Half-Day Elephant Experience at Rantong
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Ran-Tong is devoted to rescuing abused elephants from all over Thailand and surrounding countries. Every elephant rescued is brought to the sanctuary in Chiang Mai and cared for with great passion and enthusiasm. Our mission is not only geared towards the protection and prevention of abused Elephants in Thailand but also to educate the public about their long history within Thai culture. Founded in 2009, Ran-Tong has rescued over 40 elephants to date with the help of public generosity, support, and private donation they can continue their ongoing vital work. Our priority is animal welfare. At Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre, you will completely get to learn a lot about elephants and have a memorable experience with them.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
ITINERARY - Pick you up from your hotel/accommodation in Chiang Mai city. - Drives approximately 1 hour to Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre in Mae Taeng District. - On arrival, you will change to Mahout Style Karen clothes and start your elephant school where you will learn all about the centre and these incredible creatures. - Make vitamins for the elephants including pregnant, injured, and old elephants. - Meet the elephants, walk with them, take a bath for them and observe them in their natural habitat. - Say goodbye to the elephants and change your clothes. - Lunch/Dinner - Thai food, seasonal fruits, and drinking water. - Leave Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre and go back to your hotel/accommodation in Chiang Mai city. **You should bring spare clothes, comfortable shoes, sandals that you do not mind getting wet and dirty, shampoo and soap, a camera, mosquito spray or insect repellent.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch for Half Day Morning or Dinner for Half Day Afternoon
Mahout Style Karen Clothes to change
Travel Insurance
Pickup points
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Half-Day Elephant Experience at Rantong
Pickup included
Reviews
617 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tourist conveyor belt .
Katieposh,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Not convinced that this is an ethical experience. Felt a bit tourist conveyor belt. We had booked another experience but the driver turned up at the wrong time & we ended up on this one . This wasn't our decision it was forced upon us . Elephants at times seem to be bribed to do things to entertain tourists. Our guide told us some of the back stories of the Elephants but really don't know how genuine it all was . Do lots of research before you book ! Things aren't always what they are sold as.
Great visit, loved feeding the elephants close up in an unconstrained environment.
petermP771XA,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were on a half day tour (morning) and had several oportunities to feed the elephants. We also watched them bathing in a large pool. It was possible to paddle in the water next to them and throw water over them (although we chose not too!). They were very friendly and not forced to do anything they didn't want to do. Thoroughly recommended.
Amazing Experience
Sabrina M,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an absolutely amazing experience. We got to feed and bath the Elephant's. This is very well organized! You should definitely make this a must.
Best day of our trip!
ICLJA,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00OMG this was a huge highlight of our 3 week trip. The staff at the Sanctuary were so caring in looking after the elephants and they all seemed really well looked after and happy. Nikon was our guide for the morning and he was a fund of knowledge . It was definitely value for money which included a lovely lunch. Groups were not too big so everyone got up close to the elephants, fed and bathed them - I absolutely would recommend this trip to anyone who loves elephants!
You must try this
Navigator801296,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The staff were brilliant and clearly cared about the animals. Plenty of hands on time with the elephants and lots of useful information from the staff.
It was a great...
Michael K,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience, the elephants were very friendly and fun, the guides were informative of elephant behavior. Change of clothes provided as well as boots so no concerns regarding getting your clothes or shoes dirty or muddy. You can shower after if you want. It’s a little long ride to and from 45 minutes. Would highly recommend.
Thai Elephants in their natural habitat!! Great hands-on experience!
migolfergirl,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience! To stand next to one of these massive animals is amazing. To learn about them is incredible. To feed them and bathe them is awe inspiring. The guides at Rantong Elephant Sanctuary are wonderful. They and the elephant keepers are great both with the animals and the guests. The elephants are well cared for, and seem bonded to both the staff and the members of the herd. This is a popular venue northwest of Chiang Mai. It’s a 45-55 minute van ride. People are put in 10-12 person groups, and given Thai work clothes to put on. There is a lot of education given about these elephants: their history, their nutritional and emotional needs, and their life expectancy and care. I have a lot of large animal experience, but have never been around elephants. They can knock you over if you are standing next to them when they shift their weight! They are incredibly sweet and well cared for. You work up a bit of an appetite during the morning session. After we had showered and changed back into our clothes, we were treated to a lunch of fruit and some delicious Pad Thai. This excursion is a must! Very well done and you’ll feel bonded to the animals and people when you leave!!
Great experience!!
Cordia E,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Amazing experience! 5/5! Our guide seven was well informed and really noce, food delicious and everything was good! Thank you so much 🙏🙏
The Elephant Sanctuary was Heavenly.
N6700JZtomm,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a memorable experience! We learned a lot about elephants and were fully oriented on safety before feeding, bathing and posing for pictures up close (as close as you can get)! A must! Our guide Nid was our personal photographer too and she and our driver were very kind and accommodating to our needs. Transportation was top notch and they worked well as a team making stops at every place we wanted to see.
Very good
Jan P,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was very good, feeding the elephants has a duration of about 3 hours.
From THB 1,800.00
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Operated by Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre