Elephant Camps in Asia

Elephants are a highlight for most visitors to Thailand and other places in Southeast Asia. Elephants have always held a revered and valued role in local cultures over many generations. Many elephant camps were founded as places where older elephants, retired from work, could survive. In recent years there has been a justifiable concern for the welfare of these endangered animals and as a result almost every camp has now implemented ethical practices and all camps listed below have implemented these practices or have been closed.

Our 2024 survey reveals there has been a dramatic change in nearly all camps away from circus-variety activities such as riding, and also abusive practices, towards care and education, focused more on elephant welfare, tourist education, medical care, and providing for respectful interaction with visitors. Keep in mind, however, there's no perfect solution for Asian elephants. Pandemic devastated camps with many elephants left starving without tourist support. As Thomas Sowell said—"There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs." Elephants and camps cannot survive without money tourists provide for food, shelter, and medicine. While most harmful practices have been eliminated, keep this in mind in terms of judging camps for far less harmful activities such as touching, bathing or feeding of elephants.

For your visit, we can plan not only the perfect match for your elephant encounter, but organize private encounters, meeting with camp founders, and access that most travelers cannot experience on their own.

CAMP CARE CHART Location Elephants Chains Habitat Medical Shows Riding Feeding Bathing Education GRADE

THAILAND ELEPHANT CAMPS
Ranthong Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai No Yes Yes Yes No Neck Yes Yes Yes B+
Chiang Dao CLOSED - Yes Yes Yes No Yes Seated Yes Yes No D
Elephant Jungle Paradise Park Mae Wang No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Maesa Elephant Camp MERGED - Limited At night Yes Yes Yes Seated Yes Yes Yes C
Patara Elephant Farm Ban Pong No At night Yes Yes No Neck No Yes Yes B+
Elephant Nature Park Kuet Chang No No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A+
Blue Tao Elephant Village Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Burm & Emily's Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A+
ChiangChill Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Elephant Village Sanctuary Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A+
Elephant Freedom Village Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Elephant Freedom Project Chiang Mai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Baan Chang Elephant Park Chiang Mai Yes At night Yes Yes No Neck Yes Yes Yes B
Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary Sukothai No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Elephant Life Experience CLOSED Maetaman Yes At night Yes No Yes Neck Yes Yes Yes C
Thai Elephant Home Mae Taeng Limited At night Yes Yes No Neck No Yes Yes A
Elephant Conservation Center Wiang Tan Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Seated No No Yes B-
Elephant EcoValley Kuet Chang Limited At night Yes No No No No No Yes A
Mahouts Elephant Foundation Golden Triangle No At night Yes Yes No No No No Yes A+
Anantara Elephant Camp Golden Triangle Yes Yes No Yes No Neck No Yes No B
Elephants World Kanchanaburi No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Elephant Haven Kanchanaburi No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Somboon Legacy Foundation Kanchanaburi No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle No At night Yes Yes No No No No Yes A
Wildlife Friends Foundation Phetchaburi No No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A+
Elephant Hills Khao Sok No At night Yes Yes No No No No Yes A
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Phuket No At night Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A
Hidden Forest Preserve Phuket No At night Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Phuket No At night Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A
Phuket Elephant Nature Preserve Phuket No At night Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Koh Samui No At night Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary Koh Phangan No No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes A+
Krabi Elephant Sanctuary Krabi No At night Yes Yes No No No No Yes A

LAOS ELEPHANT CAMPS
MandaLao Elephant Conservation Luang Prabang Limited At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Elephant Village (Shangri-Lao) Luang Prabang No At night Yes Yes No Neck Yes Yes Yes B-
Elephant Conservation Center Nam Tien Lake No At night Yes Yes No No No No Yes A

CAMBODIA ELEPHANT CAMPS
Elephant Valley Project Mondulkiri Limited At night Yes No No No No No Yes A
The Mondulkiri Project Mondulkiri No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Angkor Elephant Rides BANNED Angkor Yes Yes No No Yes Seated Yes No No D
Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary Siem Reap No No Yes Yes No No No No Yes A
Kulen Forest Kulen Mountain No No Yes Yes No No No No Yes A

MYANMAR ELEPHANT CAMPS
Green Hill Valley Sanctuary Magway No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes A
Myaing Hay Wun (CLOSED) - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Seated Yes No Yes D

Glossary & Definitions

Bullhook - a weapon used to beat and intimidate elephants
Chains - Used to keep elephants roaming
Habitat - Natural habitat provided
Medical - Adequate veterinary checkups and care provided
Shows - Circus type shows with elephants coerced to entertain tourists
Riding - Neck (bareback) or seated (with large, strapped platform)
Feeding - Direct feeding teaches elephants to beg for food
Bathing - Elephants naturally bath wildly, splashing and roughly
Education - Does the camp teach you about the care and lives of elephants?
Grade: A = Excellent, B = Satisfactory, C = Needs to improve, D/F = Unsatisfactory treatment

Elephant Camp Best practices should include: Limited visitor numbers to minimize stress to the animals. Eliminate abusive training or control methods, including bullhooks. Do not allow rides and performances. Provide for positive contact with the elephants, ideally when they initiate it. Provide natural settings to roam. Provide regular health and medical care.

 

Map of elephant camps and sanctuaries in Asia

Elephant Camps in Thailand

For elephant encounters, Thailand provides a number and variety of camps like no other destination in the world, with venues throughout the country for getting up close and personal. All camps have changed to humane and cooperative ones rather than circus-style activities or riding. Travelers may now even volunteer to care for animals at some camps involved in elephant conservation. You need not volunteer to make a difference, by simply visiting the camps your fees will help towards their care. The elephant is the national animal of Thailand in this Buddhist country Thai elephants are often depicted as a Buddhist symbol. A Thai holiday, National Elephant Day (Chang Thai Day) is celebrated every year on March 13th. Thailand even honors their elephants with an annual two-day festival annually every November in Suran, Isan called the Surin Elephant Round-up which features several hundred elephants. However, although Thailand is a country that has long revered the elephant for its royal, military, industry, and religious significance – it is home to only 4,000 of the fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) still surviving. Compared to the relatively enduring population of African elephants (currently estimated to number about 500,000), the rapidly dwindling Asian population is a major cause of concern and in 1986, the Asian elephant was added to the World Conservation Union (IUCN) list of endangered species.

Asian Elephant artwork
Antique image of logging elephant
ELephant statue at East Mebon temple at Angkor
Angkor elephant bas relief
Thai child monks with elephant
Ancient artwork of elephant battle

Click link name below for more information on each camp:

Thailand

  1. Rantong Save & Rescue Elephant Center
  2. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center (Closed)
  3. Elephant Jungle Paradise Park
  4. Maesa Elephant Camp Merged
  5. Patara Elephant Farm
  6. The Chang Chiang Mai (See Maesa)
  7. Elephant Nature Park
  8. Blue Tao Elephant Village
  9. Burm & Emily's Elephant Sanctuary
  10. ChiangChill
  11. Elephant Village Sanctuary
  12. Elephant Freedom Village
  13. Elephant Freedom Project
  14. Baan Chang Elephant Park
  15. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary
  16. Elephant Life Experience (Closed)
  17. Thai Elephant Home
  18. Thai Elephant Conservation Center
  19. Elephant EcoValley
  20. Mahouts Elephant Foundation
  21. Anantara Golden Triangle
  22. Elephants World
  23. Elephant Haven (Sai Yoke)
  24. Samboon Legacy Foundation
  25. Four Season's Tented Camp
  26. Wildlife Friends Foundation
  27. Elephant Hills
  28. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
  29. Hidden Forest Preserve
  30. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
  31. Phuket Elephant Nature Preserve
  32. Samui Elephant Sanctuary
  33. Phangan Elephant Sanctuary
  34. Krabi Elephant Sanctuary

Laos

  1. MandaLao Elephant Camp
  2. Elephant Village & Shangri-Lao
  3. Elephant Conservation Center

Cambodia

  1. Elephant Valley Project
  2. Mondulkiri Elephant Project
  3. Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary
  4. Kulen Elephant Forest

Myanmar

  1. Green Hill Valley Sanctuary
  2. Myaing Hay Wun (Closed)

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1. Rantong Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)

Overview

Founded in 2009, Ran-Tong is devoted to preserving the future of abused and domestic elephants in Chiang Mai, and across Thailand. the camp's mission is to rescue elephants from hardship and to bring Asian elephants back from the brink of extinction. The camp is geared towards protection and prevention, but also educating the public of the history of elephants in Thai culture. The Ran-Tong elephant sanctuary tries to ensure a better quality of life for the elephants in their natural environment while providing the right amount of food, water, exercise and stimulation without harming the animal in anyway.

