Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any immediate questions or need assistance, you can also reach us through the contact details below.
Transport
Customers will be picked up in a 12-seater, air-conditioned van for the initial part of the journey. For the final 10 minutes of the transfer to the sanctuary, a 4×4 truck with roofed bench seating will be used.
We recommend you to stay 1 night prior your tour date because planes, buses and trains are often delayed. We would be unable to wait for you incase it is delayed.
We can definitely drop you of at the Airport, Bus & Train Station. However please kindly note that your departing time for the next journey should be at least 2 hours ahead of the tour ending time. Also please kindly inform us 24 hours ahead of the tour commencement date that you would have a luggage as we have limited space in the van. Please note that we can’t offer you priority treatment and all guests will be dropped off in the most efficient order possible.
On average, it takes approximately 1½ hours to reach the Sanctuary from the Old City Chiang Mai. The journey may vary depending on which camp that you visit, as well as variables such as traffic, weather and road conditions. We also offer a short break around halfway to the Sanctuary. Where food, refreshments and bathrooms are available.
Yes, you can drive to our Joy Elephant Sanctuary. First, you need to book the tickets prior through Joy Elephant Sanctuary or through an authorized agent. Second, you need to let us know that you would be driving yourself and we would suggest a meeting point near to our camp where you can follow our staff member.
Bookings & Payment
Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before the assigned commencement time of your visit. Bookings requested on the same day as your desired visit might not be accepted. In order to avoid disappointment, we recommend you to book as early as possible.
Yes, tour amendment 24 hours prior to the visit date is possible without any charges. Please kindly note that you can’t change the date of your visit due to poor weather conditions. Joy Elephant Sanctuary remains in operation despite rain and other mild weather conditions.
Yes, you may change your program. You have to inform us at least 24 hours prior to the date of your visit. Please contact us via Email at cs@joyelephantsanctuary.com to discuss your desired changes. Once received we would inform you if there is a difference in price.
No, we do not accept booking requests made on any of our social media pages. For any booking requirements please contact us directly via Phone, Email, our Website, our authorized agents or in person at our office in Chiang Mai.
Yes, after you send us a booking request, we will inform you of the deposit amount required for your visit including the payment methods. Your remaining balance may be paid on the day of your visit. Please note that your deposit is non-refundable.
- Joy Elephant Sanctuary operates all year round, despite rain and other mild weather conditions. Customer booking cancellations due to weather conditions will not be refunded.
- Booking amendments made between 24-48 hours of designated visit start time will be approved one time per booking without incurring additional charges.
- Booking cancellation made more than 72 hours before the start date quality for a full refund.
- Booking cancellation between 24-72 hours of designated visit start date quality for a refund, minus a cancellation fee of 400 THB per person.
Yes, we have credit card facilities and there is no extra charge for paying with the credit card if you have purchased the ticket directly from our website.
Yes, we offer special rates for children (4-9 years old) and infants (0-3 years old). To view our child & infant rates please visit our website on the price section for each program.
If you wish to book a visit for a group of 10 or more people and for all media enquiries, please email us directly at CS@joyelephantsanctuary.com to discuss the pricing.
Special Requirements
Yes, guests who are pregnant, wheelchair users or suffer from any pre-existing condition are required to inform Joy Elephant Sanctuary of their condition, you may need to sign a waiver stating that you are aware that you are in good mentally and physically to participate in a tour which involves large animals.
Yes, all dietary requirements and restrictions can be accommodated. If you are vegetarian and vegan, having any kind of food allergies or any other specific dietary requirements. Please inform us of this prior to the day of your visit.
Please kindly refer to the program that you choose below
- Half Day Program: All fitness levels are welcomed.
- Full Day Program: Some moderate hiking abilities are involved.
- Elephant Observation & Bamboo Rafting: All fitness levels are welcomed.
- Elephant Observation & Authentic Thai Cooking Class: All fitness levels are welcomed.
