8 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit in Thailand

Deeply connected to Thai culture and history, elephants are always on your must-see list. Guided by the philosophy of respect and conservation, the emerging ethical elephant sanctuaries offer a more authentic experience instead of riding or watching these gentle giants perform tricks. If you're planning a tour to Thailand, visiting one of these sanctuaries can be a meaningful and eye-opening experience.

In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, simplify where you can learn about their story and what to expect during your visit, and share tips to help you plan an adventure that's both memorable and responsible.

What Makes an Elephant Sanctuary Ethical

Traditional (non-ethical) elephant camps have long subjected elephants to harsh training, forcing them to perform tricks such as playing soccer, wearing garlands, and painting, while also promoting elephant riding as a form of tourist interaction. These camps not only damage the natural ecosystem but also tarnish the sacred image elephants have long held in the hearts of the Thai people.

Thankfully, Thailand is embracing a new way to care for its elephants, many compassionate locals are leading the change. They've built amazing ethical elephant sanctuaries where the focus is on gentle companionship and giving rescued elephants a peaceful home.

These sanctuaries are typically established within nature reserves suitable for elephant reproduction, providing area for natural behaviors and ensuring that all activities are guided by respect for natural laws. Beyond elephant rescue, they also extend care to other wildlife that coexist with elephants, such as cats, dogs, and buffalo, fostering a more holistic and natural habitat.

Below are a few popular and reputable ethical elephant sanctuaries for you, which are experienced in elephant welfare of rehabilitating and accommodating.

Elephants in Thailand

Recommended Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

1. Elephant Nature Park

Located in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park is widely regarded as pioneer in ethical elephant tourism and has received numerous awards for its work in elephant conservation and animal welfare, making it a safe choice for first-timers and families.

The sanctuary is set in a beautiful natural environment with rivers, lush forests, and open fields for them to roam. In addition, it also provides care for other rescued animals such as dogs, cats, and water buffalo.

During the Elephant Nature Park visit, you can participate in a range of activities include preparing food and feeding, walking alongside them, and observing them in their natural habitat. You can also learn about the history and rehabilitation of elephants, and the challenges facing elephant conservation in Thailand.

Elephant Nature Park

2. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Aims to maintain the healthy population of elephants and provides a tranquil natural environment for the care of injured and abused elephants, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary operates 4 locations across northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. Notably, these settings are ideal for couples, as they are situated in popular honeymoon destinations.

At the sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat, feeding, bathing and even playing with them. Grab some bananas or sugar cane from the sanctuary as a gift to your long-trunked friends. As they wade and play in the water, get ready for the mud bath. The 'mud bath' activity is a highlight, you can help them wash and apply mud to themselves, is a popular and unique experience.

3. Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary

Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary, or BEES, is also located in Chiang Mai, a refuge for old, injured, or retired elephants. BEES aims to create a self-sustaining environment by growing its own food and generating most of its own electricity. After years of running, the sanctuary rescued and nurtured many elephants gone through years of logging or tourist trekking. It's a perfect place if you want an ethical, immersive experience rather than a tourist visit.

BEES runs a visitor program for responsible volunteers to see and experience these giant creatures in a natural and safe environment free from exploitation and abuse. You can join the volunteer programs here, which are scheduled on fixed days. Under the hands-off policy, you'll help with seasonal work but no contact with elephants directly. Main activities ranging from cooking classes to making afternoon fruit treats, cutting grass for area cleaning, even the weaving club and tree planting to overall taking care of the other rescued animals to spend their golden years.

4. Baan Chang Elephant Park

Dedicated to the rescue and care of domesticated elephants, Baan Chang Elephant Park is located in the serene outskirts of Chiang Mai. The park emphasizes education and mutual respect, which allows learning each elephant’s unique story and personality. Hands-on experience makes it a meaningful choice for those seeking intimate and educational interaction with elephants.

Here, elephants receive individualized care from trained mahouts, free from performances or riding activities. You can closely interact with the elephants by preparing special digestible desserts, feeding them bananas and sugar cane, taking peaceful walks together, and joining them for refreshing baths.

5. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is set in a lush and forested valley and is surrounded by tranquil mountains, whose emphasis is on allowing the elephants to live as naturally as possible. Located on the island of Phuket, it is a convenient spot for those who are already planning their Thailand journey with both the beaches and wildlife experiences.