Key Information

  • One hour away from Chiang Mai
  • Founded in 2007
  • About 40 elephants
  • Approximately 80,000sq.m. (20 acres)
  • Elephant Care & Educational Program bathing and preparing food, and learning elephant's language.
  • Volunteering offered (below)
  • Small children's program
  • Half Day (AM & PM) or Full-day program
Boy visitor with elephant at Rantong elephant sanctuary

Elephant shelters and elephant clinic

Elephant roaming freely at Rantong elephant camp in Thailand

Elephants roam freely in large field area

Lunch area at Rantong Elephant camp

Briefing and lunch area

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Volunteers at Ran-Tong Sanctuary

Experiences offered at Ran-Tong Elephant Sanctuary

Half-Day (Morning), Half-Day (Afternoon), Full-Day, & Volunteering

Volunteering at Ran-Thong Elephant Sanctuary
Volunteering abroad can completely transform your experience in Thailand and as a volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to go beyond the usual tourist attractions and instead forge meaningful connections with elephants and experience the culture like a local. As a volunteer, you will learn all about Asian Elephants, their history, how to care for them and the ways you can help preserve the future of these endangered creatures.

In 1998, logging was banned in Thailand and elephants were forced to perform tricks as tourist attractions or engage in illegal logging near Myanmar. Many elephants died or have serious injury after falling because of overworking or from being injured badly by bull hooks. Elephants were also given large amounts of amphetamine or other drugs make them work longer hours. Deforestation and development are two of the main reasons there is only 20% forest land left in 1992 compared to 80% in 1957 so finding natural land for elephants is an ongoing problem.

Sanctuaries are the best and safest way to protect these elephants so ongoing work to help to maintain their environment is crucial work for volunteers. That’s where elephant Sanctuaries are vital part of the future of the Asian Elephant. Volunteers are important to the sanctuary by helping the staff at Ran-Tong Sanctuary they can contribute to making the elephants have a better quality of life in their natural environment. Our elephant volunteer Thailand Chiang Mai programs include how to care for the Elephants; learn how to make herbal medicines while living in their natural habitat.

Read more about Volunteering

Daycare Program
Have small children? Be our guest at our Daycare Center! These elephants have been saved from begging on the streets before being sold to the highest bidder once they are too old to be considered cute. You will get the chance to feed, play in the mud and bath them.

Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre
Ban Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tel & WhatsApp: +66 95 4424644
Email: [email protected]

http://rantongelephant.com

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2. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

Overview

This longtime elephant camp closed during the Covid pandemic. Located along the scenic Ping River where guests can experience trekking by elephant back through the nearby forest. The camp also offers elephant shows, feeding and bathing activities daily.

Key Information

  • 10 elephants

  • Large area of land by a forest and river

  • Founded in 1969

  • Located in Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

  • Elephant Show a 20-minuteshow demonstrating how elephants were used for logging including elephant painting.

  • Elephant Bathing guests observe as the mahouts bathe the elephants

  • Elephant Feeding guests have a chance to feed bananas to the elephants by

    hand before the show

  • Elephant Riding trek through nearby forests on wooden seating for 2 people strapped to elephant back

  • Bamboo Rafting ride a bamboo raft along the Ping River and observe the natural scenery

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3. Elephant Jungle Paradise Park

Overview

Elephant Jungle Paradise Park offers visitors the chance to with elephants their natural habitat. Trek through the jungle to find small groups of gentle elephants as they roam free in the beautiful mountain forest surroundings of Mae Wang National Park. The founder, Kinny, is continuing and reviving a family tradition current coordinator of the Elephant Jungle Paradise Park, is the first of his Karen hill tribe generation to own an elephant sanctuary, and is unceasingly dedicated to the cause of providing ongoing care to rescued elephants. Educated at the prestigious Chiang Mai University, Kinny first worked with numerous NGOs to help preserve the local forests. He then began volunteering with nearby elephant hospitals, before training as a Mahout, which is the term for a person who works with and looks after elephants. Mahouts often form lifelong and unbreakable bonds with the animals in their care.

Key Information

  • Founded and managed by Karen hill tribe
  • 8 elephants young and adult
  • Located within Mae Wang National Park
  • Volunteer program
Visitors meeting an adult elephant at the Elephant Jungle Paradise Park in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai

Lush Mae Wang park location

Bathing elephants in the river at the Elephant Jungle Paradise Park in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai

Baby Elephant encounter at the Jungle Paradise Park

Mother and baby elephants at the Elephant Jungle Paradise Park in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai

Several juvenile elephants

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Visitor with baby elephant at the Elephant Jungle Paradise Park in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai

Baby elephant at the park

Experiences

A full-day park visit offers intimate experiences feeding and bathing elephants, as well as assisting in the creation of organic herbal medicine to improve their health. ​ Professional tour guides encourage you to learn the history, habits, and language of the elephants, and interact with them in a personal and loving way. Help apply a muddy elephant cosmetic treatment, and join them for a swim in a river fed by an idyllic waterfall to finish off a magical day spent in an untouched natural environment.

1/14 Chayapoom Rd. Chang Moi, Chiang Mai
Phone: 085-714-5995, 061-327-8295
Email:[email protected]

open web page icon https://www.e-junglepark.com/

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4. Maesa Elephant Camp (Chiang Mai)

Overview

Now merged with the nearby Thai Elephant Care Center (renamed The Chang Chiang Mai in November, 2019). Maesa is home to about 50 elephants with more elderly elephants retired to the private Chang camp which is nearby (private visits may be arranged). Maesa is the oldest camp in Thailand, now run by the founder's daughter. Located in a beautiful and lush valley in lush Mae Rim.

Key Information

  • Founded in 1976
  • About 50 elephants
  • Large area of land separated for different activities: riding, training and care center
  • All riding, shows, etc. ended in 2019
Visitors at Maesa Elephant Camp outside of Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

  • Half and Full-day programs
  • New volunteer program.
  • Mahout Experience-train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to command elephants
  • Educational programs, including learning about herbs that are used in medicinal preparations for the elephants, and helping prepare special foods. Learn about the elephant’s body, with the aid of a skeleton.
  • Jungle trek with elephants
  • Elephants allowed to roam freely, so programs may change at a moment's notice

101 Moo 9, Mae Ram, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180
Phone: (+66) 5320-6247 & (+66)5320-6248
Email: [email protected]

open web page icon www.maesaelephantcamp.com

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5. Patara Elephant Farm

Overview

Patara Elephant Farm invites you to hands-on experience on participating, sharing responsibilities and taking care of an elephant. "Elephant Owner for a Day" is a special program created for everyone to learn and interact with elephants as what an owner would do daily, during which time you are trained to approach your elephant correctly, know the elephant's temperament, feed and check its health, learn about and take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river, learn how to ride on its neck, and communicate through different spoken commands. You will get a chance to bare-back riding to visit forests, waterfalls or local temples. The program is specialized and meaningful activity to create trust and relationship between you and your elephant.

Baby Elephant encounter at Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand

With conservation philosophy "Extinction is Forever", Patara Elephant Farm honored to encourage people to try, at least once in their lives, to experience this very special and sacred animal that should be treasured. Give yourself an opportunity to share once-in-a-lifetime experience with the elephants; you will be touched by their beautiful hearts and will be brought closer to their special world. Remark: The farm welcomes all including children, and those with disabilities.

Feeding babay elephants at Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Key Information

  • 55 elephants
  • Large area of land for Conservation activities
  • Founded in 2001

Experiences Available

  • Mahout and Elephant Care-training about elephant breeding and feeding
  • Elephant Riding non-seated-riding on elephant neck for about one hour
  • Elephant Bathing Show guests observe as mahouts bathe the elephants

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Patara Elephant Farm
T.Baan Pong A.Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tel: (+66) 5320-6247, (+66)5320-6248
Tel: (+66) 989122551 (For Elephant Herd)

Email: [email protected]
Patara Farm on Google Maps

open web page icon www.pataraelephantfarm.com

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6. The Chang Chiang Mai (Merged with Maesa)

Overview

Formerly called the Thai Elephant Care Center. Managed by a veterinarian who is an expert in elephant care, The Chang is located close to lush Mae Rim forests where the elephants are able to roam freely. Elderly and young elephants from the Maesa Camp are sent to this more private camp. Limited private visitors by appointment only.

Large elephant feeding at The Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Key Information

  • About 25 elderly and young elephants

  • Large forest area to roam free

  • Founded in 2016 to protect most vulnerable elephants

Mahout with elephants at The Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Experiences Available

  • Observation guests can observe elephants in their natural environment while sipping drinks on the observation deck. No other interactions are permitted.

