Into The Wild Elephant Camp
Into The Wild Elephant Camp
4.9
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About
Established in 2016, Into the Wild is an ethical elephant camp in the south of Chiang Mai. Our mission is to give our retired and rescued elephants a sustainable home that is safe and secure, yet they are able to roam freely and live as naturally as possible. Located in Chiang Mai’s Mae Wang District, our ethical and sustainable camp is surrounded by lush tropical jungle where our elephants can go foraging for food on their own and enjoy bathing in the river that flows through the camp. All elephants at our camp are those that have been with our family for generations. After years of supporting our ancestors in the logging and tourism industries, our elephants have become our family members and it is our responsibility to provide safe and ethical care for them.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Into The Wild Elephant Camp
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.9
815 reviews
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780
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19
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3
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4
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9
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Conor F
Ireland2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Would highly recommend this trip to anyone seeking an ethical and fun trip to see elephants in the Chiang Mai aren. Our guide Detch picked us up from our hotel and was amazing from start to finish. Before entering the camp he told us alot about his knowledge of the area and the elephants. It was clear he had a wealth of knowledge about the jungle, the wildlife and everything surrounding it. On top of this he was very passionate and entertaining which made the whole trip so much better. We had the chance to walk with the elephants, swim and bathe with them. The food provided by the camp was delicious and the entire camp was obviously very well cared for. Couldn't recommend this camp more. Five stars.
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frixme
Chengdu, China212 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
The sanctuary was recommended to me. The reservation was made by Whatsapp.
We were only 3 visitors for the visit on the "full day". Pick-up from the hotel and return were done without any problems.
The guide bought fresh vegetables at the market, which were cooked while we were participating in different activities: the day includes 4: the first meal, walking with elephants, preparing the second medicinal meal, mud bathing and rinsing.
Elephants benefit from a large area and a dedicated river. They seem very calm and very confident in the way they interact.
The staff is lovely, the place endearing. Only regret, not being able to sleep there and do the day several times in a row!
We were only 3 visitors for the visit on the "full day". Pick-up from the hotel and return were done without any problems.
The guide bought fresh vegetables at the market, which were cooked while we were participating in different activities: the day includes 4: the first meal, walking with elephants, preparing the second medicinal meal, mud bathing and rinsing.
Elephants benefit from a large area and a dedicated river. They seem very calm and very confident in the way they interact.
The staff is lovely, the place endearing. Only regret, not being able to sleep there and do the day several times in a row!
Automatically translated
Written 21 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Popsicle57
39 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
As other reviewers have said, this experience is sure to be a Thailand highlight. A 90 minute drive from our pickup in central Chiang Mai and we were really seeing natural Thailand. Lush countryside before we reached the jungle camp of 'Into The Wild'.
A flowing shallow stream beside some huts and there were our hosts. Five very content elephants, welcoming us as we arrived. You walk along a little bridge and assemble at the hut. Our leader spoke for about 20 minutes about elephant welfare and the importance of keeping an open mind.
This was followed by a walk into the jungle on a track of sorts. All the elephants followed or led our group at a leisurely pace. Even the baby elephant which is actually not much of a baby as she is 10 years old! It was lovely to see them calmly walking along a track about 2 feet wide up a hill and on a slope. You can't imagine it was possible for them but it's what they do in the real wild. Occasionally one would rip a branch off a tree and peel the bark off to have a munch!
On our return to camp we got 'water ready' and had a bath with the elephants. Plenty of mud and water in the 30 degree heat went down well with us all. Particularly the elephants.
This is a memorable experience and I can't recommend it enough.
A flowing shallow stream beside some huts and there were our hosts. Five very content elephants, welcoming us as we arrived. You walk along a little bridge and assemble at the hut. Our leader spoke for about 20 minutes about elephant welfare and the importance of keeping an open mind.
This was followed by a walk into the jungle on a track of sorts. All the elephants followed or led our group at a leisurely pace. Even the baby elephant which is actually not much of a baby as she is 10 years old! It was lovely to see them calmly walking along a track about 2 feet wide up a hill and on a slope. You can't imagine it was possible for them but it's what they do in the real wild. Occasionally one would rip a branch off a tree and peel the bark off to have a munch!
On our return to camp we got 'water ready' and had a bath with the elephants. Plenty of mud and water in the 30 degree heat went down well with us all. Particularly the elephants.
This is a memorable experience and I can't recommend it enough.
