Terms & Conditions

How can I pay for my booking?

Payment is made in cash (Thai Baht) at Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary on the day of your visit.

Credit cards are not accepted. You do not pay online or in advance: you send a booking request, we confirm it by WhatsApp or email, and you pay on arrival.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

No. No deposit is taken when you make a booking request.

Can I change my booking date?

Yes, you may request to change your booking date. Changes are subject to availability and should preferably be requested at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour. A date change is not guaranteed during high or peak season.

What is the cancellation policy?

• More than 24 hours before the tour: you can cancel or change your booking at no charge.
• Within 24 hours of the tour date: no refunds.
• No-show, late arrival or early departure: no refunds.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your booking.

What happens if Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary cancels my tour?

The sanctuary may change or cancel a program because of weather, safety, elephant welfare, operational reasons, or other circumstances. Where possible, you may be offered:

• An alternative date; or
• Another suitable arrangement; or
• A refund where applicable.

Elephant welfare and visitor safety always come first.

Is hotel pickup available?

Transportation depends on your accommodation location, but Pick Up and Drop Off is fully provided. If pickup is included in your program, please provide your correct hotel or accommodation details when booking.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

Your confirmed booking will include the applicable pickup time and location. Please be ready at the agreed pickup point on time, as delays may affect other guests and the tour schedule.

Can I arrange my own transportation?

This may be possible depending on the program and the sanctuary's arrangements. Please contact us before your visit if you would like to travel to Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary independently.

Are children allowed at Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary?

Children are welcome, but they must be closely supervised by a responsible adult at all times, particularly when around elephants.

Are there any health requirements?

Guests should inform us or the sanctuary in advance about any relevant medical, mobility, or other conditions that could affect participation. Guests are responsible for determining whether they are fit to participate in the activities.

Do I need travel insurance?

Do I need to follow the guide's instructions?

Yes. For your safety and the welfare of the elephants, all guests must follow instructions given by sanctuary staff, guides, and mahouts.

Guests who refuse to follow safety instructions may be restricted from participating in activities or asked to leave without a refund.

Is elephant riding allowed?

No. We do not offer elephant riding, and we do not use hooks or chains. Guests must follow the sanctuary's rules regarding interaction with the elephants.

How many guests are in each group?

A maximum of 10 guests per group.

Can I approach or touch the elephants whenever I want?

No. Guests must only approach, touch, feed, or interact with elephants when permitted and instructed by the sanctuary staff. Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary may change or restrict interactions depending on the elephants' condition, behavior, needs, or welfare.

What happens if an elephant's behavior changes during the tour?

The sanctuary staff may change, restrict, or stop an activity whenever they believe it is necessary for the safety or welfare of the elephants, guests, or staff.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, personal photography and videos are generally permitted where allowed by the sanctuary. Please follow staff instructions, particularly during activities involving elephants or water.

Can I use Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary photos, videos, logos, or content commercially?

Commercial use requires prior written permission from the appropriate rights holder.

All rights relating to Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary's name, branding, photographs, videos, logos, program materials, and other intellectual property are reserved by Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary and/or their respective rights holders.

Booking a tour through Chiang Mai's Elephant Home Sanctuary does not give customers ownership or commercial rights to sanctuary materials.