Elephants in the river frolicking at the Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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7. Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai)

Overview

The aim of Elephant Nature Park is to provide a sanctuary and acts as a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants, cats and dogs, where visitors can be educated about Conservation issues and also where you can volunteer and visit to help. We have been involved in dozens of rescues which have created our thriving elephant herd. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under our care.

Elephant Nature Park offers half day tours, full day tours as well as overnight with full board accommodation to stay close to the elephants at the park. And volunteer opportunities are also available to become part of the caring team helping with the feeding and various manual efforts required to support the elephants at the park. Volunteers and visitors to Elephant Nature Park help us provide the best care for our rescued herd and thousands of other rescued animals under our care.

Key Information

  • Over 100 elephants, and also cats and dogs
  • Very popular
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Save the Elephant Foundation was established to protect Asian Elephants and rehabilitate captive elephants
  • Founded in 1990s
  • The camp is associated with the Save the Elephant Foundation

Experiences Available

  • Observation - guests can observe as elephants roam freely in the enclosure
  • Elephant Bathing - guests observe as the mahouts bathe the elephants
  • Elephant Feeding - guests have a chance to feed the elephants by hand before the show

Elephants at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

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Elephant Nature Park Office 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Office Hours: 07:00-17:00 Mon-Sun. (GMT+7)
Tel: +66 (0) 53 272855, +66 (0) 825573380, +66 (0)53 270855 GPS 18.7849572, 98.9927558
Email: [email protected]
open web page icon www.elephantnaturepark.org

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8. Burm & Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)

Overview

The mission of Burm & Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary is a simple and ethical one—let elephants be elephants. Located in the scenic Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai, the sanctuary is home to elephants who have been rescued from unethical elephant camps or the logging industry. Burm and Emily's also provides a home to rescue dogs whom also roam free with their larger companions.

BEES Visitor Program:
Our all inclusive programs run on set days and schedules. We have an Overnight Stay that runs on Mon-Tues and Thurs-Fri, a 3 night/4day program that runs on Mon-Thurs and Thurs-Sun and a 1 week program that runs Mon-Sun. These programs include pick up and return to a hotel inside the old city/moat square, meals, drinking water and onsite accommodation. For private groups we may make customized programs and lengths.

Observation Walk Day Note: We do not run half day visits or drop in visits. For single days we may make the exception on a Tuesday or Friday when we run our observation walks, however for single day visits you must arrange your own transportation. For safety and security reasons, please do not just show up at the Sanctuary for a single day visit, you MUST have an email confirmation of your booking.

Contact us for further details on pricing and duration.

Main Activities Include:

  • Observing the Elephants in the forest
  • Preparing the Elephants afternoon treats
  • Cleaning the Elephant areas
  • Helping us care for all the other rescued animals at BEES

Other Activities may include:

  • Teaching English to local children
  • Planting trees to conserve the environment (In rainy season)
  • Planting grass for the elephants (In Rainy season)
  • Cut grass, corn etc for the elephants
  • Visit the local weaving village and support a group of elderly ladies who run a weaving club.
  • Cooking classes. Learn how to make some local Thai desserts.  Sweets in banana leaf or sticky rice in bamboo are recommended! (Please request early on in the week if your interested)
  • Assist in small projects around BEES or in a local area. eg  building a shelter, clearing old building materials etc.
  • Visit the local Temples
  • Tubing down the river

Accommodation

Guests will stay in One of seven private Thai Style accommodations onsite on the Sanctuary grounds. Rooms are private or shared dependent on whether your traveling alone or as a group. e.g. Couples/friends stay together.

Each room is local Thai style living Mattress on the floor with bed linen, a fan and mosquito nets. The bathrooms are a shared toilet block, with shower heads and western toilets. There are 2 sinks with Mirrors outside the toilet block.

There is a communal area also known as ‘the cat cafe’ which is a large balcony area where breakfast is services, dinner is served down below this area in a netted room. In ‘the cat cafe’ area there is also an extension which is a gift shop were you can purchase snacks and beverages as well as BEES T-shirts during your stay. There is a washing machine onsite, you can purchase washing powder sachets in the gift shop.

There is currently no WIFI available at the sanctuary. It is recommended that you purchase a AIS12CALL or TrueMOVE Net Sim Card if you wish to have access to internet during your stay at BEES.

Pro tip for light sleepers: Bring ear plugs or listen to headphones at night, for some city dwellers nature can be noisy. You may not be used to the sounds the Sanctuary has to offer. Nature can be very loud!

Elephants in grassland roaming free at Burm and Emily's Elephant sancturary in Thailand

Hike with rescue dogs and elephants

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Elephants at BEES heading to shelter after feeding in Thailand elephant sanctuary

Elephants at BEES heading to shelter

Planting banana trees at Burm & Emily's Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Working the farm at Burm & Emily's

Ethical Practices at Burm & Emily's

  • Elephants roam free in nature
  • Community involvement
  • Non contact
  • Smaller camp
  • Limited visitors
  • Dog rescue program

Burm & Emily's Elephant Sanctuary
34 M1, Ban Thung Yaw Tambon Chang Keung Chiang Mai Maechaem, 50270
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +66 (0)8619 72519
Phone: +66 (0)8840 36028

https://bees-elesanctuary.org/

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9. Chiang Chill

Overview

Formerly Happy Elephant Valley, started its journey in 2017. Since then, we have moved away from commonly seen activities that allow tourists to ride, bathe and feed the elephants, the team took a step towards becoming a truly elephant-friendly venue. With the support of World Animal Protection, and some of the world’s leading travel companies, ChangChill (meaning “relaxed elephants” in Thai) has now reopened – offering a better life for elephants and a unique experience for visitors.

Our four resident female elephants the freedom to roam the valley, graze, and bathe in the river, mud and dust, while socializing with each other. Visitors are no longer encouraged to interact with the elephants, but are now given the chance to see how the elephants choose to spend their days in the forest. Observe elephants navigate the lush forest, learn about Karen hill tribe culture with local community members, or enjoy the breathtaking view from the elephant observation deck – it’s not only the elephants that get to “chill” here.

Key Information

  • About 4 elephants
  • Approximately 80,000sq.m. (20 acres)
  • Elephant Care & Educational Program bathing and preparing food, and learning elephant's language
  • Half, full-day and multi-day programs.
Elephant roaming in river at Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants roam freely in large field area

Aerial view of Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary

Briefing and lunch area

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Elephants feeding at Rantong elephant camp in Thailand

Mahout with sanctuary elephant

Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre
45/2 Moo19, Baan Pratumuang, Maewin, Maewang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tel & WhatsApp: +66 86 329 3380
Email: [email protected]

changchill.com

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10. Elephant Freedom Village

Overview

The mission of the Elephant Freedom Village is to make ensure elephants are living a healthy and fulfilled life and to educate visitors what this means. At the same time, to educate our visitors about the culture of the Karen Hilltribe people, a minority which lives are closely entangled with the elephant's lives.

Key Information

  • About 40 elephants
  • Approximately 80,000sq.m. (20 acres)
  • Elephant Care & Educational Program bathing and preparing food, and learning elephant's language.
  • Top-rated camp

Experiences

  • Half and full-day, and overnight lodging
  • Local market visit
  • Feeding time
  • Lunch in Karen village
  • Elephant trek in the jungle
  • River swim and bathing with elephants
  • Learn about Karen hilltribes and language
  • Visit Karen village
  • Slingshot training
  • Top-rated camp
Elephants walking past waterfall at the Elephant Freedom Village in Thailand

Beautiful scenery at the Freedom Village

Elephants in river at the Elephant Freedom Village in Thailand

Elephants roam freely in the Freedom Village

Baby elephant and Karen mahout at the Elephant Freedom Village in Chiang Mai

Baby elephant with Karen handler

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11. Baan Chang Elephant Park

Overview

Baan Chang Elephant Park is a small Thai family-run Park. Our family has cared for elephants for over 30 years, with each generation learning something new about the Asian elephant and their welfare. The Park is like a typical small, rural Thai village, where sixty people live and work together with our Elephants.

Animal welfare is paramount at Baan Chang Elephant Park. We consider that responsible and ethical elephant tourism will help to save the Asian elephant, but requires the highest level of care and husbandry. We are opposed to unnatural and abusive practices and strive constantly to improve animal welfare and to promote education with the standard of “Elephant Conservation in Action”

We are determined to provide our elephants with the highest quality of life possible and our strong belief in human-elephant interaction is what makes Baan Chang Elephant Park so special. Our visitors are able to have a life-enhancing experience with these magnificent animals and learn about them in a natural and relaxed environment.

