Visiting Thailand can be magical experience made even more special by seeing elephants up close. Unfortunately some elephants are made to work in the logging industry or for exploitation to make money from tourists which is a huge money making business.
It is common to see animal shows where elephants are used to perform tricks whilst most famously elephants are used for tourist rides. When you see the conditions these elephants are kept in it and the way they are treated, often tortured or kept under control with the use of bull hooks, it is very distressing and heartbreaking.
But there are lots alternative experience available where you can see elephants but not cause any harm.
Throughout Thailand charitable organisations have set up wildlife sanctuaries with the aim of helping elephants and rescuing them from the logging and tourist industries. These sanctuaries are located throughout the country in places like Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui and all are open to tourists to visit all year round.
Seeing elephants up close is an incredible experience and one of the highlights of visiting Asia. And at an elephant sanctuary, although you won’t be able to ride them, you will get to see them up close in a natural environment. You might also get to help bathing, feeding or walking them whilst learning more about the conservation work and how as tourists we can help protect them.
Some organisations offer day visits, longer overnight stays and the opportunity to be more than just a tourist by volunteering to help make a difference.
Below you can view our list of the best and most ethical elephants sanctuaries in Thailand. If you aren’t able to visit them in person, most accept online donations which really makes a difference to the lives of elephants.
1. Elephant Nature Park
• Opened: 1998
• Website: www.elephantnaturepark.org
• Address: Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Elephant Nature Park is one of the best and most popular elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai. It was founded by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert in 1995 and has since become one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Thailand.
Located on the outskirts of a rainforest near the city of Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center which has rescued lots of animals from captivity. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals.
As a visitor you can learn more about the lives of past and present elephants cared for here. You can also extend your stay by volunteering on elephant and wildlife conservation projects here. Elephant Nature Park also operate projects you can visit in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
2. The Surin Project
• Founded: 2009
• Website: www.surinproject.org
• Address: Ban taklang Moo 13 Krapo Tha Tum District, Surin 32120, Thailand
The Surin Project is run by Save Elephant Foundation (SEF) which is a Thai non–profit organization. SEF is dedicated to providing care and assistance to Thailand’s captive elephant population through a multifaceted approach involving local community outreach, rescue and rehabilitation programs, and educational ecotourism operations. The Surin Project is located in Surin Provence and is home to a world-class elephant sanctuary providing free ranging opportunities for 180+ elephants.
3. Samui Elephant Sanctuary
• Founded: 2018
• Website: www.samuielephantsanctuary.org
• Address: 43/2 Taweerat Pakdee Rd, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Samui Elephant Sanctuary was the first truly ethical and award winning elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui in Southern Thailand. Thanks to the kind support of guests, they have since opened a second sanctuary on the island so that more rescued elephants can live with dignity and respect. Both sanctuaries are set on forested land, offering a safe retirement home for elephants who have worked exhausting hours in the logging and tourism industries.
By visiting you will get to visit one of the most spectacular islands in Thailand and feed the elephants, walk with them, and observe these gentle giants as they roam, socialise, bathe, play in the mud, and enjoy the peaceful life that they deserve. You can join a morning or afternoon program, knowing that you are supporting ethical elephant tourism and helping to improve the lives of Thai elephants.
4. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary
• Founded: 2006
• Website: www.blesele.org
• Address: 304 Mu 5, Baan Na Ton Jan, Tambon Baan Tuek, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai, Thailand 64130
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a rescue and sanctuary located in Sukhothai, northern Thailand that is devoted to creating a safe home for Thai elephants.
The 540-acre reserve in Thailand, is home to elephants saved from a life of misery in the logging and tourism trades. Katherine Connor, the founder of Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary is an inspiration person who has rescued so many abused elephants.
BLES allows elephants to live in a natural environment that encourages them to rediscover their true identity and natural social interaction. Basic skills such as natural foraging, swimming, scratching and dust baths – all things that have been denied to most of the elephants rescued for most of their lives.
