Experience the Majesty of Elephants at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary

Getting There

• Public Bus

  From Chiang Mai, head to the Arcade Bus Station, which is a major bus terminal in the city. You can take a songthaew (red truck taxi) or tuk-tuk to get there. Once at the Arcade Bus Station, look for buses heading to Mae Rim; they usually leave every 30 minutes. The fare should be around 30-50 THB. Inform the driver that you want to get off at the stop for Maerim Elephant Sanctuary. The bus ride will take approximately 1 hour. After getting off, you may need to walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach the sanctuary, following signs or asking locals for directions.

• Songthaew (Shared Taxi)

  Find a local songthaew (red truck taxi) in Chiang Mai. You can catch one from the Old City or near popular tourist spots like Nimman Road. Negotiate the fare; it should be around 300-500 THB per person, depending on how many passengers are sharing. Request to be dropped off at Maerim Elephant Sanctuary or nearby. The journey will take approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Tuk-tuk

  Hail a tuk-tuk from your location in Chiang Mai. Make sure to negotiate the fare in advance; it should be around 600-800 THB for a one-way trip to Maerim Elephant Sanctuary. The ride will take about 40-60 minutes, and you can ask the driver to take you directly to the sanctuary.

• Bicycle Rental

  For the more adventurous, consider renting a bicycle from a shop in Chiang Mai. Follow the main road towards Mae Rim, which is approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. The route is scenic, and you will pass through beautiful landscapes. It may take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the sanctuary, depending on your cycling speed. Make sure to have water, sunscreen, and a map or GPS for navigation.