This day puts two of Chiang Mai's best trips together. In the morning you spend time with the elephants at a sanctuary: you feed them, walk with them and bathe them in the river, and there is no riding. After lunch the van climbs Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 metres the highest point in Thailand, to the twin pagodas built for the King and Queen, and the day ends with a guided hike past rice fields and a waterfall to a hill village. Below: what the price covers, who it suits and how it compares with the other ways to do it.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai — From $40 per person, 10-12 hours.
What is included?
Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, the elephant programme, lunch and the guided waterfall hike. The national park fee is paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise.
The short answer
Yes for nature lovers in Chiang Mai who want the elephants and Doi Inthanon in one day: it runs as a small-group day tour covering Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, lasts 10-12 hours and starts with hotel pickup in chiang mai in the morning, so the day is handled from the door.
Pricing is From $40 per person. We confirm the date, pickup time and total on WhatsApp before you pay; how and when to pay for this tour is agreed with your booking.
Who should book it — and who should not
Book it if you want the elephants and Thailand's highest mountain in one day. If you only want the elephants, a half-day sanctuary visit is enough; if the mountain matters more, a Doi Inthanon day without the elephants spends longer at the top.
What is included in the price
A booking of the Elephant Sanctuary & Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai covers:
- Round-trip hotel transfer in Chiang Mai
- English-speaking guide
- Elephant sanctuary programme: feeding, walk and river bath
- Lunch
- Guided waterfall hike
Before you book
Availability is confirmed once you send the date, hotel area and group size on WhatsApp. We confirm the date, pickup time and total on WhatsApp before you pay; how and when to pay for this tour is agreed with your booking.
The route stop by stop is in the travel guide; pickup times, the packing list and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included?
Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, an English-speaking guide, the elephant programme, lunch and the guided waterfall hike. The national park fee is paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise.
How do I book?
Send us the date, your hotel and the number of guests on WhatsApp. We confirm availability, the pickup time and the total before you pay.
Is it good for children?
Yes for children who are fine with a long day: the elephants are the highlight. Ask us about child prices on WhatsApp.