There’s something unforgettable about walking alongside an elephant as its trunk reaches toward you. In the hills north of Chiang Mai, our family was invited into the world of these gentle giants, and the experience felt both humbling and magical.
From handing over bananas to bathing them in the water—and even sneaking a few trunk-side hugs—we were fully immersed. It was a day filled with awe, hands-on learning, and moments that stayed with our family long after we left the forest.
Here’s how our day with the elephants unfolded at the Elephant Nature Park Highland experience.
Getting to Know The Elephants
The day began with a simple lesson in trust—and a lot of watermelon. We helped prepare large slices and offered them to three gentle female elephants as they slowly approached. They greeted us with calm curiosity, curling their trunks around the fruit and bringing it to their mouths with surprising grace.
Our guide explained that feeding helps establish trust and sets the tone for the day, but it quickly became clear that the feeling was mutual. By the end of the feeding, we were relaxed around the elephants, comfortable standing close, and confident enough to feed them by hand—an incredible way to begin our time together.
Side by Side With Gentle Giants
After the watermelon, we set off along a dirt road through the forest, walking side-by-side with the elephants. Each of us was given a bag of bananas, and it didn’t take long for the elephants to realize exactly where the snacks were. Trunks stretched toward us from every angle—sometimes gently, sometimes with a bit of playful persistence—as they tried to sneak bananas straight out of our bags.
The walk was full of small, unforgettable moments. We watched the elephants scoop up dust with their trunks and toss it over their backs, coating themselves as they ambled along. They moved quietly and gracefully beside us, close enough that we could feel their presence without ever feeling rushed or crowded.
As the walk continued, the elephants grew increasingly comfortable and approached us often. They slowed, lingered, and regularly allowed us to pet them—stroking the sides of their faces and their surprisingly bristly trunks. Several times, we were even able to lean in for what felt like an elephant hug. The boys stayed close the entire time, carefully handing out bananas and making sure each elephant got equal attention, completely absorbed in the experience.
Lunch – A Midday Break
After the hike, the elephants roamed freely while we enjoyed a buffet of traditional Thai dishes—a welcome break after all the walking and excitement.
Splashes and Smiles – Bathing the Elephants
After lunch, the elephants slowly made their way down from the valley where they had been grazing toward a nearby pond. We watched as they waded into the water, easing in and immediately spraying water over their backs with their trunks to cool off. Seeing them settle into the pond felt fun and playful.
At first, we stayed along the edge, buckets in hand, splashing water toward them from a distance. The boys were hesitant at first, content to watch and laugh as the elephants sent playful sprays of water into the air. Before long, curiosity won out. They climbed into the pond and slowly moved closer, carefully pouring water over the elephants’ backs and reaching out to touch their trunks.
The elephants remained calm and gentle throughout, occasionally splashing with their trunks, sending the boys into fits of laughter. Swimming alongside the elephants—close enough to touch, yet still giving them space—was an unforgettable moment. For the kids, it was the clear highlight of the day.
DIY Elephant Treats
The final activity of the day was preparing snacks for the elephants. In large tubs, we mixed rice and bananas together by hand, mashing everything into soft balls. Before long, we were all a sticky mess—laughing, covered in banana, and fully committed to the process.
The elephants quickly caught on and wandered over, waiting patiently for their turn. One by one, we held up the rice balls and, when prompted, gently placed them into the elephants’ mouths. Up close, their movements were slow and incredibly careful, a reminder of just how gentle they are despite their size. It was a quiet, intimate moment to end the day.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
• Bring hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
• Bring an extra set of clothes and a towel if planning to swim with the elephants.
• Water shoes can help on slippery pond edges.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the 3-4 hour hike (no need for heavy hiking boots).
• Kids ages 7 and up can join the Highland tour; younger kids may enjoy the main sanctuary experience instead.
Planning Your Elephant Adventure
Elephant Nature Park offers a range of tours, both at its main sanctuary and in a more remote mountain setting north of Chiang Mai. Choosing the right option depends on your family’s interests, fitness level, and how immersive you want the experience to be.
Northern Mountain Area – Highland Tour (Our Choice)
• Located in a remote mountain area about 90 minutes from Chiang Mai
• Offers a more immersive, intimate experience with a smaller herd in a natural setting
• Requires moderate physical fitness, with approximately 3–4 hours of walking along dirt roads with some elevation
• Full-day experience
• Available to children aged 7 and older
Elephant Nature Park – Main Sanctuary
• A more low-key visit suitable for all family members
• Focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and education
• Opportunity to see baby elephants
• Half-day tours available
Choosing an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Throughout the day, we learned about the complex history of elephants in Thailand—from their use in the logging industry to tourism practices such as rides and circuses, and the more recent shift toward ethical tourism and rescue-based sanctuaries.
When choosing an elephant experience, it’s essential to research carefully and understand how animals are being cared for. While Elephant Nature Park is widely recognized for its rescue work and ethical focus, our visit also highlighted that no experience is perfect.
Feeding elephants fruit and rice is not part of their natural diet and is often discouraged. We also observed that the elephants followed a structured routine during visiting hours and were not free to wander independently while tourists were present.
That said, the experience still offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with rescued elephants, learn about their history, and reflect on the importance of continued progress toward truly ethical wildlife tourism.
A Day to Remember
Experiencing these gentle giants up close was awe-inspiring, but watching our kids interact with them—feeding, bathing, and gently stroking the elephants while learning about their habits and history—made the day truly unforgettable. It was a perfect mix of wonder, fun, and hands-on learning that left our whole family with memories we’ll treasure forever.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
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