- Elephant Observation & Inthanon Hiking: Medium rate hiking abilities are involved.
- Elephant Observation & Golden Sunrise at Suthep Temple: Some moderate hiking abilities are involved.
Yes, all ages are welcome at Joy Elephant Sanctuary. Please note that to ensure the safety of young children, close parental supervision must be involved during the interaction with elephants.
You are welcome to bring a day pack or small bag. If you wish to bring a suitcase of any additional luggage, please inform us of this prior to your visit.
General Enquiries
All personal details provided by customers are used for contact, booking and insurance purposes only. Joy Elephant Sanctuary will never share your personal information (including, but not limited to your name, email address, or phone number) with a 3rd party for any reason without your express permission unless required by law. For this reason, we will not be able to provide you with any information about your fellow visitors.
All visitors to Joy Elephant Sanctuary are covered by our insurance policy. However, we highly recommend that you obtain personal travel or medical insurance prior to your arrival of Thailand
No special vaccinations are needed for interacting with Elephants. However detailed health information and list of recommended vaccinations (e.g. Covid Vaccinations) for travel in Thailand can be found at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand
No, participation in river activity during your visit is not mandatory. You will never be forced to do anything which makes you uncomfortable.
We offer Thai and English speaking tour guides.
You will be provided with 1-2 dishes of Thai Food, seasonal fruits which includes vegetarian options All dietary restrictions can be accommodated, provided we are informed of them prior to your visit. Bottled water will also be provided free of charge, and other beverages are available for purchase.
There is limited mobile network service. And there is no WIFI at any of our locations.
Maximum group capacity varies depending on the program you choose, and the number of elephants in the location that you visit and the time of the year.
We recommend that you bring the following: Extra Clothes, Swimming Suite, Sandals, Sunblock Lotion, Insect Spray
If you have forgotten anything during your visit, please contact Joy Elephant Sanctuary By phone as soon as possible. We will endeavor to locate the item/s and return them to you. However, Joy Elephant Sanctuary accepts no responsibility for any items lost, damaged, or forgotten on our premises. We advise all visitors to thoroughly check their possessions prior to leaving Joy Elephant Sanctuary at the conclusion of their visit.
No, there is no Karen Hilltribe village at our locations. While it’s a remote area, you won’t be guaranteed to see the Karen Hilltribe Village. However, our staff members are Karen people and can answer any questions you may have about their unique culture. Additionally, you will not see or meet any Kayan, or “Long-Neck Karen” people, as they are a subgroup of Red Karen (Karenni) people and do not reside near any Joy Elephant Sanctuary location.
Photos & Media
You are welcome to bring a camera or other personal photographic equipment with you on your visit. However, unless your device is waterproof we recommend that you do not use it during the activity involving water. Joy Elephant Sanctuary accepts no responsibility for any device or equipment lost or damaged at any of our locations.
Yes, we offer a photography service at no charges. Our professional photographers will accompany you and your group for the duration of your visit. The photos then would be uploaded on our cloud and shared with you on our Facebook page.
Your photos will typically be uploaded within 72 hours of your visit. However, occasional delays may occur. If you do not see your photos after 72 hours, please contact us. Please note that photos are stored for 90 days.
Certainly! If there are any photos you’re not comfortable with, please send us a message with the link to the specific photo, and we’ll promptly remove it from the album. Your comfort is our priority.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to use any of the images from your visit taken by Joy Elephant Sanctuary for personal use. However, please note that these images are provided for personal use only. Any commercial use of the pictures requires the prior express written consent of Joy Elephant Sanctuary.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please note that our photography service is provided as an additional complimentary service to enhance your experience. It is not included in the price of the program, and therefore, the lack of photo uploads does not entitle you to a refund. However, we strive to ensure that all visitors receive their photos promptly. If your photos are not uploaded within the expected timeframe, please contact us, and we will make every effort to locate them. Thank you for your understanding.
Cooking Program
Our cooking classes are open to everyone. However, it’s recommended for children above 5 years old.
