Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center
Zoo Elephant training and conservation centre in Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao draws visitors for elephant encounters, guided treks beneath limestone peaks, local cave visits and homestays with hill-tribe communities in the surrounding valleys.
Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center is an elephant care and training facility in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. It is a working camp where mahouts keep and care for Asian elephants and run visitor programs.
Programs typically include short guided walks, feeding and river-bathing sessions, and demonstrations of traditional handling techniques; options often cover single-day visits and multi-day stays. Facilities focus on close observation and hands-on activities rather than large-scale shows.
The site functions as a local elephant training and care centre run by resident mahouts and staff; specific founding dates and ownership vary by operator. Over time it has shifted from purely working-animal training toward visitor-focused activities and elephant care.
The centre sits near the town of Chiang Dao at the foothills of the Chiang Dao area, roughly 70 km north of Chiang Mai city by road. The surrounding landscape is rural with karst hills and rice fields common in the valley.
- Access: Located about 70 km north of Chiang Mai town, making day trips from Chiang Mai possible by car.
- Best time to visit: Morning is the best time to see bathing and feeding sessions when elephants are most active.
How to Get to Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center #
From Chiang Mai city, drive or take a minivan north to Chiang Dao town - the journey is roughly 65-70 km and typically takes about 1-1.5 hours by car. Minivans and local buses depart regularly from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station to Chiang Dao (no single route number), and private taxis are also available.
Once in Chiang Dao town, take a local songthaew or taxi for the short onward trip to the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center (a brief 5-15 minute drive from the town center). Walking from the town center to the center is usually impractical unless you’re prepared for a longer rural walk.
Tips for Visiting Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center #
- Plan to arrive for the center's morning activities-feeding, bathing and observation sessions typically happen early when elephants are most active and the heat is lower, so book a morning slot to see more of the animals' routines.
- Call or email ahead to confirm opening hours and book a guided visit; many elephant facilities in the Chiang Dao area require reservations and limit group sizes, especially in high season.
- Ask in advance about the centre's animal-care policies and opt for experiences that focus on observation, feeding and learning rather than riding; reputable centres will be transparent about their practices.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center #
Aim for the cool, dry months (November-February) when temperatures are comfortable for both visitors and elephants.
Weather & Climate near Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center #
Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1193 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (238 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
