7 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit in Thailand

Renowned for its rich culture and friendly people, Thailand also offers incredible wildlife and natural beauty. Elephants are among the most beloved creatures, and elephant sanctuaries in Thailand have emerged to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these gentle giants to thrive. 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 Thai elephant sanctuaries (reputable and ethical treatment of course), where you can interact with these majestic animals and learn about their history and rehabilitation. Get ready to be inspired by their resilience and charm, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

Why Elephants Are Revered in Thai Society

Elephants have played an important role in Thai culture for centuries and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Thai people.

Historically, elephants were used by the royal family in ceremonies and battles, and they continue to be a symbol of royalty and power in Thai culture.

Spiritually, in Buddhist tradition, the white elephant is considered a sacred animal and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and power. With Buddhism as the dominant religion in Thailand, many Thai people believe that they have spiritual powers and bring good fortune.

However, many elephants have been exploited as a workforce in Thailand for centuries, particularly in the logging and tourism industry. This is exactly what elephant sanctuaries have been combating and fighting against.

Fortunately, the importance of elephant conservation in Thailand has gained more recognition. Many Thai people are actively working to protect and rehabilitate elephants that have been subjected to abuse and exploitation in the past. Below are a few popular and reputable elephant sanctuaries for you, which are experienced in rehabilitating and accommodating.

Elephants in Thailand

Recommended Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

1. Elephant Nature Park

Located in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park is widely regarded as one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. It has received numerous awards and accolades for its work in elephant conservation and animal welfare. 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 visiting, you can participate in a range of activities that allow to interact with elephants in a safe and ethical way. Some of the activities include feeding, walking with 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

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is another ideal place for your wildlife experience in Chiang Mai. A remote sanctuary deep in the jungle aims to maintain the healthy population of elephants found throughout Thailand and provides a tranquil natural environment for the care of injured and abused elephants. The 'mud bath' activity, where you can help them wash and apply mud to themselves, is a popular and unique experience.

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. To make it easier for you to visit, the sanctuary offers half-day, full-day, and overnight stay options, providing great flexibility to spend quality time with the elephants, and learn about their rehabilitation and individual stories.

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.

BEES runs a visitor program for travelers 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, 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 elephants to spend their golden years.

4. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Located on the island of Phuket, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a convenient destination for visitors who are already planning their Thailand journey with both the beaches and wildlife experiences. It is set in a lush and forested valley and is surrounded by tranquil mountains, which provide a unique and peaceful setting for visitors to observe and interact with elephants.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary's emphasis is on allowing the elephants to live as naturally as possible, in a safe and ethical environment, without any riding or performance activities. Therefore, visitors can 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.

5. 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

6. 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. Visitors can also learn about the foundation's broader mission and the challenges facing animal rescue and conservation in Thailand.

7. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary currently has 4 locations throughout northern Thailand, including in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Samui. You can pick and choose the best location to include in your itinerary. The sanctuary's "mud spa" activity, where visitors can apply mud to the elephants and themselves, is a popular and unique experience.

Named after a rescued baby elephant, Boon Lott, BLES is located in Sukhothai, a 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 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.

Must-Know Tips for a Memorable Experience

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 elephant sanctuary in Thailand will allow you to connect with these gentle giants and support their rehabilitation and conservation. If you want to embark on this adventure that will touch your heart, you can contact us at [email protected] for more travel information. Wherever you plan to travel, Odynovo will help you have the best time!