The opportunity to meet with highly endangered Asian elephants has attracted visitors from all over the world to Thailand. Elephants are very intelligent creatures-they have the largest brain among terrestrial mammals. Sadly, the captive elephants have endured terrible ill-treatment in order to amuse humans in traditional elephant tourism. Now, you have a totally ethical way to see them! You can consider volunteering in one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand! Here is our ultimate guide to the elephant sanctuary near Bangkok.
Table of Contents
1. 10 Best Elephant Sanctuaries Near Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
3. Samui Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
4. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
5. Hand-Picked Elephant Sanctuary Tours
-Best Thailand Elephant Tour Packages
-Bangkok Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip
1. 10 Best Elephant Sanctuaries Close to Bangkok
Taking care of an elephant is one of the most popular volunteer activities in Thailand. Keep reading, and understanding the ethical elephant sanctuaries, and where you can volunteer near Bangkok. All the following sanctuaries offer NO RIDING elephant volunteer activities. You can attend one of their day tours and return to Bangkok the same day.
#1: Elephant World Sanctuary
-Distance: 2h15min from Bangkok
-Location: Kanchanaburi
-Address: 90/9 Moo 4, Baan Nong Hoi, Amphoe Mueang, Tambon Wang Dong, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
Situated just outside the downtown of Kanchanaburi, Elephants World takes care of the daily needs of over 30 elephants and it is the closest elephant sanctuary to Bangkok. Those elephants' age range from 8 to 90 years old. Their eye, back, scars, and generations, all show the mark of history and elephant culture in Thailand.
By offering up-close and personal encounters with these wonderful creatures to eco-volunteers, the sanctuary aims to provide a real shelter and raise people's awareness of elephant's welfare.
The programs range from a single-day visit or overnight visit to the ethical mahout experience of a week or more. In every moment in the sanctuary, the staff strives to make the experience more educational, enjoyable, and rewarding in meaningful ways. We wish to gather our visitors who love elephants and wish to play a part, as we do, in their conservation for future generations.
If you want to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary near Bangkok, it's probably one of the best options. It might be very easy to connect your Bangkok tour. Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Bangkok, these three cities form a golden tourist triangle in central Thailand. Normally, you can visit there after or before Ayutthaya. Then you can turn back to Bangkok and head to your next destination.
Elephant Sanctuary Bangkok Photos:
Elephant Sanctuary Bangkok Price:
Activities: Gathering/planting food for the elephants, cleaning fruit/vegetables, preparing and cooking
sticky rice, meeting and feeding the elephants. Take the elephants to the river for a
bath / scrub them clean.
Programs available: One-day, overnight, one-week
You can book this day tour here: Full Day Kanchanaburi Elephant World Volunteer Tour from Bangkok
Note: Booking is required 48 hours in advance
Tour Packages:
Heart of Thailand Tour: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya
Includes: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and River Kwai of Kanchanaburi, volunteer and have close contact with Thai Elephants, Ayutthaya Historical Park, and Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace.
●Take a scenic train ride on the Thai-Burma Death Railway
●Bath and feed elephant in Elephants world
●Trace back from Bangkok to the Ayutthaya dynasty - unmissable Thai history
If you would like to create an all-inclusive Thailand tour package for your group, we can do that as well. We can customize the tour just for your group on your desired date and your group members will be the only ones with the exclusive guides and private transfer. Whether it's just a single-day tour or a multi-day tour, we can create it for you at a great price throughout the whole of Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, etc.
#2: Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
-Distance: 2 hours from Bangkok
-Location: Pattaya
-Address: Office 3, 347 Pattaya 3rd Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
When it comes to Bangkok to Pattaya elephant sanctuary, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary must be reviewed, which is an ethical and sustainable ecotourism project around Thailand. Initially, this was a joint operation between the Chiang Mai and members of the Karen Hill Tribe who were concerned about the welfare of Thai elephants. There's no elephant riding, no hooking, no circus tricks. Elephants are retired from traditional elephant performances or rescued from cruel owners.
For most travelers to Thailand, no matter which city you stay, there will always be a good choice near you. It's new and growing. Now, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary has four locations in Thailand – Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Samui.
Each site allows visitors to learn about the elephants through incredible experiences, such as trekking with them in the jungle, feeding them by hand, bathing with them in the river and even learning to make paper from elephant poop fiber! This sanctuary features the colorful Karen costume which you will wear in the sanctuary and keep it a meaningful souvenir!
For volunteers who start from Bangkok, the best choice is a half-day visit program. There are two options: start from 7:30 for a morning visit or 12:30 for an afternoon visit. The visit lasts for 5 hours. If you will stay in Pattaya for one night, you can join in a one-day visit. Then, you can have more time with those lovely creatures.
Price:
Activities: Interact with members of the Karen tribe and change to Karen costumes. Meet the elephants and feed them. You can touch, feed, take photos, and interact with them in your spare time while you understand the natural life and behavior of the elephant. After, you can take a mud spa with the elephants and bathe them. You can even learn how to make paper products from elephant poop fibers.
