Seeing elephants in Thailand: 5 responsible refuges and sanctuaries

Visiting Thailand and meeting elephants is a goal shared by many travelers. Faced with this desire, numerous excursions offer elephant rides. While this may seem appealing, this tourist attraction often hides animal mistreatment. However, there are many more responsible alternatives for observing these majestic creatures. This includes sanctuaries and refuges! Discover a list of organizations where you can see elephants ethically...

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

It is undoubtedly the most well-known elephant sanctuary in Thailand. It's partly thanks to the sanctuary's founder, Lek Chailert, that there has been a shift in the attitudes of mahouts (trainers) and an increase in dedicated refuges. Thanks to her efforts, the center now houses around 75 elephants, previously exploited by the tourist and logging industries, which you can observe and interact with for a day or more. Not to mention the numerous dogs, cats, buffaloes, and other rescued animals that also await your attention... More information is at elephantnaturepark.org.

Elephant Haven Thailand in Kanchanaburi

Lek Chailert's work has greatly influenced the perception of mahouts towards their elephants, and this sanctuary is proof of that! While elephant rides were once offered here, Elephant Haven Thailand is now a refuge where elephants no longer work! Instead, the former trainers proudly collaborate to provide a much more peaceful life for their seven elephants while also educating the public. Activities include food preparation and feeding, walking alongside the elephants, mud baths, and cleaning for one or two days (or more)! More information is at elephantnaturepark.org.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Phetchaburi

This association primarily rescues wild animals exploited for profit (shows, begging, photography, etc.) and has saved over 5000 animals (bears, tigers, monkeys, birds, etc.) since its inception. Some have been successfully rehabilitated, while others find refuge within the foundation. Around twenty elephants live in the sanctuary. By visiting for a day, you can share the daily routine of volunteers and caregivers while providing financial support. And if you wish to be even more helpful, they gladly welcome volunteers for several days or weeks! More information at wfft.org

Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket

Similar to the refuges mentioned above, Elephant Sanctuary Phuket allows previously exploited elephants to regain a semblance of freedom! The sanctuary is deeply committed to education and offers themed visits with demonstrations and live elephant observations. For example, you can choose the "From Land to Water" program, which teaches about the crucial role of water in treating sick elephants. The "In the Footsteps of the Giant" program allows you to understand the lives of elephants in their natural habitat. For a more intimate experience, you can even book a private guide! More information at phuketelephantsanctuary.org

Bees Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

Once again, this sanctuary is free from elephant exploitation and abuse. However, it goes even further than the previous ones by refusing direct contact with the elephants. As these animals should not become accustomed to human contact, center staff let them behave as naturally as possible. Beyond animal welfare, Bees Elephant Sanctuary supports local businesses through various missions detailed on their website. You can visit for a short duration or participate in their actions by becoming a volunteer. Meeting elephants without causing harm and supporting the local community... All the elements are in place for you to travel sustainably and responsibly! More information at bees-elesanctuary.org

Florine Dergelet