Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Half Day Tour + Pad Thai Cooking Class
Visit the Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary near Doi Inthanon for a unique half-day experience focused on ethical elephant tourism. Observe elephants in a natural setting without riding or forced interactions. Participate in habitat care activities, such as planting banana trees, and enjoy the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Pad Thai. Expert local guides provide insights into elephant behavior and conservation, making this tour a perfect blend of education and immersion in Thai culture. Ideal for families and animal lovers looking for a meaningful experience.
- Observe elephants roaming freely in a respectful sanctuary
- Engage in habitat enrichment activities and learn about conservation
- Enjoy a hands-on Pad Thai cooking workshop with a local recipe
- Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai included, with optional morning or afternoon sessions
Options
Afternoon Round
Afternoon Round
Pickup included
What's included in Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary Half Day Tour + Pad Thai Cooking Class
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary
Experience ethical elephant tourism near Doi Inthanon at Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary! No riding, no bathing—just respectful observation. Help prepare elephant food, make vitamins, and plant banana trees and grass to support their habitat. Enjoy feeding elephants safely and learn deeply about their care from Karen mahouts. Wrap up the day with a hands-on Pad Thai cooking class using a local family recipe, then enjoy your own creation. Two rounds daily—join a morning or afternoon session! *** The afternoon session begins with a Pad Thai cooking class, followed by elephant observation and habitat enrichment activities. ***
Inclusions
- Drinking water
- Cooking workshop materials and ingredients
- Material for elephant food and vitamins
- Certified English-speaking tour guide
- Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (in Chiang Mai city areas)
- Insurance
- All necessary materials and equipment are provided to ensure a safe & ethical elephant observation.
- Your freshly cooked Pad Thai creation
- Gratuity (not mandatory)
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- What to bring • Extra clothes that you don't mind getting wet and dirty • Towel • Insect spray • Jacket (please expect colder weather than Chiang Mai city)
- The tour will proceed despite the bad weather as long as it is still safe to do the activities.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
The pickup time will be given based on your hotel location. Please select a hotel from the provided list, if available. If you need to enter the hotel details manually, please ensure to provide both (1) hotel name, and (2) hotel address or Google Map link. If it is not a hotel, please provide (1) the property name, (2) address, (3) Google Map link, and send us (4) the property photo after your booking.