Key Information

  • Non-profit organization that aims to protect and provide purpose for domesticated elephants
  • Professional English-peaking mahouts

Experiences

  • Elephant Feeding prepare and feed elephants
  • Elephant Bathing bathe and brush the elephants
  • Baby elephant encounter in nursery
Mahout washing elephant at Baan Chang elephant camp in Thailand

River bathing at the Baan Chang Camp

Visitors posing at Baan Chang elephant camp in Thailand

Elephants roam freely at Baan Chang

Visitors hiking with adult elephant at Baan Chang elephant camp in Thailand

Hiking at Baan Chang

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12. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary BLES strives to rescue and protect the elephants of Thailand from abuse and ultimate extinction. We provide a safe home where we focus on individual survival and relearning social skills.

Elephants in the jungle at Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

BLES allows elephants to live in a safe and natural environment that encourages them to rediscover their true identity as elephants. We empower our elephants and give them the freedom to make choices and to explore social interactions with their own kind. Basic skills such as foraging, digging, grazing, swimming, scratching - These are behaviors and natural instincts that have been denied to most of our elephants before being rescued by BLES. Most captive elephants are forbidden from indulging in instinctive habits like these, because the focus has always been on the tourists’ demands and never on the elephants’ needs.

Rescue dogs at Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary

Additionally, BLES offers support and advice to local elephant owners who may lack sufficient funds to care for their animals. BLES is deeply committed to our village community and provide jobs and housing to several mahouts and their families. We encourage local participation in BLES activities and promote education about elephants and their plight as well as the environment.

Key Information

  • Non-profit organization that aims to protect and provide care for rescued elephants.
  • Hands-off, only observe rescued elephants from a safe and respectful distance.
  • Large area and natural environment
  • Non-profit organization. All profits go back to supporting the elephants.
  • Elephants allowed to roam free.
  • Limited number of visitors
  • Vegetarian and vegan meals offered at the camp.

Experiences

  • Observe elephants in natural environment.
  • Prepare meals for elephants.
  • Overnight and dining.
  • Rescued dog care.

200 Rachaphkinai RD., Muang Chiang Mai 50200
Hours: 7.00 am - 10.00 pm
Tel: 053-814174 or 086-9241245
Email: [email protected]

open web page icon https://www.blesele.org/

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13. Elephant Life Experience CLOSED

Overview

Offering personal and private experiences, E.L.E. allows guests to develop a close
relationship with the elephants. Elephant  Life Experience ( E.L.E.) “EXPERIENCE” being the prominent feature. The guest will have the special opportunity to build a closeness to an individual elephant. Not being part of a large crowd will enable the visitor to spend as much time as they wish experiencing elephant life together..This will build a rapport with the elephant in their natural  environment far  removed from  the usual  organized  tours  of Elephant  camps. We offer the visitor the freedom, flexibility and time needed to get closer to nature.

Key Information

  • Private experience for guests
  • Located in Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

  • Elephant Painting
  • Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate
  • Elephant Feeding learn how and what to feed elephants
  • Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back for about 30
    minutes

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14. Thai Elephant Home (Chiang Mai)

Overview

Thai Elephant Home was founded by Nayok Satien and is managed by Wanachart Buraphakiat, nickname Joe. Both Satien and Joe grew up around elephants and together shared the desire to create a safe caring environment for these majestic animals. Together they founded Thai Elephant Home in 2006 with 1 elephant. Now Thai Elephant Home has 20 elephants, 14 at the main camp and 6 at the nursery. Our elephants are ridden bareback with only one guest per elephant. Each elephant has its own individual mahout who cares for their elephant.

baby elephant encounter at the Thai Elephant Home in Chiang Mai

Eco-Tourism and Conservation: Thai Elephant Home realizes the number of Asian elephants continues to decline as the population pressures on the elephants’ natural habitat continues to increase. Thai Elephant Home has an active breeding program to increase the size of our herd therein helping to preserve the Asian elephant for future generations. Knowing the elephants’ natural jungle habitat is fragile and continues to decrease, Thai Elephant Home maintains trekking trails into the jungle which allow guests to enjoy nature without leaving a heavy footprint. Thai Elephant Home also has an active land purchasing program aimed at maintaining and expanding the elephants’ natural habitat.

Mahout feeding elephant at The Thai Elephant Home in Chiang Mai

Mission

The Thai Elephant Home is devoted to the Conservation and preservation of the endangered majestic Asian elephant. Rescued elephant are provided a safe, caring and ethical environment, while the nursery seeks to preserve Thailand’s baby elephants for future generations. The camp is committed to providing education coupled with hands experiences aimed at helping people understand the realities, challenges and opportunities the Asian elephant faces. In the process the Thai Elephant Home supports the local community through job creation, reforestation efforts and educational scholarships.

Jungle hike with juvenile elephant in the jungle at the Thai Elephant Home in Chiang Mai

Camp Objectives

  • Provide a safe caring environment for rescued elephants.
  • Increase the number of Asian elephants through our breeding program.
  • Provide individuals with the opportunity to learn about elephants by either riding them or observing them in their natural habitat.
  • Provide educational scholarships for disadvantaged Hill Tribe youth to obtain university degrees.
  • Assist with reforestation efforts in the district.

Key Information

  • 16 elephants
  • Founded in 2006
  • Located in Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

  • Mahout Training train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to
    command elephants
  • Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate
  • Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back
  • Black Mud Spa Join the elephants in a spa treatment using black mud, rich in
    magnesium and calcium, it is great for both elephants and people.
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16. Elephant EcoValley

Overview

Experience elephants up-close and personal while feeding and bathing them, learning about herbal treatments, and helping make their herb ‘n’ fruit vitamin balls. At our wilderness elephant adventure, you can walk with elephants while interacting with your new buddies. Tour the Elephant Culture Museum and learn about their heritage, anatomy, amazing abilities, and the profound relationship between these gentle giants and people. Elephant EcoValley lies in the lush green Maetaman Valley about an hour north of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s “Rose of the North”. Choose from two activity-packed, half-day options or stay for a full day and enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking the mountain stream.

Elephant encounter at the Elephant EcoValley in Thailand

Elephant Culture Museum
St our museum, learn about their evolution, anatomy, and all those things you’ve wanted to know but never knew an elephant to ask. Our mission is to share the elephants’ history, their culture, their current environment, and their relationship with the human species—compassionately and scientifically. The destiny of elephants is in the hands and hearts of people. If we understand the past, the present becomes clearer, and we can create a secure future for our gentle friends. You’ll journey through history, meet their prehistoric ancestors, and experience the touching story of Kham Kaew, our 69-year-old elephant who passed away but has joined us again in spirit and skeleton in her own special exhibit.

Feed the Elephants
A herd of happy elephants will greet you when you arrive. The lower Elephant EcoValley is kind of like a park in the wilderness where you can walk with elephants, hang out, and interact with them. They spend about 18 hours per day eating, so they’ll always be hungry when you come, patiently waiting to be fed bananas, sugarcane, and plants cultivated on the surrounding hills and meadows.

Herd at elephant EcoValley camp in Thailand

Key Information

  • 25 elephants
  • Associated with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which aims to protect Asian elephants and supports mahout communities
  • Founded in 2003
  • Located in Chiang Rai

Experiences Available

  • Hiking to nearby river and experience bathing with elephants.
  • Learn about elephants at onsite education museum
  • Herbal garden activity
  • Elephant bathing under waterfall
  • Elephant trail hike

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17. Mahouts Elephant Foundation

Overview

Creating a better world for Asian Elephants
Situated in over 90,000 acres of luscious protected rainforest near the border between Thailand and Myanmar. LIFE is dedicated to preserving the magnificent forest and caring for the rescued elephants that call it home.

How We Work
We rescue elephants caught in the tourism industry and introduce them to protected forest in our projects across Thailand. Our approach ensures that elephants, the forest and the local community benefit.

Mahouts Elephant Foundation elephant foraging in jungle

History
Mahouts Elephant Foundation was founded by the Blaine family from England - Sarah, Felix, Joe and Natasha - who are impassioned about the natural world and all animals. In 2008 they traveled to Thailand and part of this trip was spent at a volunteer project which would change their lives forever. They learned so much about Elephants working in the tourism industry in Thailand. The industry often unknowingly forces mahouts and their families into a desperate poverty trap that few can escape, meaning the families are impoverished and the welfare of the elephant is compromised. After a decade of experiencing all sides to this complex story, Sarah and Felix Blaine teamed up with the people who know the issues intimately but are often left out of conversations, Karen indigenous mahouts. Together, they came up with community driven solutions that allow mahouts and elephants to thrive together.

Elephant in jungle at Mahouts Elephant Foundation

Mahouts Work
We work with a unique safari-style model of elephant tourism in direct partnership with mahouts, empowering them with the tools they require to support their families and their elephants in their home village, rather than selling their elephants or employing them to work near big cities. The pilot project worked with Karen hill tribe mahouts in northern Thailand, but it is designed for replication throughout elephant rangeland.

