Elephant & Eco Community Project
Real Elephants. Real People. Real Impact.
Join a meaningful experience that connects you with rescued elephants, supports local families, and helps regenerate the forest. This project combines the essence of two initiatives: the Eco Adventure Camp and Sunshine for Elephants, both rooted in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai. Operated by local villagers, these ethical and eco-conscious programs offer you a chance to be part of something bigger than tourism.
We invite travelers who care about animal welfare, sustainability, and local empowerment to look beyond staged experiences and discover a real story — where elephants live peacefully and people thrive alongside them.
Elephant Experience Highlights
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Meet rescued elephants in a peaceful, natural setting near the river or forest
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Walk with the elephants to/from the forest and observe their behavior and body language
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Prepare food and mix herbal supplements (turmeric, tamarind, ginger) to support their health
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Learn directly from local mahouts and elephant caregivers, many of whom have grown up with elephants for generations
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Take respectful photos — no chains, no performances, no riding, no bathing
"No tricks. Just meaningful interaction with elephants on their terms."
A quiet connection between mahout and elephant in the hills of Chiang Mai. Rooted in tradition, focused on care, and free from exploitation.
Watch as elephants enjoy freedom in the lush jungle. Our ethical elephant experience offers a respectful, observation-based interaction without riding or bathing.
An elephant roams freely in its natural habitat. No chains, no performances—just peaceful moments in the forest where elephants can be elephants.
A quiet connection between mahout and elephant in the hills of Chiang Mai. Rooted in tradition, focused on care, and free from exploitation.
About Eco Adventure Camp
Eco Adventure Camp is a community-owned sanctuary located just 3 km from Mae Taeng village. This camp is a continuation of the legacy of Maetang Tour Elephant Camp, one of the earliest elephant camps in the region. Originally founded in 1993 (B.E. 2536), it was reimagined in 2015 by Mr. Tuk, a third-generation member of the founding family.
Recognizing the need to shift from traditional tourism, Mr. Tuk and his team transformed the site into a small-scale, ethical experience with just a few elephants — giving them freedom to roam, proper food, and a stress-free environment.
Core values of Eco Adventure Camp:
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Operated by local families from the village
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Strong roots in tradition, combined with modern ethical care
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Reforestation projects and food forest cultivation
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Circular farming: elephant dung becomes organic compost
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Zero-plastic policy and education for visitors
"At Eco Adventure Camp, you don’t just visit. You become part of a forest-based future."
A peaceful jungle encounter where guests feed elephants from a safe, respectful distance. No touching or shows—just real moments in nature.
Visitors share a refreshing moment with elephants, offering watermelons in a shaded forest setting. It’s simple, authentic, and meaningful.
Smiles, snacks, and unforgettable memories. Our elephant feeding lets guests connect naturally with gentle giants—no chains, no riding.
A peaceful jungle encounter where guests feed elephants from a safe, respectful distance. No touching or shows—just real moments in nature.
About Sunshine for Elephants
Sunshine for Elephants is a grassroots initiative led entirely by local villagers who wanted to give elephants rescued from logging and circus backgrounds a second chance. Located close to the Tubing Chiang Mai base, this camp allows for intimate, low-impact visits that focus on welfare, not entertainment.
Here, elephants are never forced to do anything. You may witness them splash in the river or graze in the trees, but only if they choose. The camp is small and peaceful, providing a secure home for the elephants and a livelihood for local families.
What makes this project special:
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100% local-led and managed
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No chains, no bathing, no crowding
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Empowering mahouts through community ownership
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Education-based interaction for visitors
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Close collaboration with Tubing Chiang Mai to share resources and guests
"Your visit provides direct support for elephants’ freedom and the well-being of the people who care for them."
Community-Led, Community-Supporting
Both camps are operated by families who’ve cared for elephants for generations.
When you visit, you:
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Help fund elephant food, vet visits, and natural habitat care
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Create sustainable jobs in rural communities
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Support reforestation and circular agriculture
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Uplift local knowledge, pride, and dignity
“When you visit, you help build futures — not just memories.”
Why Join This Project?
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Ethical — no riding, no performance, no touching
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Real connection — small group, natural space
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Sustainability in action — from elephant dung to vegetable gardens
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Convenient location — near Tubing Chiang Mai & waterfall activities
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Transparency — you can see how your visit directly impacts the camp and community
Location & Access
Both camps are located just a few minutes from the Tubing Chiang Mai site in Mae Taeng. No long hikes or travel needed. Easily accessible and ideal to combine with other adventures like river tubing or the waterfall slide.
Jack and team were fabulous. Would highly recommend all of them! All so welcoming and kind. Jack was so knowledgeable and chatted to us throughout the trek. He made us feel so comfortable and safe. We had such a memorable day trekking, seeing waterfalls, tubing on the river and the biggest highlight was interacting with the special elephants. Jack made it a special day. He is a lovely man. Thank you.
Our guide led us through the jungle superbly. Was in a good mood and highly motivated throughout. Afterwards the relaxed ride down the river.
It was great fun and everything was well organized 👍
Join the Movement
This project is more than a tour — it's a collaboration between nature, people, and purpose. Come curious. Leave inspired.
Support ethical elephants. Support ethical people.