A standout feature of this ethical elephant sanctuary is the canopy walkway, you can walk Thailand’s longest canopy walkway while watching elephants wander and forage in the jungle below. You can also observe their free romp across lush pastures from the treetop observation, splashing water or enjoying their mud bath, which will take you into different aspects of elephants' life in their natural habitat.

6. Elephant Haven Thailand

Elephant Haven Thailand is located in the Kanchanaburi province of Thailand, approximately 3 hours' drive from Bangkok. Also known as Sai Yoke Elephant Camp, the sanctuary is set in a lush and forested area that provides a peaceful and natural habitat. As the name suggests, the sanctuary aims to provide a safe haven for elephants and encourages people to take the saddles off the elephants and free them from performing.

This sanctuary currently offers day visits, overnight stays, and week-long volunteering opportunities. You can follow some elephant friends for a leisurely stroll through the green jungle, or jump into the kitchen for their special afternoon tea with fresh fruit and rice and millet balls. As well as elephants, the sanctuary is home to many other animals including cats, dogs, horses, buffaloes, and more.

Elephant Haven Thailand

7. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is located in Petchaburi, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok. The WFFT is an animal rescue and rehabilitation center that provides a safe and nurturing environment for a wide range of rescued animals, including elephants, primates, bears, and big cats.

While the WFFT offers refuges for elephants, where you can volunteer to harvest banana trees and clean their enclosures. At the wildlife rescue center, you will also be shown around other rescued animals, such as tigers, deer, monkeys, dogs, and birds. The foundation provides a nurturing environment for a variety of animals, with a focus on rehabilitation and release. You can also learn about the foundation's broader mission and the challenges facing animal rescue and conservation in Thailand.

8. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary

Named after a rescued baby elephant, Boon Lott, BLES is located in Sukhothai, an ethical elephant sanctuary that provides a warm home for elephants that have been rescued from abusive or exploitative situations. It is set in a remote and serene natural environment, with forests, grasslands, and a river that the elephants can explore.

BLES intentionally keeps its guest numbers low, so as to benefit the elephants as well as its visitors. You can book a visit and observe the elephants in their natural habitat, watching them roam and play in the fields and forests. If you want to stay there for a longer period of time, BLES also offers a three-month volunteer program where you can work with experienced mahouts, helping with the care and rehabilitation of elephants.

Best Time to Visit Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Elephants tend to be more active during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning and late afternoon. If you want to see the elephants in action, consider scheduling your visit during these times.

Thailand's climate can be divided into three seasons - cool, hot, and rainy. The cool season, from November to February, is generally considered the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with more opportunities to capture their lively movements.

The hot season, from March to May, can be quite hot and humid, while the rainy season, from June to October, can be a bit wet. Nevertheless, the cool season is also the time when there are more tourists in Thailand, which means your ideal destinations may not be as serene and quiet as expected.

Tips for Visiting Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Book in Advance to Ensure Availability

Elephant sanctuaries can be booked up quickly. It's a good idea to book your visit well in advance to ensure availability, particularly if you're traveling during the high season. Contact the sanctuary for further information, and make sure to book in advance as some may not accept drop-in visitors. Of course, if you travel with Odynovo, you don't need to worry about this, as we'll make a perfect schedule for you.

Bring Insect Repellent & Sunscreen

You may encounter mosquitoes or other insects during your elephant sanctuary visit. Insect repellent will be very helpful, especially if you plan to stay in the sanctuary for more days. Sunscreen is also important, as you will most likely spend a lot of time outdoors interacting with elephants and walking through the forest.

A simple packing list for your reference:

• Small Bag, Hat, Rain Jacket
• Walking Shoes, Wet Shoes, Sandal
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Insect Repellent
• Change of Clothes, Bathing Suit
• Towel, Camera, Passport No.
• Any Medicines You Require

Be An Open Learner

Apart from showing tourists around, elephant sanctuaries are also dedicated to educating visitors about the significance of elephant protection. As such, visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand is a great opportunity to learn about elephant conservation and the challenges facing these gentle giants. Take advantage of the chance to learn from the sanctuary staff and experience mahouts and gain a deeper understanding of these amazing animals.

Meet Your Elephant Friends in Thailand With Odynovo

Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand will allow you to connect with these gentle giants and support their rehabilitation and conservation. Most of the sanctuaries offer half-day, full day and overnight visits which are flexible to fit in your itinerary. If you want to embark on this adventure that will touch your heart, you can contact us at [email protected] for more travel information.