Elephants are such a big part of Thai culture and history—they’re not just adorable, they’re also national symbols! From royal ceremonies to religious traditions, elephants have always been deeply connected to Thai life.
But here’s the thing—elephant tourism isn’t always as dreamy as it sounds. Behind activities like elephant rides and circus tricks, there’s often a lot of suffering. Harsh training, stressful environments, and poor living conditions are just some of the realities these beautiful creatures face.
It’s heartbreaking, especially when many people don’t realize what’s really going on with captive elephants.
Since moving to Thailand in 2019, I’ve had the chance to visit many ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Over time, I’ve learned how important it is to choose ethical options.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best spots for where to see elephants in Thailand responsibly. These are places where you can interact with elephants in a way that’s kind to them and unforgettable for you. Let’s dive in!
Key Facts About Elephants in Thailand
If you’re wondering where to see elephants in Thailand, here are some key facts about these gentle giants and their situation in the country. Thailand is home to around 3,000 to 3,500 wild elephants, and their numbers are slowly increasing thanks to conservation efforts.
However, there are still challenges for domesticated elephants, with over 2,700 previously used in tourism for rides and shows, often under poor conditions.
Asian elephants as a whole are an endangered species, with only about 40,000 to 50,000 left in the wild across Asia. While the rise in wild elephant numbers is a positive step, the pandemic caused many tourism elephants to return to rural areas, creating new challenges for their care.
Asian Elephants: Lifespan, Bonds, and Nature’s Role
What Does ‘Ethical’ Mean When Visiting Elephants in Thailand?
Let’s be real—when it comes to visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, not every experience is truly ethical. Activities like riding or performing tricks might seem harmless, but they often involve cruel training methods, such as using bullhooks or keeping elephants in chains for long hours.
These practices cause immense physical strain and emotional distress, leaving lasting scars on these gentle giants.
Ethical sanctuaries, on the other hand, are true sanctuaries—no rides, no tricks, just a safe environment where elephants can live naturally. The best places to visit are sanctuaries that prioritize the elephants’ health and happiness, often taking in animals that have been mistreated or overworked.
Look for sanctuaries endorsed by trusted organizations like World Animal Protection or Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES), which ensure facilities meet strict welfare standards. Supporting these places helps create a kinder world for elephants while giving you an unforgettable and meaningful experience.
Top Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
Looking for ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand? Here’s a curated list of the best spots where to see elephants in Thailand.
1. Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
Elephant Nature Park is one of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Started in the 1990s by Lek Chailert, it’s now home to over 100 rescued elephants. This rescue center in northern Thailand gives elephants rescued from the tourism industry a second chance. You can feed them, help prepare their meals, or just watch them roam and bathe.
The park is all about teaching people how to care for elephants and offers volunteer programs if you want to get more involved. It’s a great way to spend time with these gentle giants while supporting their recovery.
2. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES), Sukhothai
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a dedicated haven for elephants in Sukhothai, Thailand. Established in 2006, BLES focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating elephants from abuse and neglect, providing them with a safe and peaceful environment to live naturally. It’s like a peaceful retirement home for elephants where they can live naturally and stress-free.
The ethical sanctuary is home to a number of elephants, each with unique stories and personalities. To ensure minimal stress and a personalized experience, BLES limits visitor numbers to a maximum of 10 guests at a time.
Visitors are encouraged to observe elephants in their natural behaviors, such as foraging, digging, grazing, swimming, and scratching, without direct interaction like feeding or bathing. This hands-off approach promotes a serene environment for both elephants and guests.
Additionally, BLES is deeply involved in the local community, providing jobs and housing to several mahouts and their families, and offering support and advice to local elephant owners who may lack sufficient funds to care for their animals
3. Elephant Steps, Chiang Rai
Elephant Steps in Chiang Rai is dedicated to providing a natural and caring environment for elephants rescued from challenging conditions. Founded by Sophie, who has over 20 years of experience in Thailand, the sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to interact responsibly with elephants through activities like feeding and walking alongside them in the jungle.
A typical day includes a jungle trek of about 3–4 kilometers, during which guests can observe the elephants’ natural behaviors.
The sanctuary emphasizes education, helping visitors understand the importance of ethical tourism and elephant conservation. With a maximum of 12 visitors per day, the experience remains intimate and respectful to the animals.
The program, priced at 2,500 Baht for adults and half price for children under 10, includes transportation, lunch, tree planting, and necessary gear.
Our family of four did the tour in 2023, and it was an unforgettable experience.
4. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is Phuket’s first ethical elephant sanctuary, pioneering Thailand’s no elephant riding policy and endorsed by National Geographic and World Animal Protection. The sanctuary is home to 20 rescued elephants, one of the largest groups in Phuket. Visitors can observe these gentle giants as they roam, forage, and bathe freely in their natural environment.
The sanctuary features Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, offering a unique perspective to watch the elephants from above. This hands-off approach ensures the elephants’ comfort and well-being, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an ethical elephant experience in Phuket.
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5. Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Koh Samui
Samui Elephant Sanctuary, started in 2018, is Koh Samui’s first ethical elephant sanctuary. It’s a safe space for elephants rescued from the logging industry and tourism, giving them the freedom to just be elephants—no rides, no performances. Visitors can feed them, walk alongside them, and learn all about their care and why ethical tourism matters.
