Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour
Overview
Available languages
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.
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.
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
1,054 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic Experience
Thomas T,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful tour with our guide, Poppy! Since we were staying inside the Old City, we were conveniently picked up right at our hotel. On the drive up, we made a quick stop so everyone could grab anything they might need. Our first destination was the Sticky Waterfalls, and we arrived early enough to enjoy them before the crowds. This was such a unique and fun experience! To reach the falls, you’ll walk down several flights of stairs, so wearing a bathing suit is recommended. The water is crystal clear, and it’s amazing to be able to walk on the limestone without slipping. Some areas can be slick, but ropes are available to help you climb. Expect to get a little wet—Poppy even took great photos of us in action. Next, we went bamboo rafting near the elephant sanctuary. Floating downstream was relaxing, and along the way we even spotted a few elephants. Since there’s little shade, I’d recommend bringing sunscreen and a hat. Midway, we stopped at a small riverside stand where you can buy drinks, including fresh coconut water served in a coconut. The final stop was the elephant sanctuary. Before the activities began, we were served lunch, which was a nice chance to chat with other guests. You can choose to wear the provided uniform shirt and hat—I’d recommend the shirt, as it helps protect your clothes from getting dirty. We started by learning about the elephants at the sanctuary, then helped prepare their food. This included cutting bamboo and making nutrient-rich food balls. Feeding the elephants was easy and memorable—they are so gentle! We also walked with them across the river and had more opportunities to feed them. Be prepared to get wet when crossing the river. At the end, there’s a small gift shop near the entrance with some souvenirs. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. The activities were well-organized, Poppy was an excellent guide, and the elephants seemed very well cared for. Highly recommended!
Fantastic day at Elephant sanctuary, waterfall and rafting.
A5020KWphilk,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip seeing the elephants up close in an eco friendly environment, feeding and walking with the elephants through the jungle was a great experience. Stopping on route to climb the waterfall was really enjoyable as was the Bamboo rafting. Our guide Paul was fantastic, with good knowledge about the elephants and a great sense of humour making the trip even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this trip, it was well organised and lunch was good.
Most amazing and unbelievable experience
988rubye,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the most amazing experience ever it was so much bang for buck and the tour guide Paul was so attentive and such fun to do the trip with! The people in our group were super friendly and happy to have made some new friends. Would recommend this trip to anyone whether that’s couples, families or individuals!! :)
Nathan was very kind, he...
Lorraine G,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nathan was very kind, he knew everything about each elephant. The sticky waterfall was super neat! We had a great day.
Amazing trip to Elephant Sanctuary
688callieh,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip visiting the elephant sanctuary. Nathan was our guide and he was excellent. We were in awe of these beautiful creatures. A must do experience while in Chiang Mai
Amazing experience
Y2920KIpatricial,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceeded my expectations 👏 our guide Paul was super kind and friendly. Highly recommend this tour.
Amazing extremely ethical elephant sanctuary
751faithl,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the best day of my life, an incredible experience. Starting off with the sticky waterfall such an amazing cool thing to do. The elephants were incredible and so very ethical, the workers and keepers really care about them. We watched them and the elephants led the way naturally!! The bamboo rafting was so fun and relaxing, with more elephants in their habitat to see. Our guide Paul was amazing and so helpful and explained everything so well!! He made the trip even better!!
Had a very nice day tour With Paul! All boxes checked.
Yulia F,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the trip very much! The pick up was on time, communication with the tour coordinator was seamless, the van was air conditioned and comfortable, free cold water, free digital pictures . No complaints.
Highly recommend!
westerb2026,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went with a small group and it was an amazing experience with our guide Amy who was very friendly and explained everything very nicely. Highly recommend if you're going to Chiang Mai!
Perfect tour!
cj o,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was absolutely fantastic. Paul the guide spoke English clearly and was extremely helpful. The day went perfectly with the waterfall, then Elephants and lastly a lazy river ride on a bamboo raft. Everyone in the group had a great time.
From THB 1,800.00
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