Where to See Elephants in Thailand – And What to Watch Out For!

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand. Seeing elephants in person is one of the most amazing experiences that everyone would love to have at least once in their lives, especially in the land of Thailand. If you're in search of a genuine elephant experience, responsible sanctuaries are certainly the way to go. These sanctuaries provide an ethical way to admire these gentle giants while respecting nature and their natural habitat.

Here's hoping you find this guide helpful!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 19-03-2025

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Table of contents

The Top Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
Where Can You See Thai Elephants in Kanchanaburi?
What Elephant Sanctuaries Are There in Phuket?
Where to See Elephants in Koh Samui
Where Can You See Elephants Near Bangkok?
How Can You Choose a Responsible Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand?

The Top Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai

Of all the places in Thailand, Chiang Mai surely tops the list as its commitment to conservation extends even to elephants. Here, riding elephants and horses is taken down. Major emphasis is on responsible elephant experiences that are aligned with sustainability so that rescued elephants might find themselves enjoying their retirement free from the confines of logging and the tourism industry.

Elephant Nature Park – The Most Famous in Thailand

Elephant Nature Park is one of the first sanctuaries for elephants in Thailand and one of the most famous in Chiang Mai. Over 75 elephants have been rescued at this sanctuary, each being a victim of the tourism industry and abuse. Most of these animals have come from torture camps, where they were exploited in the name of tourism or forestry, or have spent time in abusive conditions.

*A group of elephants enjoying a bath in the river*

The sanctuary is located in a beautiful natural setting and encompasses several features, such as a meandering river, lush greenery, and open areas where elephants can roam freely.

Hence, it boasts several awards and recognitions as a leader in elephant conservation and animal welfare and draws millions of tourists interested in ethical, responsible tourism. This is made possible by Elephant Nature Park, where visitors can engage in several activities that involve safe and respectful interactions with elephants.

These include feeding, walking beside them, and observing them in their natural home. To further attract visitors, one may show an interest in learning about the history and rehabilitation of elephants and some of the challenges involved in elephant conservation in Thailand. The place offers various accommodations, ranging from day visits to overnight stays. Volunteering activities include preparing fruits and veggies for the elephants and sharing them with other animals residing in the park.

Into the Wild

The Into the Wild Elephant Sanctuary, located in the mountains south of Chiang Mai, enables elephants to wander freely among lush, mountainous landscapes and indulge in their aquatic wishes.

If you opt for a half-day or full-day program, you will be able to accompany the elephants on a jungle walk and watch them as they go about their daily activities in their natural surroundings. This experience will also allow you to learn more about these elephants and their behaviors, history, and the ethics of care in Thailand.

*Gateway to the Wild: Into the Wild Sanctuary Entrance*

Into the Wild is committed to elephants, but it also supports its neighbors. By employing community members from the local Karen Hill Tribe, Into the Wild contributes to community development and provides other material support to the region.

Burm and Emily Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)

The Burm and Emily Elephant Sanctuary stands as a haven for elderly, injured, or retired elephants, providing sanctuary for elephants that have endured years of logging or tourist treks. It is about two hours south of the city of Chiang Mai, in a valley lined with thick vegetation and surrounded by majestic mountains, making it perfect for the elephants to spend their golden years.

BEES' volunteer program operates from Monday to Sunday. This sanctuary's primary focus is the well-being of its elephants, contributing to their care. There are many tasks you could participate in while here, including preparing fruity afternoon treats, harvesting grass and corn for the elephants, and cleaning their living areas. You will be invited to assist with caring for other animals at BEES, including rescued cats, at the on-site cat café.

*Group of tourists with the person in charge of the sanctuary*

Depending on the changing needs of the sanctuary, you may be invited to participate in other stimulating activities, including cooking workshops, partnering with the neighboring village to join a weaving club, or enlisting in tree planting and conservation.

Most of the Thailand tours we organize include a visit to one of the elephant camps in Chiang Mai. Book today: 10-Day Grand Tour of Thailand!

Where Can You See Thai Elephants in Kanchanaburi?

From Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is 150 km away and has many breathtaking natural sites, such as tall mountain cliffs and verdant valleys, which surround a rich variety of animals deep in the green wonderlands of beautiful national parks like the famous Erawan National Park and Sai Yok National Park. The deciduous forests of most jungle areas consist of many tree species, making it an ideal environment for elephants.

Elephant Haven: Where Rescued Elephants Thrive

Elephant Haven Kanchanaburi, located about three hours' drive from Bangkok, is regarded as one of the most mesmerizing elephant projects in Thailand. The sanctuary is located in a dense and green forest, rendering it the perfect calm and natural habitat for elephants. Its name indicates the basic purpose of this sanctuary—to provide a haven for elephants, who encourage visitors to let go of their burdens and release them from any constrained behavior.

One of the very few camps still collaborating with the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is this sanctuary. Here, you have the option to spend the day or even stay overnight, walking with elephants through the jungle, respecting their well-being, and abstaining from elephant rides.

*Children playing at the entrance to the elephant sanctuary*

Furthermore, there are one-week volunteer opportunities, where activities include preparing fruits, rice, and millet balls for the elephants; jungle treks; and caring for and feeding the many cats, dogs, horses, buffalo, goats, birds, and other rescued animals that live in the sanctuary.

Elephants World: Where Elephants Roam Free

Elephants World in Kanchanaburi is another haven for rescued and injured elephants, allowing them to enjoy ample free movement while relaxing amid lush greenery lining the banks of the River Kwai. Founded in 2008, it prides itself as a self-sustaining farm that not only cares for elephants but also offers employment and homes to around 130 staff.

*Tourists and elephants frolic on the River Kwai*

The sanctuary for elephants started out with three of these majestic animals rescued from logging camps, elephant tourism sites, and urban begging environments. Currently, it plays host to 25 elephants. Interaction with the animals is marked by respect and boundaries. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the elephants during feeding, bathing, and socializing. You can spend a day visiting them, sleep at the sanctuary, or volunteer for a week. It's really an experience to be treasured.

What Elephant Sanctuaries Are There in Phuket?

Everyone knows that the elephants of Phuket have been most lamentably exploited over the years and sacrificed to travel and other cut-throat commercial interests. Now, however, rays of hope have appeared from the advances within the presence of responsible elephant sanctuaries.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, located on the northern border of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, is the first of its kind in the region and the most ethical elephant sanctuary there. Established in 2016, this haven provides refuge to elephants exhausted by decades of labor in the forestry and tourism industries. This sanctuary is, notably, a sister project to the Elephant Nature Park.

*Phuket Elephant Sanctuary on the edge of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park*

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is an outstanding place to view elephants while they peacefully develop in their natural environment, as it is entirely committed to the ethical treatment of these majestic creatures. The viewing area has been set up for visitors to enjoy from a safe distance. The viewing platform has been built quite high in the trees so that guests can enjoy watching these magnificent creatures happily roll about in a thick layer of mud while they feed, socialize, and swim in large pools of freshwater.

Touching the elephants, flash photography, and any kind of rides or shows are strictly prohibited in this sanctuary. They are carefully taken care of, and all visitors to this sanctuary are expected to treat them with the utmost respect.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Established in 2014, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary represents an ecotourism project dedicated to ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. This is an initiative where tourists and the domestic crowd can learn about the future of the Asian elephant.

*Young Thai woman offering bananas to the elephant at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary*

This sanctuary boasts the best location on the island, with stunning jungle and beach views. Every penny earned through visitation and donations is plowed back into saving more elephants, ensuring their welfare, and creating a haven for their existence.

Those who come to the sanctuary will be guided by mahouts who speak English and will share the whole story of taking care of elephants, their role in Thai culture, and the relevant story of every animal during the visit. During the visit, you will be allowed to watch the elephants carry out their daily activities, feed them, bathe with them, or swim with them.

Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park

In Thailand's Khao Sok National Park, 150 km from Phuket, lies Elephant Hills, home to elephants rescued from chains, now living with total freedom in an incredible forest environment. Even though it is dedicated, this area tirelessly continues to improve for the amazing animals to truly make a difference. So impressive was its mission accomplishment that it was highly rated again at 100% under basic criteria in a Global Spirit audit, an independent animal welfare company based in the United Kingdom.

*Mud bath with elephants at Elephant Hills Sanctuary*

Part of what makes Elephant Hills so incredible is that you can stay in one of its two glamping camps, where you can completely soak in the wild's natural beauty. Then, spend your days kayaking, visiting local markets, and trekking through the mangroves, all while making contact with elephants in a way that is ethical, responsible, and allows you to observe and learn about them in-depth.

Where to See Elephants in Koh Samui

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Nestled within ten acres of woodlands lies the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, a haven for twelve rescued elephants. Being the very first of Koh Samui's truly ethical sanctuaries, this sanctuary represents one of the few remaining safe havens for elephants that have suffered from overwork or abuse.

*Elephants playing with other animals at the sanctuary*

The Samui Elephant Sanctuary was inspired and indelibly supported by the world-renowned Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park, and it provides a rare opportunity to see elephants in the heart of their natural habitat as they are nurtured gently and mindfully.

Guests have the option to walk with elephants and witness them eating, socializing, and playing in specially constructed mud holes and pits to appreciate their freedom and the loving care bestowed on them within their sanctuary.

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Where Can You See Elephants Near Bangkok?

Wildlife Friends Foundation: A Sanctuary in Phetchaburi

Home to innumerable elephants as well as big cats, bears, primates, deer, birds, and so on, about a three-hour drive from Bangkok, is the Wildlife Friends Foundation. This sanctuary-cum-wildlife hospital plays a vital role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of all animals abused in any form.

Of the 600 animals accommodated, most have been rescued from the most shocking conditions or were abandoned as unwanted pets. About 40% of the animals end up being released into the wild, generally in protected national parks, with the exception of the elephants from trekking camps, which cannot be released due to having spent years within the human fold and developing heavy dependence on humans.

*Wildlife diversity protected at the Wildlife Friends Foundation*

How Can You Choose a Responsible Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand?

Avoid Fake Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

To sustain ethical tourism, stay clear of pseudo-sanctuaries and any elephant-related tourist activities. Elephant camps may carry similar-sounding names, so travel with caution.

It is, therefore, very important that the proper selection of the right sanctuary is undertaken, with ample time allocated to viewing all information on the internet. See what other travelers are saying on review sites such as TripAdvisor, and do some Google searches for the business name.

The elephant sanctuary's authenticity in Thailand must be given serious consideration, in the sense that a genuine elephant sanctuary does not buy, sell, trade, exploit, or profit from elephants under any circumstance.

Besides, another criterion for a real elephant sanctuary is the provision of a sufficiently large natural environment that allows the elephants to roam freely and behave as naturally as possible.

Choose a Sanctuary That Puts Elephants First

Good indicators include checks on visitor interaction policies. Encouragement of close visitor interaction with elephants, whether bathing with them, swimming with them, or going so far as to ride them, indicates that this is NOT an ethical sanctuary but rather an elephant camp.

Bathing elephants is truly damaging; however, a well-meaning person bathes elephants, thinking that it is pleasurable for them. Swimming is generally thought to be harmless, but it induces extreme stress in elephants, preventing them from fully enjoying the water and performing their natural behaviors.

Another criterion would be the handling of elephants by their mahouts using coercive tools or punishment to get the elephants to carry out maneuvers unwillingly.

Conclusion

It's one thing to have one of those very special experiences of really coming up close and maybe even personal with an elephant while on vacation in Thailand. But the selection of an elephant sanctuary in the country calls for some real judgment, as an incorrectly chosen sanctuary could endanger those magnificent creatures. We hope you find these tips valuable and that they offer the best information relevant to your needs.

Also, beyond just what you're looking for in terms of a cultural and nature-based experience, pure and professionally organized encounters can also be found in Kampá Tour's Thailand Tours. Happy travels!

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