A real life
with elephants

Most sanctuaries still use bullhooks and chains out of tourist view, offer elephant rides, or keep the animals in enclosed enclosures. At Le Cher, the elephants roam freely in the jungle. We follow them — they don't follow us. There's no performance, no tricks, no riding. Our caretakers are from the Karen community whose relationship with elephants spans generations.

Because our elephants' wellbeing comes before revenue. Large groups create stress, noise, and disruption for the herd. By capping visits at 8 people per day, we ensure Kao and Pailin have a peaceful life — and you get a genuinely intimate experience rather than a crowded group tour.

No — and we'd encourage you to avoid any sanctuary that offers riding. Training elephants to accept riders involves a process called "phajaan" (the crush) which breaks the animal's spirit through isolation, hunger, and pain. At Le Cher, the elephants are never trained to perform or carry weight. Walking alongside them at ground level is a far more intimate and authentic experience.

We offer included pickup from your accommodation within Chiang Mai city at 7:30–8:00am. The drive is about 1.5 hours into the southern mountains of Chiang Mai (Mae Wang district). You don't need to arrange your own transport — it's all included in your booking.

Wear long pants and a t-shirt you don't mind getting muddy. Bring: hiking shoes, sandals (for the river), a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, a face towel, and a camera. For the full day, bring a small backpack. We provide water, lunch, and complimentary photos of your time with the elephants.

Yes — and it's highly recommended. Staying overnight lets you experience the jungle at dusk and dawn, when it's most alive. You can sleep in our homestay (750 THB/person) or camp with your own gear (150 THB/person). Add the overnight stay to any elephant activity when booking.

Yes, with some considerations. The jungle hike involves walking for several hours over uneven terrain. We recommend ages 6+ for the half day and 8+ for the full day. Children tend to have a magical time — the elephants are gentle and the caretakers are excellent at making the experience accessible for all ages. Please mention children when booking so we can prepare accordingly.

Fill in the booking form on this page or send us a message on WhatsApp with your preferred date, number of people, and chosen activity. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours. Due to our limited capacity (8 guests/day), we recommend booking at least 3–5 days in advance, especially in high season (Nov–Feb).