Travel Guide to Elephant Village Sanctuary

Getting There

• Songthaew

  From the center of Chiang Mai, head to the nearest Songthaew station, which can often be found along major roads or near markets. Look for a red pickup truck with the Songthaew sign. You can hop on and tell the driver you want to go to Mae Wang. The ride typically costs around 40-60 THB and may take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Once you reach the Mae Wang area, ask the driver to drop you off at the Elephant Village Sanctuary, located at 79 หมู่ที่ 19 Mae Win.

• Public Bus

  Head to the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai, which is located on the east side of the city. You can take a tuk-tuk or a local taxi to get there. Look for buses heading towards Mae Wang; they usually leave every hour. The fare will be around 50 THB. Once you arrive in Mae Wang, you can either walk (approximately 30 minutes) or take a Songthaew to reach the Elephant Village Sanctuary at 79 หมู่ที่ 19 Mae Win.

• Bicycle Rental

  For the more adventurous, consider renting a bicycle from a rental shop in Chiang Mai. Make sure to have a map or a GPS device. Start cycling south towards Mae Wang, following the main roads. The distance is approximately 30 km and can take around 2-3 hours depending on your cycling speed. Follow the directions to Mae Wang and look for signs directing you to 79 หมู่ที่ 19 Mae Win for the Elephant Village Sanctuary.

• Tour Group

  Many tour companies in Chiang Mai offer packages that include transportation to the Elephant Village Sanctuary. Look for a reputable tour operator in the Old City or Nimmanhaemin area. Sign up for a half-day or full-day tour that includes a visit to the sanctuary; this usually covers transportation, entry fees, and sometimes meals. This is a convenient option if you want a guided experience.