Best Recommended Tours
CNX ELEPHANT Conservation Center and lampang trip
Visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang. See the elephant hospital and explore the city’s historic temples by horse carriage.
The Gold Standard of Conservation: Journey to the Royal Elephant Sanctuary and the Hidden Ancient Capital of Lampang
Most tourists visit "elephant camps" built for entertainment. But you are looking for the truth. You want to see where the nation's most sacred giants are protected, healed, and honored.
Welcome to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) in Lampang—the only state-run sanctuary under Royal Patronage. This isn't just a tour; it’s an exclusive look behind the scenes of Thailand’s most prestigious elephant hospital and the legendary Royal Elephant Stables. Combined with a nostalgic journey through the "Hidden Capital" of Lampang via traditional horse carriage, this is the most authentic cultural expedition in Northern Thailand.
Why This is the Only "True" Elephant Experience:
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The Royal Connection: This is the official home of the White Elephants of Thailand. You are visiting a site of immense national and spiritual importance.
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World-Class Medical Care: See the Elephant Hospital in action. Your visit directly supports the veterinarians and mahouts who provide life-saving care to elephants from all over the country.
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Elephant Demonstration: Watch the elephants bathe in the river and demonstrate their natural intelligence through traditional logging skills—the way it has been done for centuries.
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The Horse Carriage Capital: Explore Lampang city in the only place in Thailand where Horse-Drawn Carriages are still a daily way of life. It’s a rhythmic, romantic trip back to the early 20th century.
Itinerary
Chiang mai – Lampang : Itinerary
Morning 08:30 to 15.00
| 08:00 | Leave from Chiang mai by a private air-conditioned van via Lumphun heading to the Lampang elephant conservation center which is in charge of the Forestry Department and the only the place in the world where there are both hospitals & a Recreation Center for the Elephants. (93 km away from Chiang mai) |
| 09:45 | Observe the elephant s bathing in a natural pond as the 1st part of the performance. |
| 10:00 | See the Elephant s demonstration such as responding the commands of their mahouts, turning on-off the water tap to drink water by themselves, painting, pushing and dragging logs and etc,.
Enjoy a half hour Elephant riding after the show |
| 11:00 | Continue to Lampang city. |
| 12:00 | Lunch at local restaurant ***a short trip by a Horse drawn-carriage around the downtown of Lampang can be organized by an optional tour before or after lunch. |
| 13:00 | Visit Wat Phra Kaew Dontao & Wat Sri Long Muang, a Myanmese style temple. |
| 14:00 | Continue to the most important temple of Lampang, used to be an old palace of Lampang s Royalty, Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang |
| 15:30 | Transfer to visit a Jungle Market where various kinds of vegetation and jungle food for instances insects, dried & live frogs, forest mushrooms are available |
| 16:00 | Transfer back to Chiang mai, on route stop to visit a small market of wild Orchids. |
| 17:00 | Arrive Chia ngmai and transfer to the hotel. |
Meals : Lunch
Price (Tour)
| Options | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3-5 pax | 6-9 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.City Center Hotel Available: 10 |
7,330 ฿/pp | 4,070 ฿/pp | 3,210 ฿/pp | 2,360 ฿/pp |
| 2.Four Season Hotel Available: 10 |
8,190 ฿/pp | 4,500 ฿/pp | 3,540 ฿/pp | 2,570 ฿/pp |
| 3.Darathai Hotel Available: 10 |
7,600 ฿/pp | 4,180 ฿/pp | 3,320 ฿/pp | 2,410 ฿/pp |
| 4.Bella Villa Hotel Available: 10 |
8,400 ฿/pp | 4,605 ฿/pp | 3,640 ฿/pp | 2,625 ฿/pp |
FAQs
Shattering the Doubts
Q: Is this an ethical elephant experience?
A: This is the most ethical experience available. As a government-regulated center (TECC), the focus is 100% on conservation, education, and medical treatment. There are no "forced tricks"—only demonstrations of natural behavior and traditional mahout skills.
Q: Why should I travel all the way to Lampang?
A: Because Lampang remains "unspoiled." While Chiang Mai is bustling, Lampang offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse into Northern Thai life as it was 50 years ago. It is the only place to see the Royal Elephant facilities and ride a traditional horse carriage.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Modest clothing is required for the temples (shoulders and knees covered). We also recommend comfortable walking shoes and a hat for the outdoor conservation center.
Q: Is this tour suitable for seniors?
A: Yes! This is a very comfortable tour with private air-conditioned transfers and gentle activities like the horse carriage ride, making it perfect for all ages.
