A full-day cultural and conservation journey – Cook authentic Thai food, walk with gentle elephants, and experience the real Chiang Mai.
Leave the busy streets of Chiang Mai behind and join us for a full-day immersive adventure that connects you to Thai culture, nature, and ethical wildlife conservation. This experience is designed for curious, conscious travelers who want more than sightseeing – they want stories, flavors, and meaning.
You’ll begin your day with a hands-on Thai cooking class on an organic farm surrounded by mango trees and mountain views. After lunch, head deep into the forest to meet rescued elephants in their natural habitat. It’s not just a tour – it’s a journey from farm to forest, from flavor to feeling.
Program Overview:
Just 45 minutes from Chiang Mai city, nestled in the peaceful Chom Tong district beneath Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest peak), lies Casa de Mango – a hidden gem where authentic Thai cooking meets sustainable farming. Set among abundant mango trees and serene fishponds, this organic farm grows its own vegetables and herbs specifically for your cooking experience.
Master traditional Thai cuisine using ingredients picked fresh from the garden moments before cooking. The farm’s tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by longan orchards and local villages, provides the perfect setting to learn authentic Thai cooking techniques. Each participant gets their own individual cooking station with personalized attention from local experts who’ve perfected these recipes over generations.
Start with a visit to a lively local market, learning how locals choose fresh herbs and spices. Then arrive at the farm for herbal tea under mango trees, walk through organic gardens, and handpick your own ingredients. The cooking experience unfolds naturally in this peaceful sanctuary, where every dish tells a story of tradition and sustainability.
5-Course Cooking Menu:
1. Spring Roll – Learn to wrap and fry traditional Thai spring rolls with fresh vegetables
2. Soup Menu (Choose one):
– Tom Yum (Hot & Sour Soup)
– Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
– Red Curry (Gaeng Phed)
3. Stir-fry Menu (Choose one):
– Mixed Vegetables Stir-fry
– Stir-fried Cashew Nut
4. Pad Thai – Thailand’s most famous noodle dish
5. Thai Dessert (Choose one):
– Bananas in Coconut Milk
– Mango Sticky Rice
Protein Options: For menus 2, 3, and 4, you can choose your preferred protein:
– Prawns (Shrimp)
– Pork
– Chicken
– Vegetarian
Enjoy the feast you’ve made while soaking in mountain views, fresh air, and the peaceful sounds of the countryside
🐘 Afternoon: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary – Where Conservation Meets Compassion
After lunch, drive to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, one of Thailand’s pioneering ethical elephant sanctuaries and a leader in responsible wildlife tourism. Since 2016, this conservation center has earned international recognition for exceptional care of rescued elephants, becoming a top destination for conscious travelers worldwide.
Set in beautiful mountain forest with natural streams and green valleys, this sanctuary provides a perfect environment for elephants to live freely. The jungle setting with flowing water creates an ideal habitat where elephants can behave naturally – no riding, no tricks, no chains.
Meet each elephant by name, hear their rescue stories, and feed them fresh fruit by hand. Walk alongside them through jungle paths and, if they choose, join them for a refreshing river bath. Every interaction is respectful and on their terms.
This educational experience offers insights into elephant behavior and conservation practices, showing how responsible tourism helps protect these magnificent creatures for future generations.
🌟 What Makes This Tour Special
- Small Group Experience – Max 12 guests for personalized attention
- Farm-to-Table Cooking – Fresh ingredients straight from the organic garden
- Customizable Menu – Choose your preferred dishes and protein options
- Ethical Elephant Encounters – No riding or performing, just respectful interaction
- Cultural Immersion – Learn from real locals in real village settings
- Community Support – Your visit helps local farmers, staff, and conservation work
- Free Photography Service – Beautiful photos taken for you, no hidden cost
*All activities of elephants are based on animal welfare. No force elephants.*
ITINERARY : (Duration of program : 11 – 12 Hours)
7:30 – 8:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai
8:30 AM: Local market visit with guide
9:30 AM: Arrival at Casa de Mango – welcome tea & garden tour
10:00 – 1:00 PM: Cooking class (4 dishes + dessert), followed by lunch
1:30 PM: Drive to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
2:00 PM: Introduction to sanctuary & elephant welfare
2:45 – 4:00 PM: Meet, feed & walk with elephants
4:00 – 4:30 PM: Optional river bathing (if elephants are willing)
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Elephant health check & farewell meal
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Return to Chiang Mai city
WHAT TO BRING
▸ Comfortable walking shoes
▸ Swimming clothes & towel
(for elephant bathing)
▸ Sunscreen & insect repellent
▸ Change of clothes
▸ Personal medications
▸ Camera (optional – but photos are provided)
PRICE INCLUDES
▸ Round-trip hotel transfers (Chiang Mai city)
▸ Local market tour
▸ Full cooking class with individual stations
▸ Lunch (your own cooking) + dinner at sanctuary
▸ Entrance to elephant sanctuary and all activities
▸ Traditional Thai clothing for sanctuary visit
▸ English-speaking local guides
▸ Drinking water, snacks & herbal tea
▸ Insurance coverage
▸ Complimentary photo service
FREE SERVICE
We also offer an additional photography service at no extra charge. Our photographers will take pictures throughout the day, and we will upload them on the website including a link on facebook for your ease of access.
❗ Important Notes:
• Daily departures
• Vegetarian and dietary needs accommodated (with advance notice)
• Menu preferences can be specified during booking
• Elephant bathing is optional and only if elephants are willing
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour
• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
📌 Ready to Cook & Care in Chiang Mai?
Book your spot today and join a meaningful journey that connects food, nature, and kindness. Learn, taste, walk, and wonder – all in one incredible day.
Why Travelers Love This Tour ❤️
- Top-Rated Experience – Perfect for culture lovers & animal enthusiasts
- Ideal for Everyone – Families, couples & solo travelers welcome
- 100% Ethical – Zero animal exploitation, complete respect for wildlife
- Authentic Local Culture – Learn from real village experts, not tourist demonstrations
- Great Value – Two premium experiences plus transfers, all included
- Professional Photos – Beautiful memories captured at no extra cost
- Only 1,900 THB – all-inclusive!
Book Now
- Adult
฿1,900
All-inclusive. No hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai?
To visit an elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai, you can hire a private car, taxi, or join a guided tour. At Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, we provide hassle-free services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
How much is the elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai?
The cost of visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai varies depending on the program and duration. Prices typically range from 1,500 to 3,500 THB per person for half-day or full-day experiences, often including meals and transportation. At Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, we offer competitive pricing for ethical and memorable elephant encounters.
What to do if I meet an elephant?
If you meet an elephant, always remain calm and respectful. Approach slowly and avoid sudden movements. Never try to touch or feed an elephant without permission from the sanctuary staff. Let the elephant guide the interaction and respect its space. At Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, our expert guides will ensure safe and meaningful encounters with the elephants.
Do elephants love humans?
Elephants can form strong bonds with humans, especially when treated with kindness and respect. While they are wild animals, elephants at sanctuaries like Living Green Elephant Sanctuary often show affection towards their caretakers, seeking interaction and companionship. They recognize familiar faces and can even develop emotional connections with those who care for them.
Do elephants harm humans?
Elephants are gentle animals, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or scared. In our sanctuary, we provide a safe and respectful environment to ensure both elephants and visitors stay calm and comfortable.
