What should I know before visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai?

Choose ethical sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Be prepared for physical activities like walking and feeding elephants. Always follow the sanctuary's guidelines for interacting with the elephants. Consider visiting during the cooler hours of the day for a more pleasant experience.

Practical Chiang Mai planning note: For elephant experiences, prioritise observation-led programmes, transparent welfare policies and natural social behaviour. Avoid venues built around riding, tricks, forced performances or constant visitor handling; "sanctuary" is not a regulated guarantee of welfare quality.