Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai — Observation Only
Elephants as they were meant to be wild, free, and never touched.
Why Observation Only?
At our sanctuary, we believe that true respect means giving elephants the freedom to be themselves. Our mission is simple: protect, not perform.
We don’t offer rides, bathing, or feeding because elephants aren’t entertainment.
They’re family.
Respect Their Dignity
Elephants are intelligent, emotional beings. We give them space to express natural behaviors without pressure, tricks, or forced interactions.
Let Them Live Naturally
Here, elephants roam forests, bathe in mud, and bond with their herd — just as they would in the wild. Observation lets you witness their real personalities without interruption.
Your Visit Makes a Difference
When you book a visit with us, you’re doing more than joining an ethical elephant experience — you’re becoming part of something bigger.
Every booking goes directly to support:
Elephant care and well-being
The salaries and training of their caretakers
Scholarships and school lunches for children in the local hill tribe village
Your support helps protect these gentle giants and give back to the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them.
Our Promise to the Elephants
Every elephant here lives free from chains, from performances, from pressure.
No rides. No shows. No tricks. Just elephants being elephants, loved, protected, and finally at peace.
Meet Our Family
Each elephant at our sanctuary has their own journey of rescue, healing, and rediscovery of freedom. They are not just animals. They are teachers, mothers, protectors, and friends.
Kai
2 years old • Jungle Explorer
Born into safety at the sanctuary, Kai is curious, playful, and loves chasing butterflies through the trees.
He reminds us every day what freedom looks like when it begins at birth.
- First baby born under full ethical care
Mae Doi & Mae Noi
8 and 12 years old • Soul Sisters
Rescued from separate trekking camps, these two bonded instantly.
Now inseparable, they spend their days walking in sync and napping side by side.
- Known for synchronized trunk hugs
Pulu
35 years old • Silent Healer
Once used in logging and ceremonies, Pulu arrived with deep scars — seen and unseen.
Now, she spends his days slowly foraging through the forest and resting beneath his favorite fig tree.
- Loves music and responds to calm voices
Each elephant at Eve79 Sanctuary carries a story of survival, healing, and hope.
As you walk alongside them, our guides will gently share their pasts and the path that led them to safety.
Your Visit Experience
More than a tour — this is a peaceful journey of connection, understanding, and presence.
Every step is designed to honor the elephants — and awaken something in you.
Welcome & Education (30 min)
Begin your visit with a warm greeting from our local team.
We’ll share our story, explain the importance of observation-only care, and help you understand how to respectfully engage with these incredible beings.
Guided Observation (2-4 hours)
Follow forest paths and natural viewing spots as you watch elephants roam freely — grazing, playing, resting, or socializing at their own pace.
There’s no show here — just real, raw elephant life unfolding before you.
Reflection & Q&A (30 min)
After your walk, we invite you to pause, share, and ask.
Talk with our guides, reflect on what you saw, and learn how your visit helps protect elephants for generations to come.
Program options
- Half-Day Morning
- Half-Day Afternoon
- Full Day Program
- 2 Days / 1 Night Stay
Daily Schedule
- Morning Tour: Pickup at 7:00-7:30 AM
- Afternoon Tour: Pickup at 12:00-12:30 PM
- Full Day Tour: Pickup at 07:00-07:30 AM
Pricing
-
Half-Day:
Adult : 1,800 THB
Children(4–12 y.o) : 1,200 THB -
Full Day:
Adult : 2,500 THB
Children(4–12 y.o) : 1,800 THB -
2 Day 1 Night:
Adult : 4,500 THB
Children(4–12 y.o) : 2,500 THB - Infant visit for free
What’s Included in Your Experience
- Expert guide with deep knowledge of elephant behavior & conservation
- Insurance
- Round-trip transportation from Chiang Mai city center
- Elevated viewing platforms with forest views
- Tea & Coffee
- You will receive a herbal inhaler as a souvenir from us
- Drink Water
What Our Guests Say
Real moments. Real emotions. Hear from travelers who felt the magic of truly ethical elephant observation where peace, respect, and wonder come together.