5. Elephants World
• Founded: 2008
• Website: www.elephantsworld.org
• Address: 90, Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
Elephants World is a self-supporting Environmental Conservation Organization that cares for domestic elephants, situated just outside the town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Elephants World cares for the daily needs of over 30 elephants and staff by offering Eco-travelers the experience of an up-close and personal encounter with these wonderful creatures. They offer visitor programs ranging from a single day visit to a Mahout Experience of a week or more.
Elephants World’s mission is to provide the best possible care for elephants, staff and visitors. They welcome travelers here at home and right across the world. Every moment spent with Elephants World is educational, enjoyable and rewarding in meaningful ways.
6. Wildlife Friends Foundation
• Founded: 2001
• Website: www.wfft.org
• Address: 108 Moo 6, Tambon Thamairuak, Amphoe Thayang, 76130 Phetchaburi, Thailand
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is an airy conservation & animal rescue center helping elephants, monkeys, jungle cats & other wildlife. Wildlife Friends Foundation was founded by Dutch national Edwin Wiek with the help of the local people from Petchaburi province.
WFFT is a nationwide effort involved in rescuing domesticated/ captive wild animals. Edwin Wiek still heads this project with the help of a team of full-time staff, mostly from the local village, and a team of international volunteers who pay for their stay.
Without the dedication of volunteers, WFFT would not be able to continue to help these animals. Volunteers from all over the world have been to help, mostly from Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand, with a broad age range from 18 to 75. They represent various backgrounds from gap-year students, wildlife conservation/animal husbandry related students and scientists, career- breakers and retirees.
WFFT are passionate about changing the habits of international tourists who visit Thailand, who unknowingly fuel the illegal trade and the exploitation and abuse of Thailand’s wildlife. Visit or volunteer and learn more about the inspirational work WFFT are doing.
7. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
• Founded: 2001
• Website: www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org
• Address: 100, Moo 2,, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a joint partnership between Mr. Montri Todtane, a previous Phuket elephant camp owner and world-renowned elephant rescuer and conservationist Lek Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation.
Following the success of Lek Chailert’s highly acclaimed Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first of its kind in Phuket and seeks to meet the highest standard in animal welfare : rescuing, retiring and rehabilitating elephants that have suffered from working in the trekking and logging industries.
Over the past 10 years, Lek has been a driving force of change in the industry by inviting elephant riding camp owners to embrace change through the Save Elephant Foundation’s ‘Saddle Off’ program. Although there is still work to be done, her continuous and tireless efforts have resulted in many camp owners approaching the Elephant Nature Park to learn more about elephant welfare and ethical tourism.
8. Elephant Hills
• Website: www.elephanthills.com
• Address: Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand
Elephant Hills are Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camps, combining the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment of an elephant park. You can choose 2 or 4 day nature soft adventure tours in and around the stunningly beautiful Khao Sok national park area with luxury tents for night time accommodations.
The Elephant Camp comprises tailor-made luxury tents and has successfully been operated for over 10 years, becoming a popular destination for family vacations. The floating Rainforest Camp, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps, was opened in 2011 and is situated on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake. Both camps are situated in the Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, approximately two hours apart from each other, close to famous beaches and honeymoon destinations like Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and even Koh Samui.
In addition to transfers, all Elephant Hills tours are fully inclusive of luxury tents accommodation, activities, meals as well as the services of an English speaking, fully trained, TAT-licensed tour guide. Due to ethical reasons, they do not offer elephant riding at Elephant Hills. Instead, you will get to feed and interact with Asia’s largest land animal during a unique and award-winning Elephant Experience.
9. Phang Nga Elephant Park
• Opened: 2015
• Website: www.phangngaelephantpark.com
• Address: 49 Thung Kha Ngok, Mueang Phang-nga District, Phang-nga 82000, Thailand
Phang Nga Elephant Park is a small family-run Park. The family at Phang Nha has cared for elephants for over 150 years, with each generation learning something new about the Asian elephant and their welfare. The Park is like a typical small, rural Thai village, where thirty people live and work together with their elephants and families.
