot of beautiful pictures of us. You get picked up at your hotel and brought back and all of this for a great price! Definite recommend!!
Wunderschöne Tiere und freundliche Menschen
639teim,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an honor to be there. Beautiful animals and wonderful people. Greetings to Nathan, our tour guide. Maybe we'll see each other again. Timo
Elephants and sticky waterfall are worth it!
Global16079149709,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were very lucky to have Paul as our tour guide. He was punctual, accommodating, friendly and informative.
Great experience even for young families!
Konnewitz,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We, a young family of 4, had a really great day with many interesting new facts not only about elephants. Our guide Fluke is a nice person and was always able to answer our questions.
Most definitely!
E8021BMricardog,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An incomparable experience, Fluke goes above and beyond to help you connect with the elephants. Totally recommended!
All inclusive, real elephant sanctuary
Julia R,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent choice if you want a real elephant sanctuary. No bathing the elephants or rubbing mud on them which stresses the elephants. Came with a yummy lunch over looking the river with elephants roaming on the other bank. The river rafting was very calm and peaceful with lots of birds singing and fauna. This tour also takes you to the sticking waterfalls. I appreciated that this tour included all the entrance fees toto the various parks and Paul or tor guide was great. He took pictures of us and shared. Great guide!
Excellent Elephant and Water Adventure
Michelle E,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Completely awesome experience! Our tour guide, Paul, was excellent-knowledgeable and passionate about the elephants and very patient with our group. Such a cool experience to spend time with the elephants. All of the tour elements were well organized and timed, making our day effortless and enjoyable. If looking for a memorable day-this excursion is for you.
A real elephant sanctuary!
douonetwo,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Paul was knowledge, very committed to our enjoyment of this tour. The Elephant sanctuary is very conscience of the health and welfare of the elephants. There was no bathing or rubbing mud which scares the elephants. Lunch there was very tasty. The rafting trip was very peaceful and a gentle float down the river. Falls were fun.
A MUST have experience
markbL4178YX,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fortunate to see several cities and attractions during my honeymoon and this by far has been the best. Perfectly paced, we got up and close with elephants, river rafted, and visited the sticky waterfall. Our tour guide Paul was extremely knowledgeable and took time to make sure we had the best time (and great pics!) Thank you Paul and team for an u forgettable experience.