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

1,164 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1124

A close up with elephants that's not a circus show
blueboo,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really wonderful day out and make sure you go prepared - aqua shoes, costume or clothes you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen and insect spray. We were picked up at our hotel on time in a good quality air conditioned minibus and taken to the first stop about 40 minutes outside the city for the bamboo rafting. Our guide spoke great English and was friendly and informative. Our group was of 8 and, at the river, we were shown to 2 long bamboo rafts with wooden seats and offered a sun hat if we wanted one. The rafting is a gentle 40 minute downriver progression like a punt with a man with pole front and back, passing elephants towards the end. We docked and got back in the van to head a few miles up the road to the elephant sanctuary. There are 16 elephants there between 18 months and 63yrs that are free to roam the lands in the day. They're not made to perform for visitors or get into poses for photos. You're shown how to chop sugarcane and pumpkin you take to feed whichever elephants want food. We were given a shoulder pouch of food to take around with us and now and then we're surprised by a sneaky trunk delving for a 'help yourself'. There is an hour's walk across the river and following a stream which a mahout led 2 elephants out on so they could get a mud bath, some tree trunk scratches and some fresh cut young bamboo before getting in the river. It was an amazing experience to follow along in their footsteps and watch them so their thing. After the walk a simple tasty lunch of noodles, stir-fried vegetables, chicken, and watermelon and off to the limestone waterfalls. We thought we would hate that as it was crowded, but the 15 minutes climb up the falls was fun. Lots of people stop in the falls for selfies which is annoying because it forces you to go round them where the ground is more slippy. Wear aqua shoes! An hour back into the city so the day was from 8am to 4.30 and we'll worth the money. Please tip the guide and driver as they work so hard to make it a great experience.
Great experience!
winneyz2021,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide Paul was great, he had a great sense of humor and answered all of our questions very enthusiastically. The elephant sanctuary was very cool, getting to walk with them was a little scary at first, but we quickly got the hang of it! Would definitely do again if I had the chance! Bamboo rafting was a nice mellow relaxing activity but it was very hot under the sun. Sticky waterfall was a great way to cool off, and Paul took awesome photos and videos throughout the trip for us!
Paul was an amazing tour...
Winney Z,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Paul was an amazing tour guide! He explained every thing and answered all of our questions with enthusiasm! Elephant sanctuary was very nice and being able to walk with them was a little scary at first, but quickly got the hang of it and loved it! Paul also took great pictures as well!
🌟🐘 ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED – BEAUTIFUL AMY IS A LEGEND! 🐘🌟
patrickfK1163LA,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re in Chiang Mai and you’re NOT going on a tour with Beautiful Amy, you’re doing it wrong. Seriously. 😄🔥 This wasn’t just an elephant and waterfall tour – it was a whole experience on another level. And that is 100% because of Amy. 💛 Beautiful Amy is simply WOW. Charming, funny, warm, and incredibly genuine – it felt like spending the day with a good friend rather than a guide. 😂 Her humor? Top tier. She had us laughing the entire time, always natural, never forced. The perfect balance between entertainment and real human connection. 🌿 Her stories? Priceless. Amy didn’t just show us places – she shared real insights into her life, her journey, and her perspective. That’s what makes a trip truly special. 🐘 The tour itself? Beautiful. The elephants were amazing, the waterfall was stunning – but Amy turned it into something you don’t just see, you actually feel and remember. 🙏 And very important: I was the one constantly stopping, walking slowly, amazed by everything 😄 – and Amy had endless patience, always looking out for me and never rushing me. That’s real quality. 🔥 Final verdict: Beautiful Amy is not just a guide – she IS the highlight of the entire experience. If you get the chance: Go with her. No debate. 💫 Thank you, Beautiful Amy – you made this day unforgettable! 💫
Dreamlike
N M,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An absolutely fantastic experience! Anytime again! You can observe the elephants in their natural habitat. The guides are super friendly!
Good tour and fun activities
X5216NGalvaroa,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great day in this tour, the 3 activities were really fun and the guide Nathan was nice and gave us all the time to enjoy the experience.
Unforgettable Elephant Encounter & Sticky Waterfall Adventure with Nathan 🐘💦
M1930WOpedrom,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was honestly one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. Getting the chance to see the elephants, feed them, and even see them walking together was something truly special. You can really feel the connection and respect between the guides and the animals, which made the whole experience even more meaningful. After spending time with the elephants, we headed to the famous “sticky waterfall,” and that was just as incredible. Climbing up the waterfall is such a unique experience—the rocks really do have amazing grip, making it surprisingly easy (and fun) to walk up the flowing water. It’s something completely different from any typical waterfall visit. A big part of what made the day so enjoyable was our guide, Nathan. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged. He explained everything clearly, kept the energy high, and added a lot of fun to the whole experience.
Amazing!!!
R4190UCmegana,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an absolutely fantastic day out and value for money. Amy was a perfect tour guide. Probably the best guide we’ve ever had. Day was planned perfectly :)
Amy is the best!
518ravenj,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amy was incredible! The best tour guide I have ever had. She is funny and made sure everyone was having a good time while also staying safe! She also takes the most incredible photos! Thank you beautiful Amy!!!
Great Tour in Chiang Mai!
stevedJ2216PT,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really a great tour! Really enjoyed all 3 parts but the elephant portion was our favorite. The guide was great and the van was very comfortable. I would recommend to anyone. Great way to experience a lot of the Chiang Mai area in 1 day. Priced etremely fair as well.

From THB 1,800.00

4.95

(1,164 reviews)

Free cancellation

Check availability

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Related Experiences

Operated by NEW ELEPHANT HOME

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.

