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Best places to see Elephants in Thailand

We’re not only referring to the lovely people that call Thailand home when we say it’s home to some gorgeous citizens. The “Land of Smiles” is also known as the “Land of Spectacular Wildlife,” owing to its lush rainforests, tropical beaches, and lovely flora.

According to legend, seeing an Asian Elephant in Thailand will guarantee you good luck. On the other hand, these legends have failed to stop hunting wild elephants or exploiting elephants for profit.

The practice of logging was banned in the 1980s. However, most captive elephants were sold to the tourism industry, resulting in a more than 75% decline. Today, far less than 2,000 elephants live in their natural environments.

Currently, Thailand has no legislation that forbids the mistreatment or exploitation of elephants for tourism purposes.

However, the elephants rehabilitated in these ethical sanctuaries are helping to heal other elephants who have been abused, and you may do the same thing.

Check out these six best places and destinations to see elephant in Thailand!


1. The Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

Homepage of The Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
Homepage of The Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

Even though the Thai term “Chang” actually translates to “elephant,” Chiang Mai is recognized as one of Thailand’s finest locations to see elephants. Because of its track record for honesty and long-term viability, locals trust Elephant Nature Park.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:75
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/P9sBQgWWevi71cPu5
Homepage:https://www.elephantnaturepark.org
Quick facts about The Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

In addition to the 75 free-roaming elephants (including rescued elephants) who call the reserve home. Each elephant has a heartbreaking rescue story to share. It also appreciates elephant tourism.

In most situations, the elephants were spared from tourism-related abuses such as habitat loss or harsh training camps.

The sanctuary has cared for dogs, cats, and other small creatures. It was formed in 1995 by naturalist Sangduen “Lek” Chailert. However, mainly it has worked on elephant conversation.

This park is located on the outskirts of the deep jungle in the northern capital. It is a magical haven for these formerly abused animals owing to the forgiving climate and lush surroundings.

Moreover, it is affiliated with one of the best Asian elephant hospitals. It’s also a great way for volunteers to help with elephant care, meal preparation, cleaning, and so on for a day or overnight.

Location:

Video

“PLAYING WITH ELEPHANTS” by TheLifeOfJord on YouTube.

2. Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, Maechaem

Homepage of Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary, Maechaem
Homepage of Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, Maechaem

BEES, founded by Burm and his English wife Emily, has worked to educate elephant owners in Thailand about the significance of animal welfare in the tourism sector. Since its inception, BEES has been known for putting elephants first.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:3
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/KKC31FqaCHGYHDQE7
Homepage:https://bees-elesanctuary.org
Quick facts about Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, Maechaem

BEES, an elephant refuge, care for old, wounded, and retired elephants subjected to years of logging, trekking tourism, and maltreatment.

The deep green valley and rolling hills two hours south of Chiang Mai are the ideal setting for these kind beings to live out their final years in peace. It’s no surprise that BEES holds the best track record and highest rating in our guide with five stars.

BEES has a more passive volunteer program, with responsibilities limited to animal maintenance, such as feeding them in the middle of the day and cleaning their living spaces.

Furthermore, there is a cat café on-site, and the cats there need to have cared for. Through BEES, volunteers may get involved in community conservation efforts like tree planting and repair. It is completely integrated into the local community.

Location:

Video

“Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary” by Amanda Messier on YouTube.

3. Elephant Haven (The Sai Yok Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi)

Homepage of Elephant Haven (The Sai Yok Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi)
Homepage of Elephant Haven (The Sai Yok Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi)

The Sai Yok Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is an interesting elephant project. Because of the sanctuary’s dramatic change in objective, its name was changed due to the move.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:Unknown
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/VSxk6kjg6GHrH8tX6
Homepage:https://elephantpark.com
Quick facts about Elephant Haven (The Sai Yok Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi)

Elephant Haven was formerly a tourist attraction that chained elephants and kept them in chains and has since been transformed into a sanctuary for free-roaming elephants.

In keeping with the Elephant NaturePark’s pioneering efforts in Chiang Mai, Elephant Haven is one of a few elephant experiences that are being modernized. It has a great history and tracks records regarding the number of rescued animals, including injured elephants.

Visitors were prohibited from riding elephants on their backs at the old camp. Instead, they were advised to go for a stroll with the elephants and make/feed the elephants fresh fruit and millet balls to consume as they moved through the forest.

Location:

Video

“Elephant Haven Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi” by ThePedroinoz on YouTube.

4. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Homepage of Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Homepage of Samui Elephant Sanctuary

The Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the first haven on the island for elephants that have been mistreated and worked to death.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:13
Location:https://g.page/SamuiElephantSanctuary
Homepage:https://www.samuielephantsanctuary.org
Quick facts about Samui Elephant Sanctuary

In their mud pit and custom pool on the 10 acres of forest area where they live happily with 13 other elephants, guests are welcome to feed the elephants, stroll with them, and even play games with them.

Lek Chailert and Save, The Elephants, as well as volunteers, have helped open a second facility for this ethical elephant sanctuary to expand its conservation efforts around the island.

Outsiders may sponsor an elephant, get information on the elephant’s retirement, and give to their animal’s upkeep at both sanctuaries.

Location:

Video

“The ELEPHANT SANCTUARY in Koh Samui” by Laisy Travels on YouTube.

5. Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital

Homepage of Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (FAE)
Homepage of Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (FAE)

The Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, or FAE, was established in the early 1990s to provide better medical care for elephants in Asia.

With a mission to end the suffering of elephants, FAE has three primary objectives: rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:Unknown
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/bf2DujZDgYQqR9mP6
Homepage:https://www.friendsoftheasianelephant.org
Quick facts about Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (FAE)

FAE is best known for their success in rescuing and rehabilitating elephants so that they may be returned to the wild.

The hospital is located in Lampang, Thailand, where it provides medical care for sick and injured elephants from all over Asia.

In addition to their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, FAE also works to educate the public about elephant welfare and the importance of conserving these majestic creatures.

Location:

Video

“Friends of the Asian Elephants Hospital” by All Thailand Experience on YouTube.

6. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary

Homepage of Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary
Homepage of Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary

Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a haven for injured, abandoned, and abused elephants in Thailand.

Named after its founder, BLES was created to provide a safe environment for elephants to heal and live out their days in peace.

Quick facts:

Number of Elephants:9
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/FP1Gns54ou3NjapAA
Homepage:https://www.blesele.org
Quick facts about Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary

BLES is located on 10 acres of land in the beautiful province of Sukhothai. The sanctuary is home to 9 elephants, all of whom have been rescued from abusive situations.

In addition to providing a safe haven for elephants, BLES also works to educate the public about elephant welfare and the importance of conserving these majestic creatures.

Location:

Video

“Spent a week in a Thailand jungle with Elephants at Boon Lott!” by Adam Tomczyk on YouTube.

Final Thoughts

Elephants are one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions, and there are many places where you can see them. 

We’ve listed six sanctuaries that we recommend. Based on our experience, each sanctuary has unique benefits, so it’s important to research before deciding which is right for you. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Best Places to see Elephants in Thailand

Can You See Elephants In The Wild In Thailand?

Yes, it is possible to see elephants in the wild in Thailand. However, it is important to remember that these animals are wild and should be treated cautiously and respectfully. We recommend hiring a local guide if you plan on venturing into the forest in search of elephants.

Where Is The Best Place To See Elephants In The Wild In Thailand?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as elephants can be found all over Thailand. However, we recommend contacting a local tour company or guide to increase your chances of seeing elephants in the wild.

How Much Does It Cost To Play Elephants In Thailand?

Prices will vary depending on the specific activity and location. However, we recommend budgeting at least $50 per person if you plan on interacting with elephants.

Can We Do Elephant Riding In Thailand?

Yes, you can ride elephants in Thailand. Elephant rides can be found in places like the Phuket elephant sanctuary or in Samui.

By Ethan Smith

Ethan aka "The Elephant Man" is a huge fan of elephants. He lives in the US with his wife and three kids. Together they travel to Africa every year to go on safari and see the big 5.

Ethan worked many years covering the news about the endangered animal species of Africa and is even mentioned in the now world renowned documentary "Planet Earth".

Ethan is passionate about conservation and loves educating others about these amazing animals.

2 replies on “Best places to see Elephants in Thailand”

Hello Dennisgop,

(Dësen Text ass iwwersat)

Merci fir d’Erreechung. Leider si mir keng Reesbüro, mir liwweren einfach all Informatioun déi Dir braucht fir Elefanten ze besichen, an dësem Fall an Thailand.

Vill Gléck fir Är Rees ze reservéieren, et wäert sécherlech onvergiesslech sinn! Loosst eis wëssen wéi et geet oder wann Dir weider Hëllef braucht.

John

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