Care Pride Elephants: Full-Day Tour Experience

Exploring Chiang Mai’s elephant sanctuaries is a must for animal lovers, but finding one that balances genuine care with memorable activities can be tricky. The Care Pride Elephant Sanctuary offers just that—a small, thoughtfully managed experience that lets you connect with these majestic creatures without the guilt. This full-day tour is highly rated for its knowledgeable guides, ethical treatment of elephants, and all-inclusive approach.

One thing we particularly love is how this tour keeps the group small—max 12 people—ensuring plenty of interaction and personalized attention. Plus, the emphasis on ethics and animal welfare makes it stand out from many other options. The chance to feed, walk with, and bathe elephants in a natural setting is priceless.

A consideration to keep in mind is the long drive (about two hours each way), which might feel a bit tiring if you’re not accustomed to mountain roads or if your schedule is tight. However, most reviews confirm that the trip is absolutely worth it for the quality of experience and the care shown to the animals.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value ethical tourism, enjoy outdoor activities, and want a meaningful, behind-the-scenes look at elephant care. It’s also ideal if you prefer small groups and a more intimate setting over large, commercialized tours.

Key Points

• Ethical focus: Small group, responsible treatment of elephants
• Inclusive: Thai lunch, bottled water, round-trip transfers
• Educational: Learn how to care for elephants directly from the family owners
• Active & fun: Feeding, walking, mud baths, and river swims with elephants
• Scenic location: In the hills of Inthanon National Park
• Personalized experience: Limited group size for interaction and comfort

An In-Depth Look at the Care Pride Elephant Sanctuary Tour

The Booking & Price Value

At $94.43 per person, this tour offers solid value considering what’s included—round-trip transfers, a full day of activities, a Thai lunch, and water. The reviews reveal that many travelers find this price reasonable, especially given the small group size and the ethical treatment of the elephants. One reviewer pointed out that it might be slightly more expensive than some other sanctuaries, but they believe the quality and care justify the extra cost.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup & Drive

Starting around 8:15 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, often with a friendly driver and knowledgeable guide, such as Coco Loco, who gets good reviews for being engaging and informative. The journey takes you through beautiful mountain scenery in the hills south of Chiang Mai—an opportunity to enjoy the cooler air and lush views.

While the drive lasts about two hours, reviewers mention that it’s part of the charm. The mountain roads may cause some travelers with motion sickness to consider taking medication beforehand, but most agree the scenery and anticipation make the trip worthwhile.

Arrival at Elephant Pride Sanctuary

Once at the sanctuary, the focus shifts to learning about elephants and their personalities. The sanctuary is family-run, with most activities organized by local people who have preserved the land for the animals. The land covers over 9,600 square meters, providing plenty of space for the elephants to roam freely, far from busy roads or stress.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often sharing personal stories about the elephants, including details that only long-term caretakers would know—like the elephants’ behavior and needs.

Interactions & Activities

• Feeding & Petting: You’ll start by feeding the elephants, which many reviews describe as the highlight. As one guest notes, they loved “feeding the grandmother, mother, and 2-year-old baby elephant multiple times,” emphasizing the intimate connection this creates.
• Walking in the Hills: The guided walk takes you through scenic hills with your elephant companions, offering stunning views and a chance to observe their personalities up close.
• Mud Bath & River Swim: The fun extends to mud bathing, which is not only entertaining but also beneficial for the elephants’ skin. Afterward, they enjoy a river swim, with many reviewers mentioning how adorable it is to watch them play and rinse off.
• Respect and Care: Throughout, the staff demonstrates genuine concern for the animals’ welfare. Multiple reviewers pointed out that the elephants appear very happy and healthy, which is reassuring for ethically-minded travelers.

The Food & Refreshments

A delicious Thai lunch is included, served fresh and plentiful. Reviewers rave about the authentic flavors, with some mentioning fried chicken, fried rice, omelets, and fresh fruits. This meal, paired with bottled water, keeps everyone energized for a full day of activities.

Small Group & Personalized Experience

Only a handful of guests are booked per day, which means you won’t be part of a massive crowd. This setup fosters more meaningful interactions and photo opportunities. As one reviewer pointed out, “the guides and caretakers are all fun & fantastic,” making the entire day feel relaxed and personal.

The Overall Experience & Authenticity

Many travelers describe this tour as “unforgettable,” and it’s easy to see why. The combination of scenic beauty, the chance to actively participate in caring for the elephants, and the ethical approach creates a truly special day. Several reviews mention how well cared-for the elephants are, and how the sanctuary’s approach completely aligns with animal welfare standards.

One guest shared that “the elephants seem very happy and healthy,” which speaks volumes about the sanctuary’s priorities. The guides also take great care to educate visitors, making sure everyone leaves with a deeper respect for these animals.

The Downsides

The primary consideration is the two-hour drive each way, which could be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to mountain roads. Plus, reviews note that insect repellent and walking shoes are essential—expect to get muddy and wet. Not ideal if you’re seeking a relaxed, indoor experience, but perfect for outdoor lovers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for animal lovers who prioritize ethics, enjoy physical activities, and appreciate scenic outdoor environments. It’s also great if you want a small-group setting for more interaction and personalized attention. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy nature and meaningful animal encounters will find this tour rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an elephant tour isn’t just about the animals — it’s about the experience behind the scenes, the care taken, and the memories created. Care Pride Elephant Sanctuary ticks all those boxes with its responsible approach, knowledgeable guides, and authentic activities. While the drive is longer than some might prefer, the quality of the connection built with the elephants makes it worthwhile.

This isn’t a commercialized, photo-op-only sanctuary. It’s a place that genuinely cares for its elephants and values ethical tourism. Expect to feed, walk, and bathe these majestic animals in a natural setting, topped off with a delicious Thai lunch and a scenic mountain backdrop.

If you want an experience that combines fun, education, and ethical treatment, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s best suited for travelers who want to make a positive impact, prioritize animal welfare, and enjoy a smaller, more intimate outing.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai hotels are included, so there’s no need to worry about taxis or motorbikes.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with about two hours of travel each way and the activities during the day.

What should I bring?
Walking shoes, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure. Expect to get muddy and wet, especially during mud baths and river swims.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews focus on adults and couples, it’s generally suitable for older children who can handle outdoor activities and walking.

Is the group size small?
Yes, maximum 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal and less stressful experience for the elephants.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai lunch and bottled water are included, and most guests found the food delicious and plentiful.

What makes this sanctuary different from others?
It’s family-owned, ethically run, and limits group sizes to ensure the elephants are not stressed or overworked.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

Are the elephants well cared for?
Based on reviews and the sanctuary’s approach, yes. They appear healthy, happy, and are treated with kindness and respect.

In summary, if you’re after an authentic, ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai that combines hands-on activities, scenic beauty, and a focus on animal welfare, this tour is a fantastic option. It suits those who want to do more than just observe—who want to actively care for and connect with these incredible animals in a responsible environment.