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 or bathing because elephants aren’t entertainment.

They’re family.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai - EVE79
Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai

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.

100%
    Ethical
       4+
    Rescued Elephants 
      5★
Conservation Rating

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

Elephant Calf • Jungle Explorer 

Born into safety at the sanctuary, Elephant is curious, playful, and loves chasing butterflies through the trees.

Elephant reminds us what true freedom looks like when life begins with safety, love, and the freedom to simply be an elephant.

Mae Doi & Mae Noi - 8 and 12 years old • Soul Sisters

Soul Sisters

Rescued from separate trekking camps, these two formed an instant bond that has only grown stronger over time.

Rarely seen apart, they spend their days walking side by side, sharing quiet moments, and offering each other comfort, companionship, and unwavering friendship.

Pulu - 35 years old • Silent Healer

Silent Healer

Once used in logging and ceremonies, Elephant arrived carrying scars from a difficult past.

Elephant spends his days roaming freely through the forest, foraging at his own pace, and resting beneath his favorite fig tree.

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.

EVE79 Elephant Sanctuary

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

Daily Schedule

Pricing

What’s Included in Your Experience

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.

Posted on Google Google
Amber M profile picture
Amber M
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing tour would recommend! Guide was great, fun and knowledgeable. It was a truly ethical sanctuary where the four elephants are free to roam around and you observe them. We got to see a baby elephant at one month old which was incredible. Dip in the waterfall was also very refreshing after the walking.
Posted on Google Google
pilar soto garcia profile picture
pilar soto garcia
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hemos pasado una mañana increible, el guía habla un poquito de español, lo cual hemos agradecido. Es todo precioso, muy natural, los elefantes libres, justo lo que buscabamos. Hay un paseo muy agradable en el que los vas buscando. La comida que te ponen está muy buen Lo recomiendo
Posted on Google Google
Matilde Gachet profile picture
Matilde Gachet
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
La journée s’est super bien passé avec notre guide, c’était l’expérience que nous attendions d’un sanctuaire d’éléphant avec un respect total des animaux dans un endroit magnifique, pas d’approche invasive, pas de nourrissage. Nous avons vu deux mamans avec leur bébés de 1 mois et de 3 ans. C’était tellement émouvant et magnifique ! Inoubliable. Nous avons sentis la passion du guide dans toutes les explications qu’il nous a donné! Nous sommes ensuite allé nous baigner dans une cascade dans les environs, après être passé à travers des rizières et la jungle. Nous avons même pu goûter un délicieux riz cultivé dans les rizières juste en bas de l’habitation, à la fin de notre tour. Je recommande à 100% Merci!
Posted on Google Google
ann hermans profile picture
ann hermans
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great place, with respect for the elephants! 🥰🤩
Posted on Google Google
Clémence LALOZ profile picture
Clémence LALOZ
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Rambo II is a great guide !
Posted on Google Google
MoNTjuReD profile picture
MoNTjuReD
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very animal friendly, great guide, more than just seeing some elephants. Overall a great experience! If you are looking for a respectful, nature friendly place to see elephants, this sanctuary is a great decision!
Posted on Google Google
Acalex profile picture
Acalex
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Toller Guide, respektvoller Umgang mit den Tieren, Wanderung durch den Dschungel. Alles sehr naturbelassen. Super Tag!
Posted on Google Google
Frederik Ludwig profile picture
Frederik Ludwig
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sehr freundlicher Guide, leckeres Essen und die Elefanten werden mit viel Respekt behandelt. Große Empfehlung!
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex 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
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marina D profile picture
Marina D
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Eve 79 elephant santuario Un sitio increíble. Un santuario de lo más ético y un paisaje precioso. Rambo es el mejor!! La comida buenísima. Excelente día.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Carolina V profile picture
Carolina V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Espectacular Una experiencia inolvidable. El sitio es espectacular para ver los elefantes y la naturaleza y el guía Rambo es maravilloso. Muy recomendable para ir tanto solo como con amigos
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Inma R profile picture
Inma R
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Visita santuario ético La experiencia recomendable, nuestro guía, Rambo, un hombre malísimo y súper gracioso. El santuario es ético y precioso. Dimos una vuelta donde pudimos ver elefantes y monos, hicimos una parada en el río y nos dieron de comer.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christine V profile picture
Christine V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience Elephant in the wild If you want a truly ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, go with Eve79. Khun Kong was an amazing guide who taught us about the local flora and the history of these rescued elephants. We loved that there was no riding or forced bathing—just pure observation in a beautiful mountain setting. The visit to the waterfall and the delicious local lunch were the perfect way to end the day. 5 stars all the way!"
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kan G profile picture