Mahouts Elephant Foundation elephant roaming in the jungle

Why We Are Needed
Logging was banned in Thailand in 1989 leaving over 2,000 mahouts out of work and unable to generate the income required to take care of their elephants. The rise of commercial elephant tourism quickly followed and, with no regulations in place, the industry grew quickly and remains unchecked, with wealthy elephant camp owners profiting from exploiting elephants and mahouts.

How you Can Help
Thailand receives 30 million tourists per year. Myanmar attracts one tenth of Thailand’s numbers, but visitors are rising. This enormous industry has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change in the conservation and welfare of elephants and empowerment of local people. By visiting our projects on the ground, you are directly helping make a difference.

Experiences Available

  • Volunteering
  • 4-day mountain tour
  • Safari camp (coming in 2024)
  • Yoga retreat
  • Breathwork course
  • Fieldwork studying Asian Elephants
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18. Anantara Resort Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai)

Overview

Fully funded by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the camp was established as a traditional mahout village and works to provide employment and a comfortable lifestyle for elephants and their mahout families. Learn, play and connect with elephants in their natural environment, enriched by expert insights. Setting a benchmark for welfare, their award-winning Dara Elephant Camp offers animal encounters and tours, some inclusive of resort fees.

Mahout at Anantara Elephant Camp, Chiang Rai Thailand

Inspirational encounters offered at this elephant camp and resort in Thailand. Observe and connect with elephants in their natural environment at the Elephant Camp in Thailand. Setting a benchmark for welfare, our award-winning elephant camp offers unforgettable journeys – some included in your all-inclusive package and others as additions to your experience.

Trekking with elephants at the Anantara Elephant camp

Key Information

  • Family-friendly luxury resort
  • 25 elephants
  • Associated with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which aims to
    protect Asian elephants and supports mahout communities
  • Founded in 2003
  • Located in Chiang Rai

Elephant encounter at Anantara Elephant Camp Chiang Rai, Thailand

Experiences Available

  • Elephant treks to nearby river and experience bathing with elephants
  • Cultural importance in Thai society
  • Learn about mahouts lifestyle

Elephant roaming through the forest near the Anantara Elephant Camp

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19. Elephants World (Kachanaburi)

Overview

Elephants World is a self-supporting Environmental Needs Improvement/Intervention Organization that cares for domestic elephants, situated just outside the town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Elephants World cares for the daily needs of over 30 elephants and staff by offering Eco-travelers the experience of an up-close and personal encounters. Our visitor programs range from a single-day visit to the Mahout Experience program of a week or more.

Elephants in river at Elephants World in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The Elephants World Mission is to provide the best possible care for our elephants, staff and visitors. We welcome travelers here at home and right across the world.  We strive to make every moment spent with us educational, enjoyable and rewarding in meaningful ways, understanding our visitors love elephants and wish to play a part, as we do, in their Conservation for future generations.

Elephant encounter at Elephants World in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Key Information

  • 26 elephants
  • Approximately 260,000 sq.m. of land (64 acres)
  • Founded in 2008
  • Located in Kanchanaburi
  • Educational experiences
  • Beautiful location on the river
  • English, French, Spanish (and occasionally other languages) speaking
    volunteers explain elephant issues to guests
  • Location close to Bangkok
  • Non-profit organization
  • Very large area and natural environment
  • 2 on-site vets and elephant clinic with several volunteer
  • Care center for disabled, sick and elderly elephants
  • Elephants have free time in the afternoons

Elephant in river at Elephants World in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Experiences Available

  • Full day Program feed the elephant, watch them play, prepare their food language
    and help them bathe
  • Overnight Program
  • Not suitable for luxury guests
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20. Elephant Haven (Kachanaburi)

Overview

Sai Yok Elephant Camp is now known as Elephant Haven Thailand. The owners and families have completely stopped taking part of activities that distress their elephants, such as elephant shows and riding. The saddles have been taken away, forever.

Elephants in river at Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Our group of fortunate elephants are now enjoying their freedom. They are roaming free in the natural habitat, walking into the green forests, having a river bath and rolling in the mud pit, a favorite. All of them used to work for their entire lives and now we take off their chains and support them to live the rest of their lives peacefully. Your support of our efforts is critical and appreciated.

Elephants playing in the river at Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Key Information

  • 7 elephants
  • Approximately 200,000 sq.m. of land
  • Founded in 2016
  • Non-profit organization
  • Very large area and natural environment
  • Educational experiences
  • Beautiful location on the river
  • High quality, new buildings & facilities
  • Elephants encouraged to move verbally
  • Part-owned by former owner of Thai Elephant Conservation Center (CNX)
  • Guests have to cross the small river in a boat with unstable jetty. Not suitable for
    anyone with mobility issues.

Experiences Available

  • Therapeutic Trek - includes feed of elephants, watch them bathe,
    walk with them (one-hour trek) and feed them again. Lunch is served after at the
    scenic viewpoint restaurant.
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21. Samboon Legacy Foundation

Overview

An ethical Hands-Off elephant sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Thailand 100% Hands OFF Elephants Sanctuary Somboon Legacy Foundation is a Non-Government Organization (NGO), that takes care of old elephants. Our organization was founded by Khun Kulsak Chotiyaputta, Agnes Tammenga, Diana Harinck and Manouk Maas from the Netherlands on the 13th of March 2019, Thailand's National Elephant Day. The Somboon Legacy Foundation Our purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate elephants from a life of stress and exploitation.

Samboon Legacy Foundation elephant

With our visitors we focus on observing the elephants in their natural environment and giving education in our interactive elephant museum for young & old. Our goal is to spread the message of truly animal friendly tourism around the world.

Samboon Legacy Foundation museum

Mission
Our elephants are not used for entertainment; we respect them and treat them with the care they deserve. We stand up for the rights of our mahouts (elephant caretakers), they are our heroes. We are dedicated raise awareness so people don’t unknowingly participate in animal abuse. Vision - we aim to inspire the world to treat all elephants ethically.

Key Information

  • Close to Bangkok
  • Trekking with elephants, observing bathing, dining with elephants
  • Educational programs and museum
  • Volunteering
  • Lodging

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22. Four Season's Tented Camp (Chiang Rai)

Overview

The Four Season's Tented Camp is one of Asia's most exclusive resort retreats. Guest fees have now assisted in the adoption of more than ten elephants from the streets. Monthly sponsorship that includes all their food, veterinary and incidental bills (as well as the wages and benefits for their mahouts), these elephants can now live in a natural environment. Donations through similar sponsorships have helped baby elephants separated from their mothers before their natural weaning age, and elephants roaming city streets. These elephants are cared for on-site and can be seen during breakfast, or upon request, through a visit to the foundation camp. We are a member of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF); as such, we offer our guests the opportunity to help rescue elephants from the streets of Thai cities. Donations made through GTAEF go directly to the care and welfare of these adopted elephants, with all administration and logistical support covered by Four Seasons Tented Camp at Golden Triangle.

Four Season's Tented Camp elephants

The Foundation’s focus is on keeping wild elephants free and safe, and rescuing non-wild elephants from cruel conditions. The organization does not breed elephants or take them out of the wilderness. An additional goal is to look after the dedicated care-givers who are instrumental in helping rescued elephants heal and adjust to their new circumstances. The deep mutual attachment that develops between rehabilitated elephants and their mahouts is apparent to all who observe them. The Foundation works closely with mahouts and their families to help them build financial independence, supported by Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

The rehabilitated elephants now lead happy, comfortable lives: they are well looked after by their mahouts, spend ample time in the jungle and enjoy a bath every single day. They are also encouraged to spend their time the way they like. For instance, the Camp’s activities team is made up of social elephants who love to interact with people, while those who prefer solitude and quiet are left to snooze in the sun.

Key Information

  • The camp is part of a world-class jungle resort
  • Exclusive resort with limited number of travelers
  • Partnered with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) that rescues elephants from the streets of Thailand
  • Natural environment, elephants allowed freedom of unstructured living

Experiences Available

  • Trekking with elephants, observing bathing, dining with elephants
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Breakfast with elephants at Four Seasons Tented Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand

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23. Wildlife Friends Foundation

Overview

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) was founded in 2001 by Edwin Wiek, with the help of the local people from Petchaburi province. This includes the Abbot of Wat Khao Look Chang who loaned a large piece of land to the foundation to house rescued animals. WFFT is an NGO (non-governmental organization) and relies on support from other animal protection organizations as well as many individuals with a passion for change.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand sanctuary baby and adult elephants.

