Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand, is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Its Lanna culture is beautifully complemented by contemporary elements, creating a vibrant province that is deeply rooted in age-old religious traditions. The city is adorned with serene temples, bustling day and night markets, a lively street food culture, and a flourishing arts scene, making it an ideal retreat for various styles of travel. One of the most interesting experiences for sustainable travellers is a visit to the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park in Chiang Mai.
Located in the Mae Rim area in Chiang Mai, the Poo Poo Park is an eco-friendly place that educates visitors about the process of making paper from elephant dung. The park offers interpretive walking tours, demonstrations by artisans, and various exhibits showcasing the different stages of the paper-making process—from collecting the dung to assembling the final product.
The park provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Guided and interactive walking tours take guests through eight different pavilions, explaining each stage of the fascinating paper-making process—from collecting and cleaning materials to assembling the final products. These tours use rich graphics and informative signage, complemented by animated tour guides.
Visitors will also learn about Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional paper-making and handicraft production. The tour traces the history of paper from its invention in China nearly 2,000 years ago and its evolution throughout Asia, Egypt, Europe, and the Americas.
You can witness skilled artisans demonstrate the various stages of paper-making and are encouraged to ask questions. After the tour, join in on the various DIY crafting activities where you can decorate and design your unique paper products and gifts to purchase and take home. If you’re feeling hungry, visit the Adobe Cafe for refreshments, which offers snacks, beverages, and POOPOO Chip cookies.
Address: 87 Moo. 10 T, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Timings: The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The last guided tour starts at 4 PM.
Entry: The entrance fee to the park is THB 150 (INR 385 approximately) per person. Children under five can enter for free.
How to Reach:
By Road: From Chiang Mai city center, take Route 107 north for approximately 16 km, then turn onto Route 1096 heading towards Mae Rim. The park is about six km along this road.
By Public Bus: Take Bus 13 from Chang Phuak Bus Station to Mae Rim. From Mae Rim, take a taxi or songthaew to the park.
By Taxi or Tuk-Tuk: Hire a taxi or tuk-tuk directly to the park.
Best Time to Visit: Visit between October to February early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds.
Nearby Places to Visit:
Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm: A serene spot showcasing a variety of orchids and butterflies.
Mae Sa Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, ideal for picnics and nature walks.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden: A vast garden offering diverse plant species, nature trails, and educational exhibits.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A sacred temple offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai city.
