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For many of our clients, observing an elephant in their natural habitat is a genuine bucket-list experience. There’s something truly magical about being in the presence of these gentle giants. Elephants hold a special place in Thai culture and history, but sadly, not every so-called ‘sanctuary’ is quite what it claims to be. If you come across places offering rides or encouraging tricks. It’s a strong sign the animals aren’t being put first.
However, if you’d rather see elephants simply being elephants, splashing in rivers, munching on watermelon, and living life at their own pace, fortunately Thailand is home to some wonderful ethical sanctuaries where these magnificent creatures can roam freely and safely.
For many, including a visit to one of these ethical elephant sanctuaries is a must-do experience on a multi-centre holiday to Thailand. With many of these sanctuaries spread across different regions, adding one to your itinerary means you get to explore a good chunk of Thailand while enjoying a genuinely special and ethical experience. It’s a wonderful way to make your trip even more memorable.
Even if you’ve been to an elephant sanctuary before, it’s good to know the most up to date best practices and what to look for in a truly ethical sanctuary:
With that in mind, here’s our lowdown of some of the best and most ethical sanctuaries in Thailand…
Surrounded by forest, rivers, and views of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, BEES is a sanctuary in every sense of the word – and it’s not just for elephants, but for rescued cats, dogs, pigs, and more. It’s situated in the peaceful valley of Mae Tan near Maechaem, a couple of hours from Chiang Mai.
This is not a place for a quick drop-in as overnight stays are part of the whole experience. The sanctuary operates with a clear hands-off policy and guests are invited to observe and support, not to interfere. Days are spent walking through the forest alongside the elephants, helping prepare food, planting trees, and helping with tasks around the farm. Evenings are relaxed, with homecooked meals and time to unwind as part of the BEES family.
This is not a polished resort experience – it’s the jungle, complete with bugs, power cuts, mud, and moments that feel very real. But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. You’ll leave with mosquito bites and muddy boots, but also with a deeper understanding of elephant welfare and a connection to a community that genuinely cares. Many people who visit BEES find themselves wanting to return, and it’s easy to see why.
📍 Location: Mae Tan, near Mae Chaem, about 2 hours from Chiang Mai
🕒 Day trip? No. Best with an overnight or multi day stay.
If you love animals and want a truly personal and meaningful experience, this is a place you’ll never forget. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is tucked away in the jungles of northern Thailand’s Sukhothai province. With only a handful of visitors allowed at any one time, you’ll have the rare chance to really get to know the animals and their quirks as you watch their behaviours and walk with them through forests and fields. The sanctuary was founded in memory of a baby elephant named Boon Lott and is now home to a small group of rescued elephants, all of whom are free to live as they choose, wandering the forest, swimming in the river, or just enjoying the sunshine.
This family-run sanctuary is renowned for its warm atmosphere and from the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the team with open arms. The days are relaxed and revolve around the elephants. You might start with breakfast overlooking the pond, then help chop apples for the ‘Gossip Girls’ (a group of older lady elephants) before heading into the forest for a gentle walk alongside them. There’s a strong focus on learning too including the challenges facing captive elephants in Thailand. Even if you’ve unknowingly supported unethical elephant tourism before, you won’t be judged as it’s a place that encourages learning and kindness.
You’ll also meet the other rescued animals that call BLES home, including dogs, cats, pigs, tortoises and a crocodile. The sanctuary isn’t flashy and definitely not crowded, plus the food is home-cooked and delicious offering a truly unforgettable experience.
📍 Location: Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand
🕒 Day trip? No. Remote, limited visitors, multi day stays only.
Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is tucked away in the peaceful countryside just outside Chiang Mai. Founded in 1995 by Lek Chailert, a Thai conservationist, the park was created to offer a safe haven for elephants rescued from some horrific working and training conditions. Here, rescued elephants can roam freely in their natural social groups, far from the harsh conditions many were saved from. A half or full day’s experience offers a truly special experience and a chance to watch these gentle giants playing, bathing, and simply being themselves in beautiful surroundings. The park’s relaxed atmosphere means you can take your time getting to know the elephants and learn about their incredible stories. Along with the elephants, another highlight is the delicious vegan buffet lunch, perfect for refuelling after a morning with the elephants.
The park also offers a volunteer programme where you can spend the night in the park, getting involved in the elephant’s care and gaining a deeper insight into the lives and recovery of these amazing creatures.
As well as being a home for rescued elephants there are plenty of other animals here too, including dogs, cats, and water buffalo.
📍 Location: Just outside Chiang Mai
🕒 Day trip? Yes. Perfect for half day or full day visits from Chiang Mai.
