Paper made from elephant dung might sound absurd, but this eco-friendly shopping destination transforms what elephants leave behind into beautiful, sustainable stationery and art supplies. The innovative process takes place at this unique park where visitors can watch the entire papermaking journey unfold, from collecting fresh elephant waste to creating sheets of surprisingly soft, odorless paper. Beyond the novelty factor, this represents genuine environmental innovation that tackles waste management while supporting elephant conservation efforts.
Walking through the facility, you’ll witness each step of the fascinating transformation process in dedicated stations throughout the complex. Watch workers rinse and boil the fiber-rich elephant dung, then blend it with natural materials to create pulp that gets pressed into sheets and dried under the Thai sun. The gift shop showcases an impressive range of finished products, from notebooks and greeting cards to photo frames and decorative items, all crafted from the signature paper. Interactive workshops allow you to try papermaking yourself, getting your hands dirty while learning about sustainable manufacturing practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Despite the unusual raw material, the atmosphere feels surprisingly clean and educational rather than gimmicky. Children and adults alike become genuinely fascinated watching the scientific process unfold, often forgetting entirely what the original material was. The outdoor areas provide pleasant spaces to observe the demonstration areas, while the air-conditioned retail section offers comfortable browsing through creative products that make excellent conversation-piece souvenirs.
Plan your visit during weekday mornings when demonstrations run most frequently and crowds remain lighter. The park sits along the Mae Rim road, easily accessible by songthaew, taxi, or rental scooter from central Chiang Mai. Bring cash for purchases since card acceptance can be limited, and consider combining your trip with other Mae Rim attractions like elephant sanctuaries or botanical gardens. This experience offers something genuinely different from typical shopping destinations while supporting meaningful environmental initiatives.
Location
Find a Place to Stay
More Chiang Mai Attractions