WFFT is a nationwide effort involved in rescuing domesticated/ captive wild animals. Edwin Wiek still heads this project with the help of a team of full-time staff, mostly from the local village, and a team of international volunteers who pay for their stay. Without the dedication of volunteers, WFFT would not be able to continue to help these animals. We have volunteers from all over the world. Mostly, volunteers are from Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand, with a broad age range from 18 to 75. They represent various backgrounds from gap-year students, wildlife conservation/animal husbandry related students and scientists, career- breakers and retirees.

Rescue tiger at Wildlife Friends Foundation in Thailand.

We are passionate about changing the habits of international tourists who visit Thailand, who unknowingly fuel the illegal trade and the exploitation and abuse of Thailand’s wildlife.

Key Information

  • Multi purpose camp, caring for wild and rescued animals, including dogs and tigers.
  • Limited number of visitors

Experiences Available

  • Half- and Full-day camp visits
  • Volunteering
  • Eco-lodge accommodation
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24. Elephant Hills (Khao Sok)

Overview

Elephant Hills operates a luxury tented jungle camp, combining the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment. They offer 2-4 day nature soft adventure tours in and around the stunningly beautiful Khao Sok area. The Elephant Camp comprises luxury tailor-made tents and has successfully been operated since over 10 years.

The floating Rainforest Camp, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps, was opened in 2011 and is situated on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake. Both camps are situated in the Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, approximately two hours apart from each other, close to popular beach destinations like Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and even Koh Samui. To facilitate travels to Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camps, all transfers to and from Elephant Hills are included in the tour packages.

Key Information

Experiences Available

  • Jungle trekking with elephants

Elephants trekking in Khao Sok

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Ethical Practices

  • Incredible primitive jungles and lakes setting

Cons

  • Resort packages are more expensive than day camps

Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani 84230
Tel: +6652001186

open web page icon www.elephanthills.com

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25. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park (Phuket)

Overview

Elephant Sanctuary: Experience elephants in a whole new way Elephants belong to Thailand as well as the sea, good food and the fascinating culture. For centuries, elephants have been seen as holy in Thailand. Today elephant figures are still put in front of many buildings and sold as motifs on clothing or souvenir. However, the number of elephants in Thailand is diminishing. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial to protect not only the wise giants but also their natural habitat. An Elephant sanctuary is the right address! Visit us and be impressed by the huge animals. Experience the very special atmosphere in our camp yourself!

Elephants in river at Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket

Experience elephants in the elephant sanctuary
In the Elephant sanctuary you can experience elephants in the most natural way. In their natural environment, where they are free and simply wonderful! It is important to us that you can experience the daily life of the animals. And that you can approach them when feeding or bathing. Briefly: it is a wonderful experience that you will remember for a long time. How much do you want to bet?

Elephant Sanctuary: Help and protection for homeless elephants
Thousands and thousands of elephants have been living in Thailand for many decades. In the recent years, the number of these gentle animals has been greatly reduced. In 1950, there were still about 50,000 elephants, whilst today there are only 3,000 to 3,500 left. The main reason for this is clearing of woods and forests, which often takes the lives of these fascinating animals. We are committed to the protection of elephants by offering them a safe and protected life in the elephant sanctuary. By the way, the supply of a single elephant costs several hundred dollars a month and an elephant consumes up to 200 kilograms of food a day. With our work, we do not only ensure the livelihood of the animals, but also their well-being and comfort.

Elephant mud bath at Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket

Enjoying elephants means collecting memories!
Would you like to see elephants in real life? Do you want to pet elephants? Do you want to watch these huge animals swim or feed? In our elephant sanctuary you are just right! We offer you the opportunity to experience the animals. You are, of course, accompanied by experienced elephant trainers so that you can feel completely safe. Very important to us: our animals are looked after by us optimally and they can feel comfortable with us. We are against animal abuse and make sure that the animals are always well.

Founding Story
A Swiss with a vision – this is who we are! It all began with a dream. But now, our “Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Phuket” has become a reality. Many years ago, Urs Fehr was already dreaming of protecting elephants in Thailand. And as he gained a better understanding of elephants in general, he also learned that many Thai elephants live in terrible conditions. As a consequence, opening the elephant sanctuary became an affair of the heart.

Our park is created in accordance with European animal protection laws and is a harbor for elephants on the Phuket Peninsula. The park is located near Surin Beach, right in the middle of the gorgeous jungle. It stretches over an enormous area of 40,000m² where an idyllic stream flows into a small lake. It goes without saying that we have used as many natural and renewable resources as possible in our ecological park project. Right from the start, our goal was crystal clear: We want to take our visitors on an unforgettable journey to the world of the Asian elephants!

Our visitors can get in close contact with the impressive pachyderms by touching and feeding them. Thanks to our “Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Phuket”, abused elephants get a second chance at life – without chains and beatings. In our park, traumatized animals are not allowed to be ridden. We have built four species-appropriate night compounds, fulfilling the needs of the nocturnal Asian elephants who sleep during the heat of the day. When planning the construction of the park, we put emphasis on a round-the-clock water supply which is, unfortunately, unusual in Thailand. On top of that, we pay a lot of attention to a healthy and balanced diet for our elephants. At the moment, “Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Phuket” is home to four full-grown elephants with two baby elephants. This means that our visitors can experience how naive, happy, clumsy and lovable the life of an elephant starts in Thailand!

Experiences

  • Morning and afternoon programs
  • Meeting and feeding
  • Mud bathing
  • Thai restaurant
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26. Hidden Forest Preserve (Phuket)

Overview

Feed, walk with, learn about & observe our beautiful elephants We are a genuine ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket co-founded by elephant specialists Kong and Louise Rogerson, opened in Nov 2023. ​ Visit our stunning forest hidden away in the South of Phuket and meet our four gorgeous rescued elephants who previously worked in the logging and riding industries. ​ Our sanctuary is peaceful and we keep our visitor groups small. You will have an incredible experience feeding, walking with, learning about and observing our elephants in their natural habitat and as they play in the ponds and graze in our forest. ​ We look forward to welcoming you into the magical world we have created for these beautiful endangered animals that we are dedicated to protecting.

Elephant roaming in the jungle of the Hidden Forest Preserve in Phuket

Key Information

  • One of three sanctuaries in Phuket.

Feeding an elephant at the jungle of the Hidden Forest Preserve in Phuket

Experiences Available

  • Trekking with elephants, observing bathing, dining with elephants
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27. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

Founded by Swiss partners, Urs Fehr and Nathanael Schärer, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a home for retired working elephants, set on 30 acres of lush tropical jungle. Observe how elephants rehabilitate into forest life after decades of abuse, and experience how incredible the largest land mammal on earth is during a day at the sanctuary.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary elephant roaming grasslands

Key Information

  • Only camp among the Thai islands
  • Founder's mission is to provide care for rescue elephants

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary lodge area

Experiences Available

  • 1/2 day programs include education on care of elephants, feeding, and river mud bathing
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Ethical Practices

  • Founded by founder of Save Elephant Foundation.
  • Sanctuary visitors do not ride the elephants
  • Operates elephant clinic that treats elephants not just from the camp
  • Mass tourist location

100, Moo 2,, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand
Tel: +66627677111

open web page icon www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org

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28. Phuket Elephant Nature Preserve

Overview

"Empowering Elephants: Freedom, Advocacy, and Respect" is the motto of the Phangan Elephant sanctuary. A welcome addition to a scarcity of elephant camps in the south and islands, the sanctuary is a newer camp founded on ethical principals of elephant care and tourist interaction. The jungle setting is beautiful with eco-friendly practices.

Large elephant at Phuket Elephant Nature Preserve

Key Information

  • Only camp on the island ("Koh Phangan is not only about the full-moon raves")
  • Founder's mission is to provide care for rescue elephants
  • Founded by founder of Save Elephant Foundation
  • Sanctuary visitors do not ride the elephants
  • Operates elephant clinic that treats elephants not just from the camp
  • Mass tourist location

Elephants at Phuket Elephant Nature Preserve

Experiences Available

  • Tour and feeding programs
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29. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

The first elephant sanctuary established on Koh Samui in Southern Thailand. "Thanks to the kind support of our guests, we have opened a second sanctuary on the island so that more rescued elephants can live a life of ease and dignity. ​ Both sanctuaries are set on forested land, offering a safe retirement home for elephants who have worked exhausting hours in the logging and tourism industries. ​ Feed the elephants, walk with them, and observe these gentle giants as they roam, socialize, bathe, play in the mud, and enjoy the peaceful life that they deserve. ​ Join our morning or afternoon program, knowing that you are supporting ethical elephant tourism and helping to improve the lives of Thai elephants."

