Is there anything more humbling than admiring the world’s most gentle giants in their natural habitat? Nestled within this enchanting jewel in Southeast Asia – where ancient temples meet verdant rainforests – lies plenty of opportunity to do just this.
Thailand’s majestic landscapes play host to a variety of ethical elephant sanctuaries that offer authentic and unforgettable experiences for visitors to get up close and personal with these kind animals – and if you haven’t been to one before, now’s the time.
If you’re stuck on your search for an elephant sanctuary, Thailand has a handful of excellent and ethical places to spend the day making friends with these wonderful creatures.
1. Elephant Hills
Situated in the Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills is one of Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp experiences, combining the South African safari camp with a rural and naturally beautiful environment – just a few hours north of exciting Krabi and Phuket.
With awards for its conservation and animal welfare, this sanctuary is home to rescued elephants who have come from a captive environment to live out the rest of their days in a vast, free-roaming jungle enclosure amid nature.
Interaction with the elephants is limited to a few hours per day, but that’s plenty of time for visitors to feed, bathe, and watch the elephants make a splash in the mud pools.
Embarking on an overnight wildlife adventure? Guests can stay at one of the two luxury glamping camps – one in the jungle and another floating camp on a lake – where you can fully immerse yourself in jungle life. Simple yet with luxuries including an en suite bathroom and solar-energy powered electricity at the floating camp, explorers will feel comfortable yet off-grid enough for it to be an adventure.
You’ll want to soak up as much of the awe-inspiring scenery as possible during your stay, so embark on a guided canoe along the Sok River, grab your hiking shoes for a jungle trek where you can spot wildlife such as gibbons, or visit some of the local markets.
2. Bush Camp Elephant Hills
Bush Camp Elephant Hills (the sister company of Elephant Hills) is a beautiful elephant sanctuary Chiang Mai plays host to, located on the winding Ping River with a scenic backdrop of misty mountains and lush vegetation.
Explore Asia’s largest land animal up close when you visit this free-roaming, chain-free park, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This gorgeous sanctuary is located approximately two hours from Chiang Mai airport and features all the luxuries of glamping (including hot showers and Wi-Fi) yet with a natural jungle setting.
Upon visiting, you can stay at one of 10 tailormade and sustainably-built tents, all resembling African safari accommodation and boasting breathtaking views across the park from your very own private balcony – sure to be a blissful morning coffee spot.
The most popular experience to embark on while you’re here is the unforgettable 2 Days 1 Night Tour, with a carefully crafted itinerary allowing guests to admire these gentle giants in all their glory. Learn about the traditions of the mahout, hike up to majestic mountain viewpoints, and indulge in delicious food, and catch some of the most amazing sunsets. This immersive experience is a great way to uncover the authentic Northern Thai lifestyle, food, and ancient ways of living.
When you’re not busy watching the elephants enjoying their morning wash (or should we say splash!) or tucking into barbecued delicacies at the restaurant, cool off with a swim at the camp’s infinity pool, offering views over the river and Chedi’s that dot the mountain.
3. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
One of the most ethical elephant adventures can be had at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. There’s plenty of opportunity to spy these wonderful creatures here, since there are Elephant Jungle Sanctuary parks sprinkled across four provinces of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Phuket.
Today, we’re highlighting Phuket’s sanctuary located in Kathu, for its once-in-a-lifetime experiences, blend of sandy beaches and verdant jungles, and of course, friendly elephants ready to meet their new friends.
The sanctuary opens daily from 7:30am to 5:00pm and while there are no accommodation options for an overnight stay, there is a variety of different experiences to choose from. The morning and afternoon half-day packages (which are approximately 3 hours long) are available for those who want to spend time with the elephants via a sanctuary guided tour, complete with bananas and sugar canes for when snack time rolls around!
If you want to lap up as much time with these beautiful creatures as possible, the One Day Walk With Elephants package is a fantastic choice, allowing nature lovers to go on a foraging adventure with the sanctuary’s rescued elephants and explore the beauty of their natural habitat.