EXCELLENT Based on 64 reviews Posted on Matthew DawsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There are places in Thailand where elephant are exploited. This is NOT that. Ethical, friendly fab staff and scenery. Highly recommendPosted on Julian KohlTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Es war unglaublich schön das Tierwohl steht an erster Stelle und man bekommt alles ausführlich erklärt, super organisiert und hinterher gibt es Reis aus regionaler Ernte. Kann ich nur weiterempfehlen wirklich tolle Menschen. Ich glaube ein besseres Elefanten Erlebnis kann man nicht haben.Posted on elana fortsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did the half day morning tour. Was exceptional. The elephants are roaming around in a large area. We walked through the forest for about 10 minutes to see the first pair - a mama and baby. It was breathtaking to see the elephants at ease versus behind fences. We were able to get up fairly close and observe the elephants. Wear shoes that are OK to get muddy. Definitely more of an “adventure” option versus other tours but so so so so glad I did this one and the elephants truly seem treated wellPosted on Kirsty MannTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a full day tour at eve79 and it was the highlight of my 3 month Asia trip! I did my research to find a truly ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand, as there is so many that claim to be but are not. Eve79 really looks after their 3 elephants. They are completely free to roam around (not chained up at night like some sanctuaries!), what keeps them in the area is the food supply the keepers place for them. The tour was super fun, we chopped sugar cane, made medicine balls and trekked through the jungle to simply observe these beautiful giants. The little elephant was very playful and did come up to us and touch us many times so is perhaps too familiar with humans, but it made the experience very exciting. Worth noting that they do not breed the elephants either, the mum was already pregnant when she arrived at the sanctuary. We also had a simple but delicious fried rice meal and fruit after the trek. As we were in low season, the tour also just ended up being me and my husband which was extra special! I would 100% recommend this place!Posted on Ben TapleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our stand out experience in Asia! Cannot recommend this enough. My wife did a lot of research into ethical Elephant sanctuaries. Those other "ethical" sanctuaries, the really popular ones, actually chain the Elephants up at night and heard them around in the day to be over bathed and hand fed by large volumes of tourists. Where as Eve79 is completely hands off, observation only. The Three (soon to be four) elephants are free to roam / leave their secluded valley, but stay / return due to their food being subsidised by the local villages, paid for by your visit. There are two adult females, rescued from domestic work. One arrived pregnant and now has a lovely 2 y.o. son. The second left the sanctuary for a few months and mated with a wild Bull before returning and is due to give berth shortly. They are watched over by locals who lay out food strategically for your visit, some of which you prepare yourself, leading the Elephants with "carrots not sticks" for you to see. We visited in May and had the day to ourselves. You do get quite close, and the baby elephant may want to come to you so be prepared for some close encounters. It's also a bit of a treck through some steep bush to get to the viewing points. It's a new enterprise, raw and simple in the most authentic non-commercial way, and will benefit from your support.Posted on Will CoxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tour and owners. Would recommend.Posted on M MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really good experienciePosted on Louis SalmonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This experience was unique and fascinating. We got super close to the Elephants doing their own thing. A few designated feeding places where you watch and observe them in this peaceful and safe environment. Watching them wondering off and ripping leaves off random trees without a care in the world was refreshing!! Our guide Cho was very patient and told us many facts on their daily life, from where they were before getting rescued and where they go to reproduce. Would recommend this experience more then watching Elephants in the entertainment industry.Posted on Katharina TryggedssonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing experience! I have learned a lot more about Asian elephants and it was a stunning experience to walk around the forrest with these gentle giants. The guides will tell you a lot of interesting information about every elephant and you can see them play, forage and walk around freely. They employ ethical practices and you only get to observe the elephants and not interact with them. You also learn a bit about the Karen Hill Tribe and their culture. I am very thankful for this experience!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
