Elefin Cafe has made elephants accessible to everyone! It’s the most affordable way to see elephants
This one of a kind cafe is owned and operated by the same wonderful people who run Patara Elephant Farm, Elefin Farm and Cafe was opened in a response to the changing tourism landscape during Covidin 2020. In order to keep bringing attention to the conservation of elephants and to keep their flock fed and healthy, the decided to target the local market.
In doing so, they’ve created an affordable way for locals (and tourists) to communicate with and get to know elephants!
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The cafe
I will be very honest with you, and that is that you don’t come here for the cafe! (Actually, I’m pretty sure you knew that!) While it is very cute and family run, they have very little on offer food wise. It’s more like a snack shop with French fries, chicken nuggets, and those sorts of things.
This makes Elefin Cafe a nice stop on your way to or from somewhere else.
Also, a heads up on the coffee! They offer some (interesting?) experimental coffee flavours here. Be ware what you end up with! I tried the signature iced coffee and it had fresh lime in it! Shockingly I felt more awake than with regular ice coffee, but it took a lot of sips to get used to.
Seating is outside only at the moment, although during rainy season I’m certain they will provide indoor seating options. But I’m not even sure if you can see the elephants if it’s raining, so that’s something to consider as well.
Feeding the elephants
After purchasing a snack or drink (completely optional by the way), you will be invited up the feeding platform. Along the way you will purchase baskets of food. Usually it’s bananas and sugar cane for a cost of 100 baht per basket.
After a few moments the elephants who are roaming around freely, realize you are there a saunter over. It can be intimidating for little ones. My son was actually scared! As while gentle, the size of the trunks must have appeared monstrous to him!
We were lucky to be there when they had two baby elephants! They were playful and adorable with loving protective mothers.
Are the elephants well taken care of?
I’ve personally known the owners for years and have visited their elephants on many occasions. They are always well fed, never chained, never hooked. All the elephants seem happy and are gentle around people. Yes, they do allow riding which many find controversial, however I recommend you do your own research into that and ask at Elefin Cafe their reasons for allowing it.
They offer a special ride promotion of only 1,200 baht and if you prefer not to ride you can bathe an elephant for only 800 baht. These are HUGE discounts from regular prices.
Patara Elephant Farm is consistently ranked with in the top 10 elephant experiences in Chiang Mai due to their caring nature towards the elephants.
When is the best time to go to Elefin Cafe?
Anytime except when it’s raining! At the moment they don’t appear to have any contingency plans in place for rain.
How to get to Elefin Cafe?
To get here only takes about 45 minutes to an hour from the centre of town. Grab is the easiest solution if you don’t have your own transportation. Of course you could also take a taxi or hire a private driver as well because there is LOTS to do up the 1269 Rd.
To get here by yourself, drive south along Canal Rd (the 121) and turn right at the 1269 Rd (Samoeng Rd). Drive about 30 minutes up the road and look for the signs on the left hand side. Follow the narrow road up to the cafe.
Hours: Open daily 9 am – 5 pm daily
Good for ages: all ages
Phone: 098 549 2516
Kids Menu: No
High chairs: No
Playground: No
Wheelchair or stroller accessible: No
Pet friendly: No
Child friendly staff: No
Birthday parties: No
Prices: $&
Facebook: Elefin Farm & Cafe
Location: Elefin Farm & Cafe map
