Chang Puak Camp Chiang Rai

Chang Puak Camp is a commercial elephant camp on the edge of Chiang Rai town, in the Pa O Don Chai area about 20–30 minutes from the centre. Part of the Chang Puak Camp group, it offers the familiar mix of elephant activities — elephant rides, a performance show, feeding and photos — alongside ATV trails and other add-ons.

Visitors typically buy an activity package: a short elephant ride around the grounds, a show in which the elephants paint or play football, and time to feed the animals bananas and sugarcane. ATV rides and other attractions are available for an extra fee, and mahouts handle the elephants throughout.

Be clear about what this is: a traditional show-and-ride elephant camp, not a no-riding rescue sanctuary. Travellers who prefer to avoid elephant riding and performances will want one of northern Thailand’s observation-only sanctuaries instead; those happy with a conventional camp will find this an easy, family-oriented stop near the city.

The camp is open daily, roughly 08:00–17:00, with activities priced individually as packages. It is about 20–30 minutes from central Chiang Rai by taxi, rental car or tour. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring sun protection and cash for the activity counters.