General & Ethics
Do you allow elephant riding at your park?
No. We maintain a strict "no-riding" policy to ensure the physical and mental well-being of our elephants.
How does my visit help the elephants?
Your visit directly funds medical care, food, and welfare, as well as supporting the local community that cares for them.
Is Kerchor an ethical sanctuary?
Yes. Our park focuses on observation and interaction through feeding, walking, and bathing, prioritizing the elephants' natural lifestyle over entertainment.
What is the mission of Kerchor Eco Elephant Park?
We are a sustainable, community-run sanctuary by the Karen people focused on providing a natural home for rescued elephants while preserving our traditional culture.
Where is the park located?
We are located in Ban Sob Win, Mae Wang, approximately one hour away from Chiang Mai Old Town.
Who are the Karen people mentioned on the site?
The Karen are a local community with a long-standing tradition of living alongside elephants; we treat elephants as family members.
Programs
Do you offer both morning and afternoon sessions?
Yes, for both the Half-Day and Exclusive programs, we offer morning and afternoon pick-up times.
Is lunch provided in the programs?
Yes, all programs include a traditional Thai meal. The Exclusive program specifically features a Northern Thai "Khao Soi" set.
What activities are included in the Half-Day program?
You will learn about elephant lifestyles, make herbal medicine balls, feed them, take a walk in nature, and enjoy a mud spa and bath.
What are the pick-up times for the morning and afternoon programs?
Morning pick-up is 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM (return 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM). Afternoon pick-up is 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (return 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM).
What does the Full-Day program include?
It combines elephant care activities (walking, feeding, bathing) with afternoon bamboo rafting and a visit to a hidden waterfall.
What is the difference between the Half-Day and Exclusive programs?
The Exclusive program includes additional educational activities like calculating weight using ancient techniques and making mineral salt licks.
What is the pick-up time for the afternoon Half-Day program?
Afternoon pick-up is 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (return 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM).
What is the pick-up time for the morning Half-Day program?
Morning pick-up is 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM (return 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM).
The Elephants
Are the elephants free to move around?
We take the elephants for daily walks in their natural environment to ensure they get exercise and can forage as they would in the wild.
Can I learn the elephants’ names?
Absolutely! Our mahouts (caretakers) will introduce you to everyone, from our leader Satian to the energetic youngsters like Aree and Phu Chan.
Can I meet baby elephants at Kerchor?
Yes, we have young elephants like Eye jung (2 years old), AiAi (3 years old), and Mesa (6 years old).
Who is the oldest elephant at the park?
Mae Manas, whom we affectionately call "Grand-ma," is our oldest resident at 50 years old.
Logistics
How long is the journey to the park?
The drive takes approximately one hour from Chiang Mai Old Town.
Is the park accessible for seniors?
Yes, though there is some walking involved. Our "Grand-ma" Mae Manas specifically loves spending time with older visitors!
Is there an age limit for children?
We welcome children of all ages. We offer a discounted rate for children aged 3–8 years, and infants under 3 typically join for free.
Is transportation from Chiang Mai included?
Yes, our programs include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or resort in the Chiang Mai old town.
What should I bring for my visit?
We recommend a towel, a change of clean clothes, sunscreen, sandals, a swimming suit, and insect repellent.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Sandals or water shoes are best for the bathing activities.
Booking
Can I take photos during the session?
Yes, there are many photo opportunities. We encourage you to capture memories of your interaction and feeding sessions.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the rafting?
Basic swimming ability is helpful for the waterfall, but for rafting, the water is generally shallow and life jackets can be provided.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, please let us know in your booking notes if you have any allergies or require vegetarian/vegan options.
How do I book a program?
You can book directly through our website by filling out the booking form for your chosen program.
Is it safe to bathe with the elephants?
Yes. Our mahouts are with you at all times to ensure the safety of both the guests and the elephants.
What happens if it rains?
Our programs usually run rain or shine. Elephants love the rain! If weather is extreme, we will contact you regarding rescheduling.
What is your cancellation policy?
Details are on our policy page, but we appreciate as much notice as possible if your plans change.