Our class sizes range from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 12 people. During high seasons, we may have larger class sizes, but we generally prefer to keep the classes smaller to ensure an intimate atmosphere and provide ample personal attention to each participant.
Currently, we do not offer a specific course for vegetarians. However, our recipes are highly versatile and can easily be adapted to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets.
Absolutely! We can adjust the recipes to accommodate any allergies or specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or lactose-free options. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs during the booking process, and we’ll ensure you have a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
Of course you will. Although some ingredients may not be available, we will inform you of suitable substitutions as well as other useful techniques and tips to ensure you can cook Thai food back home successfully. We also offer all of our students some ongoing email support if they need it.
Yes. Our courses are completely hands-on. Students get to prepare and cook the entire dishes themselves using fresh ingredients.
Our cooking school is conveniently located just a short distance away from the old town city. It’s surrounded by nature and only takes about 20-30 minutes to get there.
Yes, indeed! As part of your cooking class experience, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local market. Our knowledgeable cooking class teachers will guide you through the market, helping you select the freshest ingredients for your cooking.
During your cooking session, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare a variety of dishes from our curated list, including spring rolls, soup, stir-fried dishes, curry paste, curry, and Thai traditional salad. For dessert, you’ll learn to make delicious mango sticky rice, and you can enjoy a refreshing Thai tea as a beverage option.
Absolutely! You can choose from a variety of options, including 2 types of soup, 4 types of stir-fried dishes, 4 types of curry paste to make different curries, and 3 types of Thai traditional salad. This allows each member of your group to customize their cooking experience according to their preferences.
Bamboo Rafting Program
Yes, all ages are welcome to enjoy Bamboo Rafting. However, for young children and infants, close parental supervision is necessary to ensure their safety during the activity.
Yes, life vests are provided for safety during the activity. However, participants have the option to choose not to wear them, but they will be responsible for their own safety.
We recommend bringing a waterproof camera for capturing memories. However, we advise against bringing cell phones and other high-value gadgets, as they may be susceptible to damage. Please note that any lost or damaged items will be the responsibility of the participant.
The rafting experience typically lasts for about 30 minutes. However, please note that the duration may vary depending on factors such as water current, especially during the rainy season.
No, you don’t need any rafting experience. Our experienced rafters will guide you throughout the activity, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience without any prior experience required.
Temple Program
No, all temple entrance fees are included in the tour package.
Respectful attire is required when visiting temples in Thailand. Ensure your shoulders are covered (no vests, tank tops, or spaghetti straps), and while skirts or shorts are acceptable at many temples, it is recommended to wear clothing that extends at least to your calf.
Yes, you can take photographs inside the temples, but please be mindful to avoid making noise and to respect the sacredness of the space.
Most of our tour guides are Buddhist and have previously served as monks.
Yes, children are welcome to join the temple tour, but we kindly ask that they avoid making noise out of respect for the sacred environment.
Unfortunately, most of the temples are not accessible for people with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and staircases.
Yes, there are several important etiquette guidelines to follow:
- Avoid pointing your feet at Buddha images or monks.
- Refrain from sitting on platforms or seats reserved for monks.
- Public displays of affection, smoking, and alcohol consumption are not allowed.
- Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings.
Inthanon Hiking
Yes, all entrance fees are included in the tour package.
Yes, you will be accompanied by our tour guide throughout the excursion, along with a jungle tour guide during the trekking portion.
The activity requires moderate hiking abilities and is suitable for children above 5 years old.
While wildlife sightings are possible during our tour in Inthanon National Park, they cannot be guaranteed. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species, butterflies, and smaller mammals. With the park’s rich biodiversity and the guidance of our experienced guides, you may have the opportunity to spot some wildlife along the way. However, it’s important to remember that wildlife sightings depend on factors such as season, time of day, and the animals’ natural behavior.”
The schedule may vary between morning and afternoon based on camp capacity.