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)

1 hour • Admission Included

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

1,164 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1124

A close up with elephants that's not a circus show
blueboo,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really wonderful day out and make sure you go prepared - aqua shoes, costume or clothes you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen and insect spray. We were picked up at our hotel on time in a good quality air conditioned minibus and taken to the first stop about 40 minutes outside the city for the bamboo rafting. Our guide spoke great English and was friendly and informative. Our group was of 8 and, at the river, we were shown to 2 long bamboo rafts with wooden seats and offered a sun hat if we wanted one. The rafting is a gentle 40 minute downriver progression like a punt with a man with pole front and back, passing elephants towards the end. We docked and got back in the van to head a few miles up the road to the elephant sanctuary. There are 16 elephants there between 18 months and 63yrs that are free to roam the lands in the day. They're not made to perform for visitors or get into poses for photos. You're shown how to chop sugarcane and pumpkin you take to feed whichever elephants want food. We were given a shoulder pouch of food to take around with us and now and then we're surprised by a sneaky trunk delving for a 'help yourself'. There is an hour's walk across the river and following a stream which a mahout led 2 elephants out on so they could get a mud bath, some tree trunk scratches and some fresh cut young bamboo before getting in the river. It was an amazing experience to follow along in their footsteps and watch them so their thing. After the walk a simple tasty lunch of noodles, stir-fried vegetables, chicken, and watermelon and off to the limestone waterfalls. We thought we would hate that as it was crowded, but the 15 minutes climb up the falls was fun. Lots of people stop in the falls for selfies which is annoying because it forces you to go round them where the ground is more slippy. Wear aqua shoes! An hour back into the city so the day was from 8am to 4.30 and we'll worth the money. Please tip the guide and driver as they work so hard to make it a great experience.
Great experience!
winneyz2021,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide Paul was great, he had a great sense of humor and answered all of our questions very enthusiastically. The elephant sanctuary was very cool, getting to walk with them was a little scary at first, but we quickly got the hang of it! Would definitely do again if I had the chance! Bamboo rafting was a nice mellow relaxing activity but it was very hot under the sun. Sticky waterfall was a great way to cool off, and Paul took awesome photos and videos throughout the trip for us!
Paul was an amazing tour...
Winney Z,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Paul was an amazing tour guide! He explained every thing and answered all of our questions with enthusiasm! Elephant sanctuary was very nice and being able to walk with them was a little scary at first, but quickly got the hang of it and loved it! Paul also took great pictures as well!
🌟🐘 ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED – BEAUTIFUL AMY IS A LEGEND! 🐘🌟
patrickfK1163LA,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re in Chiang Mai and you’re NOT going on a tour with Beautiful Amy, you’re doing it wrong. Seriously. 😄🔥 This wasn’t just an elephant and waterfall tour – it was a whole experience on another level. And that is 100% because of Amy. 💛 Beautiful Amy is simply WOW. Charming, funny, warm, and incredibly genuine – it felt like spending the day with a good friend rather than a guide. 😂 Her humor? Top tier. She had us laughing the entire time, always natural, never forced. The perfect balance between entertainment and real human connection. 🌿 Her stories? Priceless. Amy didn’t just show us places – she shared real insights into her life, her journey, and her perspective. That’s what makes a trip truly special. 🐘 The tour itself? Beautiful. The elephants were amazing, the waterfall was stunning – but Amy turned it into something you don’t just see, you actually feel and remember. 🙏 And very important: I was the one constantly stopping, walking slowly, amazed by everything 😄 – and Amy had endless patience, always looking out for me and never rushing me. That’s real quality. 🔥 Final verdict: Beautiful Amy is not just a guide – she IS the highlight of the entire experience. If you get the chance: Go with her. No debate. 💫 Thank you, Beautiful Amy – you made this day unforgettable! 💫
Dreamlike
N M,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An absolutely fantastic experience! Anytime again! You can observe the elephants in their natural habitat. The guides are super friendly!
Good tour and fun activities
X5216NGalvaroa,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great day in this tour, the 3 activities were really fun and the guide Nathan was nice and gave us all the time to enjoy the experience.
Unforgettable Elephant Encounter & Sticky Waterfall Adventure with Nathan 🐘💦
M1930WOpedrom,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was honestly one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. Getting the chance to see the elephants, feed them, and even see them walking together was something truly special. You can really feel the connection and respect between the guides and the animals, which made the whole experience even more meaningful. After spending time with the elephants, we headed to the famous “sticky waterfall,” and that was just as incredible. Climbing up the waterfall is such a unique experience—the rocks really do have amazing grip, making it surprisingly easy (and fun) to walk up the flowing water. It’s something completely different from any typical waterfall visit. A big part of what made the day so enjoyable was our guide, Nathan. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged. He explained everything clearly, kept the energy high, and added a lot of fun to the whole experience.
Amazing!!!
R4190UCmegana,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an absolutely fantastic day out and value for money. Amy was a perfect tour guide. Probably the best guide we’ve ever had. Day was planned perfectly :)
Amy is the best!
518ravenj,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amy was incredible! The best tour guide I have ever had. She is funny and made sure everyone was having a good time while also staying safe! She also takes the most incredible photos! Thank you beautiful Amy!!!
Great Tour in Chiang Mai!
stevedJ2216PT,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really a great tour! Really enjoyed all 3 parts but the elephant portion was our favorite. The guide was great and the van was very comfortable. I would recommend to anyone. Great way to experience a lot of the Chiang Mai area in 1 day. Priced etremely fair as well.