Camp Founder, Lek, was named the Ford Foundation’s “Hero of the Planet”. The National Geographic documentary Vanishing Giants highlights Lek’s work with the Asian elephant and she was recognized by the Humane Society of the United States with the Genesis Award in 2003. In 2005, Lek was named one of Time Magazine’s Heroes of Asia for her work in conservation. Lek has also earned honorary degrees from Rajabhat Chiang Mai University. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton invited Lek to Washington DC in 2010 to honor her as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary elephant beneath palm trees

Key Information

  • Only camps on Koh Samui
  • Founder's mission is to provide care for rescue elephants

Elephants bathing at the Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Experiences Available

  • Tour and feeding programs
  • Tree planting
  • Volunteer program
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30. Phangan Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

"Empowering Elephants: Freedom, Advocacy, and Respect" is the motto of the Phangan Elephant sanctuary. A welcome addition to a scarcity of elephant camps in the south and islands, the sanctuary is a newer camp founded on ethical principals of elephant care and tourist interaction. The jungle setting is beautiful with eco-friendly practices.

Feeding elephant at Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Key Information

  • Newer and only camp on the island ("Koh Phangan is not only about the full-moon raves")
  • Founder's mission is to provide care for rescue elephants
  • Founded by founder of Save Elephant Foundation.
  • Sanctuary visitors do not ride the elephants
  • Operates elephant clinic that treats elephants not just from the camp

Learning to prep food at the Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary in Southern Thailand

Experiences Available

  • Tour and feeding programs
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31. Krabi Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

A haven for retired & rescued elephants and a sustainable habitat for the elephants to live in a safe and natural environment, free from profiteering and neglect. Krabi Elephant Sanctuary offers a new home for retired elephants who worked in logging and tourism industry. As the first Ethical Elephant Tourism experience in Krabi, the sanctuary seeks to rescue and welcome them back into their Natural habitat.

Krabi Elephant Sanctuary Mission
To provide as many elephants as possible with the good health, freedom, and happiness they truly deserve. We use our progressive and ethically responsible approach to elephant ecotourism as a platform to raise awareness and educate people from Thailand and around the world about elephant care and the plight of the Asian elephant. OUR HOPE is to lead by example, and contribute to a positive change in the perception of elephants; to witness a future where elephants are not ridden, poached, overworked, or abused, and are instead treated with care, love, and respect. As they are parts of our family there is no need to control them in the harm way.

Elephant encounter at Krabi Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand

Experiences Available

  • A Half-day Morning or afternoon visit to Krabi Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors an INTERACTION opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural home, as well as EDUCATION gain an insight into their history and OBSERVING behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of their time spent with these amazing animals with friendly, happy elephants in a safe and sustainable environment.
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LAOS ELEPHANT CAMPS

1. MandaLao (Luang Prabang)

Overview

An intimate non-riding experience. With no riding (neck or back) MandaLao offers a
mostly hands-off experience that allows the guests the chance to feed and walk the
elephants and to learn about the project to re-integrate former working elephants
into the Lao countryside.

Guests are collected from the hotel by the camp (with a camp guide) and
transferred in a private vehicle for 45 minutes to the camp.

Elephants frolicking in rivet at MandaLao elephant sanctuary in Luang Prabang, Laos

Key Information

  • 7 elephants
  • Approximately 200,000 sq.m. of land
  • Founded in 2016

Experiences Available

  • Therapeutic Trek - includes feed of elephants, watch them bathe,
    walk with them (one-hour trek) and feed them again. Lunch is served after at the
    scenic viewpoint restaurant.

Mother and baby elephants at MandaLao eleohant camp in Luang Prabang, Laos

Ethical Practices

  • No elephant shows
  • Non-profit organization
  • No riding (neither neck or seated)
  • Very large area and natural environment
  • Educational experiences
  • Beautiful location on the river
  • High quality, new buildings & facilities
  • Elephants encouraged to move verbally
  • Part-owned by former owner of Thai Elephant Conservation Center (CNX)

Cons

  • Mahouts carry bullhooks in bags though they only use in emergency
  • Guests have to cross the small river in a boat with unstable jetty. Not suitable for
    anyone with mobility issues.

Sisavangvong Road Building 82 unit B tele. 0305664014 ຫຼວງພະບາງ, 06000, Laos
Tel: +856305664014

open web page icon www.mandalaotours.com

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2. Elephant Village (Luang Prabang)

Overview

Founded by elephant and social activist Markus Peschke. Established in 2001, Elephant Village is an elephant sanctuary and tourist destination in Luang Prabang, owned and operated by caring individuals who focus on protection and rehabilitation of elephants in Laos through responsible tourism.

Jungle trek with elephant at the Elephant Village, Luang Prabang, Laos

The camp has a museum to learn all about Asian elephants and also operates an elephant experiences and lodging outfit, Shangri Lao, with the mission of providing employment for local people and support of local conservation efforts.

Mission
Established in 2001, Elephant Village has been supporting indigenous people in remote areas by giving them employment through the creation of jobs under fair social contract. Elephant Village ensures the support and the survival of elephants living in harmony with nature and the community, kept away from abusive work and cared by professional veterinarians. Elephant village ensures the preservation of a pristine river valley that otherwise would be destroyed by signing a multi-year lease agreement with the Lao government to establish a sustainable tourism project.

Museum at the Elephant Village in Luang Prabang, Laos

Key Information

  • Located in a lush secluded valley called Shangri-Lao
  • The original elephant camp, founded as a care facility along the Mekong just outside of town in 2001
  • Close to Luang Prabang
  • Founded by noted elephant activist– Markus Peschke
  • Limited visitors
  • Partners with Shangri Lao, below, for in-depth experiences and lodging.

Elephant Village Ban Xieng Lom V69M+F78, Rte Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: +85671252417

open web page icon www.elephantvillage-laos.com

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3. Shangri Lao (Luang Prabang)

Overview

A unique theme camp with tented lodging that harks back to the old explorer days of Indochina. Experiences organized in conjunction with the Elephant Village above. The Classic Explorer Camp & Expedition, invites you to re-live the adventures of Dr. P. Neis, an historic French explorer from the 19th century. Re-trace his footsteps along the very same tranquil streams and dense jungle in his original and authentic style whilst staying in luxury tents with breathtaking views just as he did in 1883.

Elephants bathing at the ShngriLao elephant camp in Luang Prabang, Laos

Mission
Established in 2001, Elephant Village has been supporting indigenous people in remote areas by giving them employment through the creation of jobs under fair social contract. Elephant Village ensures the support and the survival of elephants living in harmony with nature and the community, kept away from abusive work and cared by professional veterinarians. Elephant village ensures the preservation of a pristine river valley that otherwise would be destroyed by signing a multi-year lease agreement with the Lao government to establish a sustainable tourism project.

ShangriLao Tent Bedroom

Key Information

  • The original elephant camp, founded as a care facility along the Mekong just outside of town.
  • Close to Luang Prabang
  • Founded by noted elephant activist Markus Peschke
  • Limited visitors
  • Tented accommodations on site

Elephant Village Ban Xieng Lom V69M+F78, Rte Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: +85671252417

open web page icon www.elephantvillage-laos.com

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4. Elephant Conservation Center (Sayaboury)

Overview

Elephant relaxing on the river at the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury Laos

ElefantAsia, a French NGO founded in 2000 decided to launch a campaign to raise awareness for the need to protect the Asian elephant in Laos. In 2001, the Elephant Caravan walked 1300 km across Laos, from the Southern town of Champassak to the Northern cultural capital of Luang Prabang. The event was a huge success and both the mahouts who participated in the caravan and the Lao Government asked ElefantAsia (the NGO was created for the caravan) to stay in Laos and design a national management plan for captive elephants. In 2005, ElefantAsia and the National Animal Health Centre of the Department of Livestock & Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture & Forests) began the “Lao Elephant Care & Management Programme”. During 7 years, both organizations worked hand in hand to provide working elephants with free veterinary care (using mobile clinics) while their mahouts were trained in basic first aid vetcare (using the Elephant Care Manual, co-published by ElefantAsia and the FAO and free first aid kits+training by international vets).

Elephant hered roaming at the Elephant Conservation Center in Laos

All captive elephants were registered using microchips, official ID books and a state-of-the-art computerized database, all of which are still in use today. A national reproduction initiative known as the “Baby Bonus Programme” was also implemented. Realizing that the logging industry was no longer attractive to elephant owners due to lack of work and rampant deforestation, priority was given to professional reconversion of mahouts into ecotourism. The Elephant Conservation Center was born. In 2010, the ECC was created and registered in the Sayaboury Province, home to 75% of Lao captive elephants.

