Embark on a day filled with excitement and adventure in Chiang Mai, featuring a captivating waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and a serene bamboo rafting experience.
Your journey commences at the unique Bau Tong Waterfall, offering the rare and thrilling opportunity to climb its cascades barefoot. Immerse yourself in the tranquil natural surroundings, admire the stunning vistas, and enjoy the invigorating mountain air.
Following this, you will visit the Elephant Sanctuary, a haven where elephants roam freely within a natural forest setting. Here, you can quietly observe these magnificent gentle giants as they go about their daily lives undisturbed. We honor their freedom by refraining from any riding or direct interaction, opting instead to walk alongside them and witness their natural existence in an ethical environment.
To conclude, indulge in a picturesque bamboo rafting excursion as you gently float down the river, enveloped by lush greenery and peaceful beauty.
1 Bua Thong Waterfalls (Nam Phu Chet Si)
We will make our way directly to the Bua Tong waterfall, a drive of approximately 80 minutes.
You will have about an hour to relax and soak in the beautiful scenery.
Explore and experience the natural adventure at Bua Tong Waterfall, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the soothing sounds of the cascades.
Our next destination is the elephant sanctuary, a 40-minute drive from here.
· 1 h · Admission included
2 Step 2: Elephant Sanctuary
After the waterfall, we will proceed to the elephant sanctuary, a journey of about 40 minutes.
The Elephant Sanctuary is a dedicated elephant conservation park nestled in the scenic Mae Tang Valley, just an hour's drive from Chiang Mai.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted our focus entirely to conservation.
Our herd of 16 elephants thrives in a stress-free environment, where they spend their days eating, playing, and engaging in natural behaviors, free from the demands of rides or performances.
· 3 h · Admission included
3 Step 3: Bamboo Rafting
Next, you will enjoy a bamboo rafting experience and observe elephants in their vicinity.
You will be surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and trees, offering a perfect setting to relax and inhale the fresh air.
· 40 min · Admission included
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One ticket per booking.
Meet your guide at the Three Kings Monument at the address listed, 10 minutes prior to the tour's commencement.
Meet your guide at the Three Kings Monument at the address listed, 10 minutes prior to the tour's commencement.
As this is a shared transfer service, your actual pick-up time might be slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Please be ready approximately 10-30 minutes in advance.
Kindly provide your hotel name or pick-up location on the payment page and wait in front of the lobby.
We will pick you up around 8:00 AM, with the exact time depending on the number of customers for that day.
The operator will contact you beforehand to confirm your pick-up time.
Please wait; timings can vary based on the number of customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Return Time: 5:00 PM.
Please present your booking ticket when the driver or guide picks you up.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Public transportation options are available nearby Specialized infant seats are available Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Suitable for all physical fitness levels Join Tour Duration: 8 hours Vehicle: Van Transfer service: Included for Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour Please provide your address for pick-up. Pickup included Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for climbing. Bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfall. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Camera to capture the memories. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Be prepared for an early start. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5554656P4
Activity offered by NEW ELEPHANT HOME via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature lovers Animal enthusiasts Adventure seekers Families Experience an ethical elephant sanctuary. Enjoy a refreshing visit to Bua Tong Waterfall. Relax with a scenic bamboo rafting trip. Observe elephants in their natural habitat. Explore the beautiful Mae Tang Valley. A full day of adventure and nature.
Population 1,198,000 (2022)
Elevation 310 m
Currency baht
Official language Thai
Driving on the left
Power plugs A, B, C, F · 220 V
Emergency number 191
Capital city Bangkok Average temperatures 19° Jan 22° Feb 25° Mar 27° Apr 26° May 25° Jun 24° Jul 24° Aug 24° Sept 23° Oct 21° Nov 19° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts for 8 hours.
Is lunch included? + Yes, lunch is included in the tour.
Can I interact directly with the elephants? + No, direct interaction or riding is not permitted to ensure the elephants' well-being. You will observe them in their natural environment.
What should I wear? + Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. You may want to bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfall.
Is pick-up included? + Yes, pick-up is included. Please provide your hotel address for arrangements.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Bang bang
umcp2026, October 2026
Amazing !!great experience Paul was great.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
My best experience in Chiangmai
beckycQ2249WN, October 2026
The best experience in Chiangmai. I accidentally found this activity, it turned out to be amazing and fabulous! Great Thanks to our tour guide Pim , she is very considerate , passionate, and kind ! Helped us with taking many good photos, and answered questions patiently. I highly recommend Pim .
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fun & unforgettable day!
NorthStar4341, October 2026
Fluke served as our tour guide, demonstrating professionalism, humor, and a pleasant demeanor. I highly recommend this tour.
★★★★★ Viator review
Amazing trip to see...
Kelly_D, October 2026
Amazing trip to see elephants. Lots of interaction time with them. Feeding them, playing in river, walking them. Sticky waterfall also fun to climb. Nathan was a great guide.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
corinnefW1404KM, October 2026
Awesome awesome awesome! Seeing, feeding, and petting the elephants was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget! They were treated so well and humanely; it was a joy to see. Plus riding the bamboo raft multiple times back and forth across the river, and doing the Sticky Falls was so cool! I was scared to climb them at the start, but it wasn’t too hard once I got going. Also, Nathan was a very friendly and funny guide. I highly recommend him! He made pickup and drop off super easy, and was very clear on the plans for the day. He also took lots of pictures of us with our own phones and with his phone, which he sent us at the end of the trip. If you get the chance to do this tour, I highly recommend it!!!!!
Show more reviews