Elephant Parade Land is an art and craft attraction in San Phi Suea, north of central Chiang Mai, where colourful elephant sculptures link a museum visit with a working production studio. You can explore the brand’s travelling art exhibitions, see how its replicas are made and paint a miniature elephant to take home.
This is a visit centred on sculpture and creativity. It is especially useful for families or travellers looking for a hands-on activity away from the city’s temple circuit.
The museum, studio and sculpture garden
The museum introduces Elephant Parade’s international exhibitions and the artists behind their designs. Elephant shapes become canvases for very different colours, patterns and ideas, making it interesting to compare how each artist uses the same form. Exhibits also introduce Asian elephants and conservation themes.
The movie room and library provide more background, while the garden displays full-size baby elephant sculptures. Allow time to look closely at individual designs before moving on to a workshop; a favourite pattern or colour combination can provide a starting point for your own piece.
A production tour adds another perspective. Instead of only seeing the finished souvenir, you can learn about the stages involved in making and decorating the replicas. Ask which studio areas are available during your visit, since this is a working space and access depends on the day’s arrangements.
Painting your own elephant
The workshop starts with a blank miniature elephant. Choose your colours and design, then use the supplied brushes and acrylic paints to turn the model into your own souvenir. Staff can offer tips, so you do not need previous painting experience to enjoy it.
A simple colour scheme is manageable for a first attempt, while smaller patterns reward a steadier hand and more time. Children may need help with fine details and keeping wet paint off neighbouring surfaces. Travelling companions can paint different designs rather than all following one template.
Workshop models are advertised at 600 baht for the 10cm size and 1,000 baht for the 15cm size. Painting commonly takes 1-2 hours, depending on how elaborate your design becomes. Allow extra time for the museum and for preparing your finished piece for the journey home.
Opening, admission and reservations
Elephant Parade Land lists free entry, with painting workshops charged separately. Buying a model or joining a workshop is optional; browsing the attraction does not mean every activity is included without charge.
Published opening is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Reserve a workshop if you have a fixed travel schedule or are coming as a group, and confirm the latest available starting time so you can finish comfortably before closing. For a weekend visit, contact the venue about specific arrangements before travelling.
Tell the team how many adults and children are attending and which model size you want. Elephant Parade also offers painting at other stores, so ensure your reservation is for Elephant Parade Land if you want the museum, garden and production setting as part of the outing.
Getting to Elephant Parade Land
The address is 180/9 Moo 7, San Phi Suea, Mueang Chiang Mai, 50300. It is north of the main tourist centre, so a taxi or private driver is more practical than adding it casually to an Old City walking route. Arrange a return journey if your driver is not waiting.
The venue’s final approach runs via Ban Tha Luk Soi 7, near Wat Tha Luk, with a purple elephant sculpture marking the entrance. Use the exact Land location in your map app. Elephant Parade’s Wat Ket and other shops are separate locations and will not provide the same visit.
Elephant Parade Land FAQs
Are there live elephants here?
The visitor experience centres on elephant art, sculptures, the museum and painting. Choose this outing for creativity and craft rather than an elephant encounter programme.
Is entry free?
The venue advertises free entry. Painting costs extra, with 10cm and 15cm workshop models listed at 600 and 1,000 baht respectively.
How long does the painting workshop take?
Allow around 1-2 hours for painting, plus time to explore the museum and garden. A detailed design may take longer, so book a start that leaves enough time before closing.
Do I need artistic experience?
Staff offer guidance and supply the painting materials. Start with a simple design if you are new to painting, and help younger children with delicate details.
Can I visit at the weekend?
The published schedule is Monday-Friday. Contact the venue for any specific weekend arrangement before making the journey.
Is Elephant Parade Land the same as the city shops?
It is a separate destination in San Phi Suea with a museum and production setting. Check the workshop location when booking, because painting is also offered at other Elephant Parade stores.
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