The Center was built on the banks of the Nam Tien Reservoir, a provincial protected area. With the only Elephant Hospital of Laos and a large land concession allowing for natural breeding and socialization, the Center started purchasing elephants from owners who decided to sell their animals throughout the country. Year after year, the Center grew in stature and capabilities mainly thanks to income generated by paid visits to the site. In 2012, ElefantAsia handed over its programmes to the Department of Livestock and Fisheries. The ECC entered a new partnership with France based NGO “Des Elephants et Des Hommes” (Elephants & People).

Guest bungalow with view at the Elephant Conservation Center, Laos

In 2015, the ECC organized a second Elephant Caravan across Sayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces. The goal was to take 20 elephants and their mahouts to Luang Prabang on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the city’s World Heritage status as a reminder that elephants are part of Laos’ cultural and natural heritage. In 2017, the Prime Minister of Laos stopped the illegal export of 13 Lao elephants bound to the Middle-East and chose the ECC as the most suitable facility for their rehabilitation.

In 2018, ECC signed a Partnership Agreement with the Smithsonian Institution to pursue its scientific research program. It was also offered the management of the Nam Pouy National Protected Area by the Sayaboury Province. Nam Pouy has a population of about 50 wild elephants. Monitoring and protecting this population and its habitat has become our most pressing objective, as well as rewilding captive elephants currently under our care…

open web page icon https://www.elephantconservationcenter.com

Volunteers at Elephant Conservation Center in Laos

Key Information

  • 30 Elephants
  • Remote, natural setting

Experiences Available

  • Volunteering

Ethical Practices

  • Elephants kept in natural environment
  • Affordable volunteer programs

Cons

  • Remote location (120 kilometers from Luang Prabang - 2.5 hours drive)
  • Basic, rustic accommodation

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CAMBODIA ELEPHANT CAMPS

1. Elephant Valley Project (Mondulkiri)

Overview

Elephant Valley project is located about six hours drive from Phnom Penh. Its primary aim is to provide a sanctuary for elephants and offers a rare opportunity
to observe the animals natural behaviors. The area is lush, with rainforest jungle and rivers and one of the most remote of camps in Southeast Asia.

Elephants walking a trail through the jungle at the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, Cambodia

Key Information

  • 10 elephants
  • 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres)
  • Work with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in protection of forests and wildlife
  • Managed by Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE), an NGO founded in Cambodia
  • Founded in 2006
  • Located in remote Mondulkiri, approximately 365 kilometers (6 hours) from Phnom Penh
  • No elephant shows
  • No seated riding
  • Verbal commands are encouraged
  • Elephants roam freely throughout the day (while mahout is nearby)
  • Purpose to re-introduce elephants into the wild
  • The host is well-versed in elephant welfare issues and can discuss in-depth about elephant behavior
  • Large area and natural environment
  • Quiet and not mass touristy

Experiences Available

  • Observation guests can observe the elephants as they walk, eat and play in the
    area. The elephants are encouraged to behave naturally, so there are no shows,
    riding or other unnatural activities.
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2. Mondulkiri Elephant Project (Mondulkiri)

Overview

The Mondulkiri Project is managed by the Cambodia Elephant Rescue Organization, a registered Cambodian NGO

In October 2013 the Mondulkiri Project signed an agreement with Bunong indigenous elders from the Putang Village and the Orang Village.  This agreement stops logging in a large area of beautiful Mondulkiri forest near Sen Monorom.  The Mondulkiri Project borders the Keov Sema Protected Area so there is a lot of wildlife, from birds, to deer, wild pigs and buffalo. There are many beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, valleys…..it is a very special place.

Cambodian Mondulkiri Project elephants bathing in river.

 Mr Tree, the Cambodian founder of the Mondulkiri Project, explains why the Mondulkiri Project is very important to him:

Protecting the forest from logging

The Mondulkiri Project is very important to me because i would really like to take care of the forest. It is difficult.

The local indigenous community needs to have an income.  To make money they are cutting down the forest to sell the timber to Vietnam or to clear the forest to make small farms.  As the population is growing, the need for more rice is also growing.  So more and more forest is being cut down.  I am really worried that soon all the forest in Mondulkiri Province will have been cut down.  The thought of losing this special jungle area makes me very sad.

Landscape views with elephants at the Mondulkiri Project in Cambodia

My idea is to protect the forest so it can be used in ways that will still provide the communities with an income, without losing the jungle itself.  Providing elephant and jungle trekking experiences for tourists and developing traditional medicines from the jungle will earn income for the Bunong indigenous people.  We will also be saving habitats for elephants and other endangered wildlife.  

When I was young we had 2 elephants in our village, but these days there are very few elephants left. In the sanctuaries and villages close to Sen Monorom there only 41 elephants and they are growing old.   There are not many wild elephants left in Cambodia’s forests because of land clearing for timber and to make rubber plantations.

EVP Lounge at Elephant Valley Project Mondulkiri, Cambodia

The Mondulkiri Project has started a new elephant sanctuary where there are six elephants who walk freely around the forest eating lots of bamboo, playing in the mud and swimming in the river.  There is no elephant riding by customers or staff.  

In the future we hope to start a natural breeding program to help with the long term survival of elephants in Cambodia.  The elephants are very well cared for as they are part of the vision for a better life for all of the communities.  Our elephant sanctuary is a place where elephants get to live long and happy lives.

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Ethical Practices

  • About 2,500 feet (800 meters) above sea level so the temperatures are a lot cooler than the rest of Cambodia and the air is fresher.

Tree Lodge Rd, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia
Tel: +855977234177

open web page icon www.mondulkiriproject.org

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3. Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

The Kulen Elephant Forest sanctuary provides for the care and well-being of retired elephants from the tourist trade at Angkor, usually giving rides.

Our mission is to provide the elephants with a happy and comfortable retirement but also to offer a fun, educational approach to elephant conservation and contribute as much as possible to preserving the remaining elephants of Cambodia.

Visitors will get a chance to learn the very real implications of elephant conservation in Cambodia. We offer an ethical, pragmatic and scientific rationale to the conservation debate, a message that we hope our visitors will understand and spread.

Key Information

  • 8 elephants
  • Founded in 2011

Experiences Available

  • Participating in daily care for elephants
  • Bathing elephants
  • Hiking with animals
  • Lunch served

Savath, elephant at the Kulen Elephant Forest in Cambodia

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4. Kulen Elephant Forest (Siem Reap)

Overview

The Kulen Elephant Forest sanctuary provides for the care and well-being of retired elephants from the tourist trade at Angkor, usually giving rides.

Our mission is to provide the elephants with a happy and comfortable retirement but also to offer a fun, educational approach to elephant conservation and contribute as much as possible to preserving the remaining elephants of Cambodia.

Visitors will get a chance to learn the very real implications of elephant conservation in Cambodia. We offer an ethical, pragmatic and scientific rationale to the conservation debate, a message that we hope our visitors will understand and spread.

Key Information

  • 8 elephants

  • Founded in 2011

Experiences Available

  • Participating in daily care for elephants
  • Lush, jungle location
  • Small number of visitors
  • Reforestation projects
  • Bathing elephants
  • Hiking with animals
  • Lunch served

Savath, elephant at the Kulen Elephant Forest in Cambodia

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MYANMAR ELEPHANT CAMPS

1. Green Hill Valley (Myanmar)

Overview

Green Hill Valley sanctuary provides for the care and well-being of retired work elephants, some who are many decades old such as Shwe Moe May, who is 63 years of age. Founded in 2011 by a family with a history of working with elephants in the Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE). The focus is primarily on providing care for elephants that are no longer fit to work. The family realized that Myanmar elephants working in timber camps were in precarious situation as logging slows down due to a variety of factors. Another reason for starting the GHV camp was the desire to educate and share information with both local residents and foreign visitors. In 2012, the family managed to hire several disabled elephants from the MTE and a five-year-old male was added in July 2012. Thanks to the income provided by visitors, elephants at GHV can enjoy their full retirement and receive the veterinary care they require.

Key Information

  • 8 elephants

  • Founded in 2011

Experiences Available

  • Participating in daily care for elephants

  • Bath elephants
  • Hiking with animals

Elephant in river at Green Hills Elephant Camp, Kalaw, Myanmar

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Ethical Practices

  • Lush, jungle location
  • Small number of visitors
  • Reforestation projects

Magway village, Kalaw, Southern Shan State, Myanmar
Tel: +9512316492

https://ghvelephant.com/

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Further reading on Asian Elephant Camps & Sanctuaries

What does "ethical" Elephant Camp Really Mean? By Chai Lai Orchid, Chiang Mai

Elephant Care Manual for Mahouts and Camp Managers by Preecha Phuangkum, Richard C. Lair, and Taweepoke Angkawanith

Covid19: A year without tourism: crisis for Thailand’s captive elephants National Geographic

By Patrick Morris, Indochina Travel

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