Written 9 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave Y
2 contributions
June 2024 • Family
We were looking for an elephant experience that was both highly ethical and in a great location. 'Into the Wild' was definitely both! The elephants appeared to be well treated and given a good amount of freedom to roam. Our guide was genuinely concerned about the elephants' welfare (and got us all to think about how we treat our animals in the West). We had a wonderful experience feeding, hiking with, and bathing the elephants. The lunch was very good as well We couldn't have asked for any better experience! We thought the half-day was sufficient.
Written 17 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abi B
2 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
Incredible experience. Pai is so passionate about the elephants and it is so amazing to learn from him, whilst seeing the elephants thriving. The trek with the elephants as well as the swimming is an unfortgettable experience (and they take free photos!). HIGHLY recommend this trip
Written 7 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy F
10 contributions
June 2024 • Family
We did plenty of research into which elephant sanctuary to go to and we are so happy with our decision. The 5 elephants at into the wild were free roaming and genuinely happy to be there. There was a real family dynamic with the mahouts and the elephants with our tour guide saying one was like his second daughter. As the elephants were rescued from hard core tourism they are domesticated, so we just followed them in their daily routine. After a talk by our guide Detch, we got introduced to them and fed them some fruit and grain. After this we were given time to relax, watch the elephants eating (which they spend most of their time doing) which was really nice time to just be in the moment. We then went on a walk with all 5 elephants. This was great as we went at the elephants pace. If they wanted to stop so did we, if they wanted to walk by you they would, for an hours walk I think we got less than 1km. When we got back we had an amazing lunch which had vegetarian or chicken options and more time to relax and take in where you were. Then we learnt how to make medicine balls for the elephants and what all the ingredients were and what they were used for. Our guide also covered everyone’s mosquito bites in turmeric as it helps dry them up apparently! After feeding them the medicine balls we went in the mud with the elephants and in the water. You could tell they wanted to be there and the mahouts only used voice commands with them so really they were massive dogs who just wanted to play. As they’re domesticated they don’t roll themselves in mud anymore so that’s why we helped them do it. When in the water with them you could really see how comfortable and playful they were with the mahouts which relaxed everyone else.
It was mesmerising to be in the same area as these animals and you can tell all the mahouts want to do is care for them.
They also had someone with a camera with us all day who sent us a google drive link at the end of the day so you didn’t have to carry your phone around with you.
It was mesmerising to be in the same area as these animals and you can tell all the mahouts want to do is care for them.
They also had someone with a camera with us all day who sent us a google drive link at the end of the day so you didn’t have to carry your phone around with you.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FSherrin
Liphook, UK21 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Such a fantastic day at the elephant sanctuary. We learned so much about the elephants, the difference between domestic and wild, and their importance within Thai culture. These elephants are domestic, as will be all in the elephant sanctuaries. They are used to being part of a wider “family” with the mahouts and the villagers. It was lovely to see them well cared for, with space to roam, bathe and eat. Very privileged to spend time here.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chlo A
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
We had the most incredible day here! Dej, our guide, was so knowledgeable about both the elephants and the natural world, educating us all day. The lunch was delicious and the elephants are well treated and cared for. If you in the area and looking for an elephant sanctuary, I really couldn't recommend this one more.
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana R
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This was without doubt the best day of our trip through Thailand.
The organization was perfect from the beginning, picking us up at out hotel. Detch was our host and he explained everything very well, he engaged with all the groups and guide us throughout the place and how to engage with the elephants.
The elephants are very well taken care of, they are free and we went with them at their own pace, enjoying the day.
If you are ever in Chiang Mai, don’t hesitate to come here for the best experience.
Seb and Mariana
The organization was perfect from the beginning, picking us up at out hotel. Detch was our host and he explained everything very well, he engaged with all the groups and guide us throughout the place and how to engage with the elephants.
The elephants are very well taken care of, they are free and we went with them at their own pace, enjoying the day.
If you are ever in Chiang Mai, don’t hesitate to come here for the best experience.
Seb and Mariana
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathilda M
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
It was wonderful from start to finish! My highlight so far in our Thailand - trip, the farm is wonderful with elephant ladies running free, small dogs and chickens with chicks. The guides are all very warm and especially Lan has made a great mood and told interesting things. There was also good food & driving there and back was also an experience in itself! We had a beautiful sunset and saw the beautiful landscape Thailand. So from us a big recommendation!
Automatically translated
Written 31 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, How do I book a full day tour? I am coming to Chiang Mai in December and wondered whether I need to book in advance or book when I arrive?
Written 4 November 2022
Hello Shreena,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As December is the peak season for tourism in Chiang Mai. We would recommend that you book in advance.
To book a place in our tour, please visit our website or send us an email.