EXCELLENT Based on 107 reviews Posted on caitlin dVerified 10/10 Highly recommend, you can tell the elephants are well looked after. If you want to see elephants and not contribute to their exploitation, this really is the place to go. The staff are lovely, and the food at the end was lovely.Posted on Matthew DVerified Ethical and sustainable elephant sanctuary 90 mins from Chiang Mai Fabulous place and staff, amazing scenery. If you want to see elephant in Thailand ethically then this is the place to go. Can’t recommend highly enoughPosted on Ben TVerified An Actual Ethical Sanctuary!!! Cannot recommend this enough. We (my wife) did A LOT of research into ethical sanctuaries. Those other "ethical" places you have heard about, the really popular ones, chain up the elephants at night and herd them about during the day to be over bathed and hand fed by large volumes of tourists. Eve79 is completely hands off, observation only. Three (soon to be four) lovely Elephants (two rescues and a 2 y.o. baby) are completely free in their secluded valley, and only stay because their diet is so well subsidised by the local villagers, paid for by your visit. They are watched over and come by their free will to food laid out strategically on your visit, some of which you prepare yourself. We visited in off season and had the day tour to ourselves. You do get quite close, and the baby elephant may want to come to you so be prepared for some close encounters. It's also a bit of a trek through some steep hill sides to get to the viewing points. It's a new enterprise, raw and simple in the most authentic non-commercial way, and will really benefit from your support. We have been travelling through Asia for two months and so far this has been our stand out experience!Posted on Nina VVerified Unique experience Overall expirience was unique. Communication wia Whatsapp was easy, the transport was well organized and the team was really nice and professional. The place is ethical, no forced interaction with the elephants, just enjoying elephants in their daily routine in a beautiful environment. I loved it!Posted on Flyer33270048342Verified Fantastic elephant sanctuary! Brilliant place! My girlfriend and I visited and we were the only two people there, it is very peaceful and the elephants seem free and happy. They only have three elephants, but you get time to watch them up close. Seems pretty ethical - observation only, no touching / feeding / bathing, which is exactly what we were looking for. We also got to swim in nice waterfall and were given a delicious lunch. Would highly recommend!!Posted on Kjell vVerified Great! Ik en mijn vriendin zijn hier geweest in de ochtend. We waren alleen met de gids om de olifanten van een afstand te bekijken. We wilden graag naar een plek waar olifanten vrij rondlopen en niet aangeraakt kunnen worden. Dit was precies wat hier gebeurde. Echt fantastisch. Ook nog een bezoekje aan een waterval gehad tijdena het wandelen.Posted on Richard OVerified BEST EXPERIENCE IN CHIANG MAI I must say this has been absolutely excellent. Stunning people, guides, winderful scenery, beautiful moments captured forever. Just FIVE star. A lovely lunch was provided also. This will melt your heart and you'll fund peace for a few hours.Posted on james wVerified Trip highlight :) Best elephant sanctuary we have been to. It’s really important to us that everything is ethical for the elephants and this sanctuary absolutely was. You could watch the elephants from a close distance without disturbing and it was very special. Our tour guides were very friendly and welcoming. The waterfall and lunch were lovely extras. For those looking for ethical experiences with elephants then Eve79 is the one to go with :)Posted on thomas bVerified Perfect moment !!!❤️ Comment décrire cette journée... Nous sommes très reconnaissants d'avoir passé ce moment inoubliable avec vous. Nous avons pris la formule full day tout était stupéfiant, autant le lieu, la vue , que la rencontre avec les éléphants et l'équipe incroyable avec qui nous avons passé la journée. Nous avons eu la chance de passer l'après midi seulement à deux car le reste du groupe avait choisi la formule half day... Un privilège unique qui s'est terminé par un petit thaï cooking course non prévu avec dégustation ❤️ merci pour tout !!!Posted on Roni FVerified Thank you Eve79! This was definitely one of our highlights for the whole trip. I did this tour with my husband, a 3 year old and a 7 month old. The van was a little late to pick us up, when it arrived the aircon was barely cooling the car full of people down and the windows wouldn't open... it was a fairly long drive but we managed. So initially I felt a bit like 'oh man, what have we done'. But we arrived and the team were so kind, and friendly, we completely forgot about the drive over. The walk to the first location was pretty easy, though it had some steep, uneven parts. This was a little difficult with our young kids. We saw a beautiful mother and baby - the baby was the same age as mine! It was so special to watch them together, we even saw the baby elephant having some milk. The sanctuary is completely 100% observation only. Even the staff went down to give them some sugar cane and dropped it off at a distance. It was so hard to find an ethical sanctuary in Thailand, but this one was awesome. The elephants have SO much space and are completely respected. After this location, my baby started getting a bit hot and tired. She started to cry, the team were SO caring and went above and beyond for her. Fanning her, keeping us in the shade etc. The rest of the tour moved on, but one guy stayed with us. He took us an easier way to the waterfall, putting me on a motorbike with the baby and walking with my husband. He insisted on carrying our backpack and waterbottle. We got to the waterfall and still had enough time to enjoy that, then he stayed with us and walked us back up another way. He was so kind, taking photos of us as a family along the way. We were just so blown away by the kindness and care from the team. We were then given delicious fried rice with fruit, water, tea + coffee before heading home. Of course we didn't get to 'complete' the tour with everyone else and went a different way, but we didn't feel like we missed out. We felt like we had a really unique experience. They have about 4-5 elephants on site that were all beautifully taken care of. On the drive home we drove past multiple 'sanctuaries' just on the side of the road where you can tell the elephants have been trained to take part and 'perform'. I'm really glad we chose Eve79 instead!
Happy Visitors
Officially Certified by Thai Authorities
We are fully licensed and recognized by the Thai Government. All operations at our sanctuary meet the required legal and ethical standards.