Located in Phuket, in southern Thailand, this sanctuary is a sister project to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Like the ENP, it focuses on rescuing elephants from harsh conditions, such as those used in tourism and logging. Here, you can watch elephants roam free, forage, and splash around in mud baths to their heart’s content. Choose from half-day or full-day experiences, all of which focus on education, observation, and respect with the welfare of the elephants always coming first. There’s no touching, riding, or bathing them. Instead, you watch quietly as they go about their day, with guides on hand to explain their backgrounds and behaviours.
Set in a beautiful, peaceful location, the sanctuary also offers a delicious buffet lunch, drinks, and even wellies and rain gear if needed.
📍 Location: Phuket, Southern Thailand
🕒 Day trip? Yes. Ideal for day trips if staying in Phuket or nearby.
Nestled deep in the stunning rainforest of Khao Sok, Elephant Hills brings the magic of an African safari camp to southern Thailand. Here, you can spend a few days exploring the jungle, kayaking on peaceful lakes, and trekking through mangroves, all while enjoying encounters with the sanctuary’s rescued elephants. The park has two glamping camps. The safari tents are simple but comfortable, with cosy beds and private bathrooms, and many overlook the limestone cliffs and jungle paths. For something a little more special, the floating Lake Camp provides a quiet retreat right on the water, where you can paddleboard, swim, and watch the sunset from your own floating tent.
When it comes to spending time with the elephants, you’ll get the chance to observe them on their own terms in an ethical and responsible way. The sanctuary emphasises education and conservation, giving you the opportunity to also learn about their rehabilitation and the importance of ethical tourism.
📍 Location: Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand
🕒 Day trip? No. Best enjoyed as a multi-day glamping and jungle experience.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is one of the country’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres, located near Cha-am and accessible as a day trip from Bangkok or Hua Hin. It’s home to hundreds of rescued animals, including elephants, gibbons, macaques, bears, big cats, and more. Each animal has been rescued from abuse, captivity, or illegal trade.
WFFT is strictly against animal performances, riding, or forced interaction. Instead, the focus is on ethical, observational experiences where animals are respected and given space to recover. Elephants can often be seen from a distance as they roam, bathe, or feed, always on their own terms.
The full day tour generally begins with a guided walk through shaded forest enclosures housing monkeys, bears, and other rescued species like cassowaries, tortoises, and deer. A Thai-style buffet lunch is provided with great views of the elephant enclosures (and excellent photo opportunities). The afternoon focuses on larger animals such as elephants, sun bears, tigers, leopards, pumas, and even a rescued chimpanzee and orangutan, if they choose to make an appearance.
The day ends with an optional, respectful elephant feeding session. There are plenty of guides on hand to share insights about each animal’s background, personality, and rehabilitation journey, making it fun, engaging and educational.
📍 Location: Near Cha am, accessible from Bangkok and Hua Hin
🕒 Day trip? Yes. Accessible for day trips from Bangkok or Hua Hin.
The Phuket location of Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is part of the wider Elephant Jungle Sanctuary group, which operates ethical elephant experiences across Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Among these, the Phuket site is generally considered the best option due to its more spacious, natural setting and a stronger emphasis on observing elephants without direct interaction such as riding or bathing.
Unlike some of the other locations, Phuket’s quieter, less crowded environment means the elephants can roam more freely, making the experience more relaxed and respectful of the animals’ needs. At the sanctuary you can take part in gentle, hands-on tasks such as preparing snacks or making items such as elephant dung paper and natural soaps. With half-day, full-day, and overnight options, plus longer eco-volunteer stays, the sanctuary offers a lovely way to connect with elephants in a sustainable, respectful setting.
📍 Location: Phuket
🕒 Day trip? Yes. Offers half day, full day, and overnight options.
Located in the remote forests of Tak province in northern Thailand, the Mahouts Elephant Foundation offers one of the most genuinely ethical elephant experiences in Asia. The foundation works closely with the local Karen hill-tribe community, whose ancestral connection to elephants runs deep. Here, the Karen tribe mahouts (elephant carers) are central to the project, using their traditional knowledge to support their wellbeing while also helping to preserve their own way of life.
This is not a typical tourist destination though, and there are no day trips. Instead you can join a 4-day Mountain Adventure or a 6-day volunteering experience. You’ll observe the elephants living undisturbed in the forest while also learning about authentic village life. With no riding, bathing or tricks, this is one of the most in ethical, low-impact elephant experiences Thailand.
📍 Location: Tak Province, Northern Thailand
🕒 Day trip? No. Four or six day volunteer and adventure programs only, no day visits.
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