Thank you,
Into the Wild Elephant Camp Team
Written 12 December 2022
We were there for 3 weeks in May and it was in the 30s, we had a couple of showers but they only lasted a short time, would recommend as its quieter, cheaper and not as touristy
Written 19 August 2019
How many people do you take for your 1/2 day trip?
Written 7 April 2019
HI, there were the 2 of us and then 7 other people.
Written 15 April 2019
Hola me gustaria saber el precio , si hay que reservar con antelacion y si vienen al hotel a buscarte
Written 7 November 2018
Hello,
The price for our half-day tour is 1,700 THB per person and 2,400 THB per person for a full day tour.
We would suggest that you book in advance, especially during peak season.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in the tour price.
Thank you,
Into the Wild Elephant Camp Team
Written 31 December 2022
Hi Maria,
It’s about a 15 minute walk down into the jungle where the elephants live, not far at all.
Written 25 August 2018
simoncinimarie
Lille, France
Bonjour,
Aviez vous réservé à l'avance ? Il y a t-il du monde en cette période ? Et enfin quel était le prix pour une personne ?
Merci beaucoup pour ces renseignements
Marie
Written 25 October 2017
Thank you for interest and would like to join us
Our program include :For full day price is 2400 baht and half day is 1700 baht,
our program include: Half day Morning Program
06.30-07.00 am. Pick up from your accommodation for 1.30 hour drive to Into the Wild Elephant Camp, located in the south of Chiang Mai. Stop at a local market for a short tour before heading to the camp. Get to know our elephants and learn how to prepare food for them. Walk with our elephants into the jungle and learn to feed, play and observe the way they live in their natural, habitat. After that, enjoy a mud spa with the elephants and spend time bathe and brush them. Then you will break for delicious Thai food and seasonal fresh fruit. Say good bye to your newfound friends and head back to Chiang Mai about 13.30 pm arrive at your accommodation.
And the Full day Program include
08.00-08.30 am. Pick up from your accommodation for 1.30 hour drive to Into the Wild Elephant Camp, located in the south of Chiang Mai. Stop at a local market for a short tour before heading to the camp. Get to know our elephants and learn how to prepare food for them. Walk with our elephants into the jungle and learn to feed, play and observe the way they live in their natural, habitat. Then you will break for a delicious and healthy Thai lunch, and during the meal you will learn how to make elephant's vitamins with herbs, After that, enjoy a mud spa with the elephants and spend time bathe and brush them, Say good bye to your newfound friends and head back to Chiang Mai about 17.30 pm arrive at your accommodation.
For a booking you can book via this email, and a payment you can pay on a day with a tour guide, we have a discount for you 100 baht off in each program, also our elephant program is no riding, save and rescue.
if any more information please ask ,
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Dream
Written 26 October 2017
How much is this and how do I book?
Written 8 October 2017
Thank you for interest and would like to join us
Our program include :For full day price is 2400 baht and half day is 1700 baht,
our program include: Half day Morning Program
06.30-07.00 am. Pick up from your accommodation for 1.30 hour drive to Into the Wild Elephant Camp, located in the south of Chiang Mai. Stop at a local market for a short tour before heading to the camp. Get to know our elephants and learn how to prepare food for them. Walk with our elephants into the jungle and learn to feed, play and observe the way they live in their natural, habitat. After that, enjoy a mud spa with the elephants and spend time bathe and brush them. Then you will break for delicious Thai food and seasonal fresh fruit. Say good bye to your newfound friends and head back to Chiang Mai about 13.30 pm arrive at your accommodation.
And the Full day Program include
08.00-08.30 am. Pick up from your accommodation for 1.30 hour drive to Into the Wild Elephant Camp, located in the south of Chiang Mai. Stop at a local market for a short tour before heading to the camp. Get to know our elephants and learn how to prepare food for them. Walk with our elephants into the jungle and learn to feed, play and observe the way they live in their natural, habitat. Then you will break for a delicious and healthy Thai lunch, and during the meal you will learn how to make elephant's vitamins with herbs, After that, enjoy a mud spa with the elephants and spend time bathe and brush them, Say good bye to your newfound friends and head back to Chiang Mai about 17.30 pm arrive at your accommodation.
For a booking you can book via this email, and a payment you can pay on a day with a tour guide, we have a discount for you 100 baht off in each program, also our elephant program is no riding, save and rescue.
if any more information please ask ,
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Dream
Written 9 October 2017
For a elephant program in full day price is 2400 baht, for half day morning price is 1700 baht, for a booking you can book via face book message , Thank you.
Written 3 April 2017
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