Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a unique and affordable elephant experience near Chiang Mai, Elefin Farm & Café is a fantastic option. Unlike a traditional sanctuary, this is a Mahout village where there are around 30 well-cared-for elephants. You can feed the elephants, get some up close picture and don’t miss the excellent cafe.
We loved our visit to Elefin Farm & Café but there are some important things you need to know before you go. We were genuinely impressed by how happy, healthy, and relaxed the elephants were. Unlike some other elephant experiences in Thailand, the elephants here are given plenty of space, enjoy a natural environment, and are not overcrowded or overworked. Keep reading for some more discussion of the ethical pros and cons of this place.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before visiting Elefin Farm & Café. We’ll cover what to expect, whether it’s an ethical experience, entry prices, how to get there, available facilities, and even the glamping experience for those who want to stay overnight.
Looking to stay in an ethical elephant hotel in the hills around Chiang Mai? Don’t miss the beautiful Chai Lai Orchard Elephant Eco Resort
Looking for more of a sanctuary experience? Maerim Elephant home is a great option – authentic, local, ethical and small – not too touristy and great value for money.
Elefin Farm & Café – What to Expect
Elefin Farm & Café is not a traditional elephant sanctuary—these are not wild elephants. Instead, it is a Mahout village where the elephants have been raised alongside their handlers for generations. Here’s what you can expect from a visit:
- Elephants everywhere – There are around 30 elephants at Elefin, and they roam freely within a large open space. They are not confined or chained and their Mahouts often take them trekking in the jungle.
- Mahout culture – Each elephant has a dedicated mahout (handler) who takes care of them throughout the day.
- Wooden platform for feeding – The main elephant interaction happens from a large wooden platform where you can get up close and feed them. It can be a little crowded at peak times, but there are always plenty of elephants around.
- Elephant feeding – For 100 baht, you can buy a basket of bananas and sugarcane to feed the elephants. You can only feed them from the platform, and only with the food provided.
- Close-up photos – Get your camera ready! You can take amazing close-up shots from the feeding platform or along the fence. Some elephants even offer ‘hugs’ for a great photo moment.
Overall, this is a family-friendly, safe, and interactive elephant experience that allows you to connect with these gentle giants in an ethical and respectful way.
Elefin Farm & Café – Is It an Ethical Experience?
Elefin is not strongly branded as an “elephant sanctuary”. It is more of an elephant village with a cafe. The thing that impressed us the most was the amount of free space for the elephants to explore – this was consistent with some of the best sanctuaries we have visited. It is a beautiful area with plenty of foliage, variety and space.
When it comes to elephant tourism in Thailand, many travelers are (rightly) concerned about the welfare and ethics of these experiences. So, is Elefin Farm & Café ethical?
The Positives
- The elephants are well cared for – Each elephant has a dedicated mahout who knows them personally and ensures their well-being.
- Plenty of space – The elephants have a lot of room to roam freely. Unlike some facilities where elephants are kept in small enclosures, Elefin provides large open spaces.
- No forceful interactions – The elephants are not made to perform tricks or unnatural behaviors. They freely choose to come to the feeding platform for their morning meal.
- Regular feeding and care – Elephants are fed twice a day (morning and evening) and can roam relatively freely for the rest of the day.
The Concerns
They do offer elephant riding – However, the riding here is infrequent, without heavy metal boxes, and only on the neck and shoulders (not the back). If riding elephants is a non-negotiable ethical issue for you, you may prefer to visit a strict no-riding sanctuary instead.
Overall, Elefin Farm & Café operates with respect for the elephants and prioritizes their well-being. While it may not be a traditional “sanctuary,” it offers one of the more ethical elephant interactions in Thailand.
Entry & Prices
Entry Price – Free! You don’t need to book or pay an entrance fee; just show up.
Opening Hours – 10 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week, all year round.
Best Time to Visit –Arrive early to enjoy the cool of the day. Stay later – after the tour vans have left! By midday, the platform gets quieter, making it easier to feed the elephants and take photos without large crowds.
How to Get to Elefin Farm & Café
Elefin Farm & Café is located in the mountains outside Chiang Mai. The journey takes around 1.5 hours from the city.
Taxi – The easiest way to get there is by taxi. Expect to pay 800 – 1,000 baht for a round-trip from Chiang Mai. Use grab or Bolt and arrange a return journey price with an agreed waiting time (you wont be able to order a return Grab or Bolt from the sanctuary because it is quite remote!)
Car Rental – Renting a car costs around 1,000 baht per day, and this gives you the flexibility to explore the area.
Motorbike – Not recommended! The final stretch of road is steep and unsuitable for a 125cc bike. If you do come by motorbike, you can park lower down and walk up.
Our Recommendation – Hiring a taxi is the best option. The roads are steep and winding, and it’s easier to let an experienced local driver handle the journey.
Facilities at Elefin Farm & Café
- Beautiful Café – The café is set in stunning surroundings with great photo spots.
- Food & Drinks – The café serves a variety of meals and drinks at reasonable prices (100 – 200 baht per dish).
- Toilets & Showers – Available for visitors. Free and reasonably clean!
- Free Parking – Whether you come by car or motorbike, parking is free.
- Handwashing Station – There’s a sink where you can wash your hands after feeding the elephants.
Packing List – What to Bring
Pack a small light day bag with some snacks and drinks for the journey (especially of you’re travelling with little ones!). Here are some things that you may want to consider bringing.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – Elephants = mud + snot!
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking around, so avoid flip-flops.
- Sunscreen & Hat – The platform is exposed, and the Thai sun is strong.
- Camera or Phone – You’ll want plenty of photos!
- Plenty of Cash – For buying elephant food and food/drinks at the café.
- Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important, especially on hot days.
Elefin Farm – Glamping Experience
If you’re looking for a unique overnight stay, Elefin Farm also offers a glamping experience in dome-style tents with breathtaking views.
Prices:
- Low season (March – October) – 3,590 baht per dome (2 people)
- High season (November – February) – 3,990 baht per dome (2 people)
- Extra bed – 1,000 baht per night
- Includes breakfast – Omelette, sausage, and rice balls.
- Elephant Morning Call – Wake up to the sight of elephants outside your dome!
Facilities:
- Fan (not air-conditioned)
- Beautiful views over the mountains and elephant grounds.
How to Book:
- Prebook on Facebook – Elefin Farm manages all bookings via their Facebook page.
- Booking Availability – Even during high season, you can usually book 2-3 days in advance.
- Not available on Agoda or Booking.com.
Final Thoughts – Is Elefin Farm & Café Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking for a family-friendly, ethical, and immersive elephant experience, Elefin Farm & Café is a fantastic choice. It’s free to enter, the elephants are well cared for, and it’s an easy day trip from Chiang Mai. While elephant riding is available, it is infrequent and done without heavy equipment—so whether or not you visit depends on your personal stance. But for up-close elephant interactions, stunning scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere, Elefin Farm & Café is a must-visit in 2025!