Kan G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Unser Highlight in Chiang Mai Ein unglaublich tolles Erlebnis. Andere werben mit Worten wie ethisch oder natürlich, hier trifft alles zu und das an einem wirklich wunderschönen nahezu magischen Ort mitten in einer tollen Landschaft. Schon bei der Ankunft streifte der Blick über die schönen kleinen Reisterrassen hinüber zum Wald. Nach einer kurzen Begrüßung gab es ein paar Infos zu Elefanten im allgemeinen, für jeden ein Paar Gummistiefel und schon ging es los auf einen Rundweg durch das Gelände. Bereits nach vielleicht 200 Metern tauchte am gegenüberliegenden Berghang ein Elefant auf einer Lichtung auf, allerdings sehr weit entfernt. Da sich die Tiere komplett frei bewegen können sieht man sie immer wieder an unterschiedlichen Plätzen. Sie ernähren sich zu 70-80 % selber, die restlichen 20-30% werden mit frischen Bambus an 2 Futterplätzen zu gefüttert. Somit ist die Aussicht quasi garantiert. Schon vorm Start der Tour hatte unser sehr netter Guide erzählt, dass es einen wenige Tage alten Elefantenbullen im Gelände gibt. Als wir diesen dann aber mit seiner Mutter zu Gesicht bekamen war das ein unglaublich schönes Erlebnis. Der Guide achtete auf genug Abstand und Ruhe. Da unsere kleine Gruppe aber genau dieses Erlebnis suchte harmonierte das alles perfekt. Wir standen vielleicht 10 - 15 m entfernt von den Tieren auf einer leicht erhöhten Position. Die Tiere liesen sich von uns überhaupt nicht stören und man konnte sehen, dass es ihnen sehr gut geht. Kein Vergleich zu dem Camp, welches ich bei meinem letzten Besuch in Thailand besuchte. Auf unserem weiteren Weg sahen wir noch einige Elefanten und auch 3 Wasserbüffel in den Reisfeldern. Wer wollte konnte noch ein erfrischendes Bad am Wasserfall nehmen und dann ging es weiter zurück zum Ausgangspunkt, welchen wir nach cirka 2- 2,5 h wieder erreichten. Dort ga es noch ein leckeres Mittag mit Reis aus eigenem Anbau. Insgesamt eine wundervolle Erfahrung. Genau so, wie man sich ein solches Camp vorstellt, bei dem es zuerst um das Wohl der Tiere geht. Organisatorisch auch perfekt. Kommunikation extrem schnell und gut. Binnen 1 - 2 Minuten bekam man eine Antwort. Der Fahrer war pünktlich da und brachte uns sehr sicher zum Camp und zurück. Orga definitiv volle Punktzahl. Aber auch für alles andere. Speziell wer mal nach Abwechslung zum Trubel der Stadt, ihren Tempeln, Märkten und Restaurants sucht ist hier genau richtg. Meiner Meinung nach jeden einzelnen Baht, Euro oder Dollar wert. Unser absolutes Highlight in den 7 Tagen Chiang Mai
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Journey54302726444 profile picture
Journey54302726444
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Top ervaring op een ethische olifantenopvang We hebben een top middag gehad in een prachtige omgeving boven in de bergen. We zagen alle vier de olifanten. Er was zelfs een kleine babyolifant van slechts drie dagen oud. Je kunt de olifanten bewonderen, maar op een respectvolle afstand. Er is geen sieraadje van aanraken, bad of voeren. De olifanten genieten van hun vrije tijd in de bergen. Een ethische opvang, waarbij ze hart voor de olifanten hebben die voorheen hard voor de mens hebben moeten werken. De gids was erg vriendelijk en sprak Engels. Hij zorgde ervoor dat je de dieren en de prachtige omgeving volledig kon waarderen. Er was ook nog tijd voor een verfrissende duik in de waterval. Na de middagwandeling wordt er een eenvoudig, maar smaakvol diner geserveerd. Tijdens het eten, kan je (na)genieten van het prachtige uitzicht. Het was echt een geweldige ervaring!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
James Rowdon profile picture
James Rowdon
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A very rewarding, authentic and ethical experience. It's quite rare in life that something you plan meets your expectations fully but our experience at Eve79 was everything I was hoping it would be. Trekking through the jungle and tracking elephants and then observing the elephants in what would be their natural habitat. We are a family of 4, with two young children (4yrs and 16mnths) and the trek was challenging for our 4 year old, but possible with some carrying. The kids were kept engaged by preparing 'medicine balls' for the elephants which we handed to a dedicated member of staff who distributed the balls on the ground a safe distance away so we could watch the elephants emerge from the jungle to eat. We were really impressed by the guide's concern for the elephants and our children and the way he would move us out of the elephant's path if he felt they were getting too close. No touching, no bathing, no riding, no hooks... exactly how it should be. Our guide also explained that there are no fences keeping the elephants captive, they stay because the sanctuary provides food for them every day, but they are in theory free to leave. There are staff members keeping track of the elephant's whereabouts and constantly cutting bamboo and grasses for them to eat. I think a full day tour would be enough, but we stayed overnight and had a great time. They really made us feel part of the family. I don't have anything to compare it to, but if you are after an authentic experience tracking a few elephants then this is the sanctuary for you... I f you wanted to see lots and lots of elephants, or get up really close, or didn't want to walk far then this maybe wouldn't be as ideal for you as it was for us.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Blanca B profile picture
Blanca B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Magnífica experiencia Ha superado todas nuestras expectativas, el sitio es precioso y muy grande, el guía es majísimo y divertido y lo más importante, los elefantes están totalmente en libertad, simplemente los observas en su hábitat natural y no interactúas con ellos. Un 10!!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
sharonandtonycannell profile picture
sharonandtonycannell
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A wonderful trip to a truly ethical sanctuary. Beautiful surroundings and guides that respected the elephants. A wonderful day in a truly ethical sanctuary. Watching the elephants roaming was truly magical. All the elephant sanctuary’s claim to be ethical now. Some are more ethical than others. We did our research carefully to ensure we weren’t encouraging a sanctuary with mass tourism. This was truly ethical. Watching from afar. No touching, no riding, no feeding, no bathing. Just as it should be. And the lunch was an unexpected bonus. Rice harvested from the fields below. Truly wonderful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sophie G profile picture
Sophie G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Elephant Sanctuary Eve79 is a great elephant sanctuary with a small number of elephants. I feel this is better than some sanctuaries with many elephants as they have more space to roam freely. I'd recommend a half day tour which is plenty of time to see the elephants eating, visit the waterfall and eat some fresh lunch.
4.9
 