The sanctuary now has two locations, in Bophut and Chaweng Noi, to care for even more elephants. It’s a fantastic place to visit if you want to support elephant welfare and have an unforgettable, meaningful experience.
6. Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary, Koh Phangan
The Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary on the island, created to provide a better life for elephants rescued from logging and tourism industries. The sanctuary offers a safe and natural environment where elephants can roam freely, socialize, and enjoy activities like a mud bath.
Visitors can feed the elephants and observe them up close, all while learning about ethical tourism and the importance of proper care for these gentle giants. The sanctuary’s mission includes educating guests about the challenges elephants face and how ethical tourism can make a difference.
Located in the hills of Koh Phangan, the sanctuary provides a meaningful experience for visitors and a peaceful home for the elephants. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to support elephant welfare while exploring the island.
We visit Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary regularly and love the ethical and respectful atmosphere. Find my honest review here.
7. Surin Project, Surin
The Surin Project is all about giving elephants a better life while helping local mahouts (their caretakers) create sustainable incomes. Based in Surin Province, this community-driven initiative focuses on ending exploitation like street begging and elephant rides. Instead, they provide elephants with a more natural, stress-free environment.
Visitors can get involved by planting food, building shelters, or just spending time observing the elephants in their daily lives. It’s a hands-on way to learn about elephant care and make a real difference. By supporting this project, you’re helping improve life for elephants and their caretakers while promoting ethical tourism in Thailand.
Where to See Wild Elephants in Thailand
If you are curious about where to see elephants in Thailand in the wild, these parks offer incredible, ethical ways to observe elephants in their natural habitats.
8. Kui Buri National Park
Kui Buri is the best place to see wild elephants roaming free in open fields, guided by local experts. The park is home to about 320 elephants, making sightings common.
Visitors can join safari-like tours led by trained local guides to see these amazing animals up close. The park also has around 100 gaurs (wild cattle), over 260 bird species and other wild animals.
Open daily from 2 PM to 5 PM, the park charges an entrance fee of 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 baht for children. An additional 850 baht covers a jeep with a driver and guide, accommodating up to six people. For the best experience, plan your visit between December and April, when wildlife sightings are more frequent.
9. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest national park, is an amazing place to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. With around 140-200 elephants roaming the park, there’s a good chance you’ll spot them during guided treks or safaris.
But it’s not just about elephants—Khao Yai is packed with wildlife! You might see gibbons swinging through the trees, colorful hornbills flying overhead, or even wild deer grazing in the open grasslands. Birdwatchers will love it here too, with over 300 bird species calling the park home.
The park’s mix of dense forests, grasslands, and waterfalls makes it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best chance of sightings.
- Late afternoon is the best time to see elephants as they come out to feed.
- Stay quiet and patient to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife.
Questions to Ask Before Booking an Elephant Experience
Before visiting an elephant sanctuary, it’s important to make sure it’s truly ethical. So how do you find a truly ethical place?
Start by doing a little research. Look for sanctuaries that are transparent about their operations—do they avoid rides and tricks? Are they open about how they care for the elephants? Also, check for certifications or recommendations from trusted organizations.
Here are some key questions:
- Do they offer rides or performances? Ethical sanctuaries won’t allow these activities, as they often involve cruel training methods.
- How are the elephants housed and treated? Look for sanctuaries that provide a natural, spacious environment and prioritize the elephants’ well-being.
- What is the staff-to-elephant ratio? A good ratio ensures the elephants receive proper care and attention.
- Are visitors allowed to touch the elephants? If touching is allowed, ensure it’s done under supervision and doesn’t stress the animals.
Why Ethical Tourism Matters for Elephants
Ethical tourism changes how elephants are treated in Thailand. When you visit sanctuaries that care for and protect elephants, you show there’s a demand for better practices. This pushes more places to stop harmful activities like rides and performances and focus on elephant welfare instead.
It’s not just about the elephants. Ethical tourism helps local communities, too. It creates jobs and supports sustainable ways of living. Over time, it helps both elephants and the people who care for them have a better future.
Additional Tips for Visiting Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
- What to Pack: Wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes for walking around. Don’t forget eco-friendly sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Respect Boundaries: Watch and enjoy the elephants, but don’t get too close or interrupt their natural behavior. Let them roam and interact on their own terms.
- Support the Sanctuary: If you love your visit, consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Your support helps these sanctuaries care for elephants and continue their work. Share your visit on social media to spread awareness about responsible tourism.
Where to Stay in Northern Thailand
Check out these amazing Hotels in Chiang Mai or use the map below. 👇
Final Thoughts on Where to See Elephants in Thailand Ethically
Thailand is one of the best places to see elephants in Southeast Asia, but it’s up to us to do it responsibly.
Visiting ethical sanctuaries and skipping places that exploit these gentle giants makes a huge difference. Whether you’re feeding elephants at a sanctuary or spotting them in the wild at Kui Buri or Khao Yai, these experiences can be both unforgettable and kind.
So, if you’re planning to visit and wondering where to see elephants in Thailand, now you’ve got some great options. Go explore, make responsible choices, and enjoy an experience you’ll never forget!
Where will you go to see elephants in Thailand? Have you visited an ethical elephant sanctuary that’s not on my list? I’d love to hear about it—share your experience in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
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