Animal welfare is paramount at Phang Nga Elephant Park. They consider that responsible and ethical elephant tourism will help to save the Asian elephant, but requires the highest level of care and husbandry. Phang Nga are AGAINST unnatural and abusive practices and strive constantly to improve animal welfare and to promote education.
Phang Nga are determined to provide elephants with the highest quality of life possible and a strong belief in human-elephant interaction is what makes the elephant park so special. Visitors are able to have a life-enhancing experience with these magnificent animals and learn about them in a natural and relaxed environment.
10. Into the Wild Elephant Camp
• Website: www.intothewildelephantcamp.com
• Address: 52/1-2 Changphuwak Rd., T.Sri Poom, A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50200
Into the Wild provides elephants with comfortable, happy lives in a free environment after retiring from logging and tourism. You can visit the elephants and see them in their serene jungle habitat. Make memories and leave with a greater appreciation for these majestic creatures.
Into the Wild strongly believe in giving back to the community that supports their rescue efforts. The camp employs local members of the Karen hill tribe community and provides clothing and supplies to neighboring villages. By supporting the well being of the local community and economy, Into the Wild aspire to build a stronger, more vibrant and positive global community.
11. Elephant Haven
• Website: www.elephanthaventhailand.org
• Address: ทางหลวงชนบท กาญจนบุรี 4032 Lum Sum, Sai Yok District, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Elephant Haven, Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi is located in the South West of Thailand in the beautiful Sai Yok National Park region. This project has brought 7 elephants to freedom and welcomes visitors for support and to provide the best possible care for the herd.
The transformation of Elephant Haven from a trekking camp into an ethical ‘Saddle Off’ program was covered in the must see movie ‘Love & Bananas; An Elephant Story’ which has received incredible feedback from international film critics with screenings taking place internationally.
Elephant Haven is supported by Lek Chailert, a world renowned elephant conservationist, the founder of Save Elephant Foundation and world famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Lek is at the forefront of ethical elephant tourism both in Thailand and throughout Asia, which is seeing a growing demand for elephant camps to transition from a trekking to sanctuary model under the Save Elephant Foundation’s ‘Saddle Off’ program.
Now the herd have the freedom to roam, socialise, enjoy a mud bath and cool down in the river Kwai which runs through the project. In this beautiful setting you can observe the elephants behaviour and learn more about their complex social structure. Currently one day visits, overnight stays and one week volunteering opportunities are available.
12. BEES – Burm And Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary
• Founded: 2011
• Website: www.bees-elesanctuary.org
• Address: 34 หมู่ 1, Tambon Chang Keung, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai 50270, Thailand
BEES – Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary is a safe, natural home for elephants to just BE elephants. A place for elephants to be rescued and retire too OR at times doors are opened to elephants that need rest/care with the hopes of being able to permanently live out their days in at the sanctuary in a natural environment free from exploitation and abuse.
Allowing elephants the ability to BE elephants, to naturally forage, dust bath, roam, explore and socialize. BEES is a place where humans now work FOR them. BEES also provides a home to many rescued cats and dogs and provides Domestic Animal Outreach within the local community.
BEES work within the community running clean up days, education for kids days, teach English once a week in a local school, have a community Christmas every year and give gifts to the village and often send volunteers to help with irrigation, fire walling and clean ups after natural disasters in the local area.
BEES run a visitor program for travelers to see and experience elephants in a natural and safe environment free from exploitation and abuse. By joining you’re directly helping elephants to live a happy more natural life. This is a responsible and ethical program focused on giving back to the elephants after they have spent their lives working for humans. BEES are a place where humans now work for them.
13. Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital
• Website: www.friendsoftheasianelephant.org
• Address: 295 Moo 6 Lampang-Chiangmai Road Viengtan Hangchatr Chang Wat Lampang 52190, Thailand
Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital is the world’s first elephant hospital. This hospital was specifically setup to look after the welfare of elephants throughout Thailand – a service that is desperately needed.