Equally, the unique Feed and Feed and Shower programs are also on hand for those who want to get just one step closer to the elephants, where you can enjoy a spot of lunch or a refreshing shower with your new friends! A fantastic immersive experience for the young and young at heart. The package deal includes two traditional Thai buffet meals, drinking water, and a packed lunch for the elephants too, of course!
As an ethical sanctuary, visitors are sure to learn as much as possible about why protecting these creatures is so important.
4. Elephant Nature Park
This elephant rescue centre and sanctuary is nestled in Chiang Mai’s stunning Mae Taeng District, some 60km from the exciting city. Established in the 1990s, the park’s duty of care extends even further than elephants, with cats, dogs, buffaloes, birds, and many other wonderful species lucky enough to call this paradise home.
A must-visit for ethical enthusiasts, Elephant Nature Park goes above and beyond its status as a sanctuary for endangered species, with Rain Forest Restoration and Cultural Preservation programs that encourage tree planting, provide local employment opportunities, and utilise agricultural products. Plus, the park has a strong focus on educating its visitors too, whether that’s individuals, study groups, or schools – so be sure to bring your notepad!
Discover a combination of single day and overnight experiences available, from full day tours playing and interacting with the elephants in their natural habitat – including those sought-after mud pools – to starlit sleepovers (2 Days and 1 Night) among a thriving herd. It’s perfect for those eager to be at one with the rustic nature of Northern Thailand.
Or, perhaps you’re looking to extend your visit by a few more days by volunteering? The sanctuary offers a life-enhancing opportunity to get involved with conservation work in a unique program that allows you to help protect these endangered species. Lasting 7 days, it’s sure to pull on the heart strings of any animal lover.
5. Samui Elephant Sanctuary
This haven located in the beautiful region of Koh Samui is one of two of the first ethical and award-winning sanctuary locations in Southern Thailand. The newest sanctuary, which opened exactly two years after the Bophut park, in 2020, is nestled amid scenic Chaweng Noi – providing additional land and opportunity on the island to rescue these wonderful animals.
Both sanctuaries are plotted on forested land, providing a safe environment for our favourite creatures to retire to. Inspired and supported by Lek Chailert – world-renowned elephant conservationist, founder of Save Elephant Foundation, and world-famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai – the park offers tours that delve into the nature and importance of these majestic creatures, with a handful of activities and experiences to be had.
Half day programs including morning and afternoon tours run from 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm at both sites, where visitors can feed, walk with, and admire the elephants as they forage for food, bathe in the pool, and roll around in the mud pit! Get to know Kham San, Cartoon, Mae Kham Pang, Khum Phean, and Kaew Ta, otherwise known as the beautiful elephants at the original Koh Samui sanctuary. A one day volunteer program is available on Saturdays and Sundays for those who’d like to learn a lot more about the elephants and help to care for rescued herds.
You cannot stay overnight at either of these sanctuaries, however their daytime experiences make for a memorable excursion.
FAQs for the best places to see Elephants in Thailand
Prices for elephant encounters in Thailand will vary depending on the particular sanctuary you are planning to visit and activities involved. On average, you can expect to spend between $50 to $150 per person. Higher-end experiences with more inclusions can range from $200 to $300. It’s essential to choose ethical sanctuaries for a responsible experience.
Elephants are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. These cooler periods of the day provide a comfortable environment for them to forage, bathe, and socialise. Scheduling your visit during these times best increases your chances of witnessing the elephants engaging in their natural behaviours.
Now you’ve discovered the best elephant sanctuary in Thailand, there’s nothing left to do but book your flights out to experience these enchanting parks for yourself. At Affordable Luxury Travel, we’ll help create a personalised itinerary for your trip to this Southeast Asian jewel, covering everything from your transfers to first-class accommodation.
Call us on 0203 023 7776 and start your next adventure, today.