Average Guest Rating
500+

Happy Visitors

100%
Would Recommend To a Friend
4.9
 
Average Rating
 
500+
Happy Visitors
100%
Would Recommend

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EVE79 a no-riding, ethical elephant sanctuary?

Yes. EVE79 is an observation-only sanctuary in Chiang Mai. There is no elephant riding, no bathing, and no shows. Rescued elephants roam freely in the forest and guests observe them without forced interaction.

Half-day tours are 1,800 THB per adult and 1,200 THB per child (4–12). Full-day tours are 2,500 THB per adult and 1,800 THB per child. The 2 days 1 night experience is 4,500 THB per adult and 2,500 THB per child. Infants visit free. Prices include round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city centre.

The sanctuary is in Mae Wang District, Mae Win Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city centre is included with every booking, with morning pickups at 7:00–7:30 AM and afternoon pickups at 12:00–12:30 PM.

Each visit includes an expert English-speaking guide, round-trip transport from Chiang Mai, insurance, access to elevated forest viewing platforms, tea, coffee and drinking water, and a herbal inhaler souvenir.
Each visit includes an expert English-speaking guide, round-trip transport from Chiang Mai, insurance, access to elevated forest viewing platforms, tea, coffee and drinking water, and a herbal inhaler souvenir.
Yes. EVE79 is fully licensed and recognised by the Thai Government, and all operations meet the required legal and ethical standards for elephant care.

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.

Officially Certified by Thai Authorities
Thai Officially Certified
Certificate Number

Book your visit

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.
Contact Information
Choose Your Program and Date
Your Hotel Name and Room #