Programs available: Half-day, one-day
You can book this day tour here: Half Day Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary from Bangkok
Note: Booking is required 48 hours in advance
Tour Packages:
We also provide elephant and other Thailand tour packages, offering private guides and sightseeing across Thailand. Click to customize an elephant lover's Thailand tour.
#3: Hutsadin Elephant Foundation
-Distance: 3 hours from Bangkok
-Location: Hua Hin
-Address: หมู่บ้านพลัมมีเรียหัวหิน 176 ซอย Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
The Hutsadin Elephant Foundation was set up by three local businessmen. They rescued working elephants abandoned by previous owners due to ill health, old age, or simply because they were unable to earn more money. They take care of them and give them a better life in older age. The foundation is a non-profit organization and any funds received directly benefit the elephants.
It's located in the forest just outside Hua Hin city, which provides the closest beach to Bangkok as well as a perfect habitat for the elephants.
In the sanctuary, you are allowed to either walk with the elephants or bare-back riding. No wooden chair which means no hurting the elephant's back. You will get the chance to get up close and personal with adult elephants, walking alongside them in open fields and then giving them a well-deserved shower.
Note: The volunteer program only accepts visitors over 18 years old. Walking with elephants is available for all ages.
Activities & programs available: Education and Walking Alongside the Elephant, Bare Back Riding (Only One Person), Elephant Wash and Photo (Weather Permitting), Mahout Experience (Adults Only).
Thailand tour packages: All-inclusive, exotic, experienced, and professional private tour packages available, from a single day up to 15 days.
>>>Click to book.
#4: Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)
-Distance: 2 hours 15 min from Bangkok
-Location: Kaeng Krachan
-Address: 108, Tha Mai Ruak, Phetchaburi, 76130, Thailand
If you are in Bangkok for a little longer, then this is an absolute must!! No elephant riding or elephant drawing shows. Learn a lot about the individual stories of elephants and their history of mistreatment. After that, you will get to wash the elephants, feed them a little bit, and see a lot of the other animals if you come for a whole day.
You'll see some of the 600+ rescued animals at the Wildlife Rescue Centre, hear their stories, and learn why they are living at the center. Watching the animals and getting to see the bears and monkeys enjoy their meals.
Activities & programs available: Full-day and half-day. Round transfers can be arranged from Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Cha-Am.
>>>Click to consult Thailand elephant tour packages.
#5: Elephant Haven
-Location: Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi
-Distance: 2h45min from Bangkok
-Address: ทางหลวงชนบท กาญจนบุรี 4032 Lum Sum, Sai Yok District, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
This sanctuary is trying to change the culture in Thailand about not using elephants for riding and entertainment. There were no chains, no bull hooks, no anything unnatural activities, and nothing else restricting their movements, but you do follow them on their daily schedule of walking to the mud hole and river.
Great experience to see elephants happy and roaming free. There were 7 female elephants now in the sanctuary to feed, walk with and swim with.
Activities & programs available: Full-day; overnight program(2 days 1 night).
Note: These trips start at 08:00 am from Kanchanaburi, so you are recommended to stay in Kanchanaburi the night before your visit. Otherwise, you have to start early from Bangkok. It will take 3 hours from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
#6: ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
-Location: Chiang Rai
-Distance: About 3.5 hours northeast of Bangkok
-Address: 45/2 หมู่ 19 บ้านประตูเมือง Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
Formerly known as Happy Elephant Valley, ChangChill is about a half-day's journey from Bangkok. ChangChill offers visitors an ethical alternative to traditional elephant tourism. The sanctuary is dedicated to providing a stress-free environment for elephants that were once used in the tourist trade and it adheres to a "No Touch" policy, letting elephants roam freely while guests observe from a respectful distance. During your visit, you'll be able to walk with the elephants, observe their natural behaviors, and learn about their rehabilitation process. ChangChill focuses on sustainable and ethical tourism, providing an authentic experience that prioritizes the elephants' well-being.
#7: Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES)
-Location: Sukhothai
-Distance: About 500 km from Bangkok
-Address: JRXC+4J5, Ban Tuek, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai 64130, Thailand
Though a longer journey from Bangkok (about a half-day trip), BLES in Sukhothai province is renowned for its ethical approach. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat for elephants who have been rescued from difficult situations. This sanctuary emphasizes rehabilitation and provides a safe and natural home for elephants to live out their days in peace. The sanctuary focuses on creating a safe environment where the elephants can freely roam and socialize. Visitors to the sanctuary can learn about the history of each elephant and enjoy an intimate, personal experience as they interact with these incredible creatures in a non-exploitative setting.
#8: Surin Project
-Location: Surin
-Distance: Approximately 5 hours from Bangkok
-Address: Ban taklang Moo 13 Krapo Tha Tum District, Surin 32120, Thailand
If you're looking to experience elephants in their natural environment, the Surin Project in Surin Province (about 400 km from Bangkok) offers a fantastic opportunity. The project supports local communities and their elephants by providing ethical and sustainable tourism experiences. You'll help care for the elephants and gain insight into the culture of the region while enjoying a responsible interaction with the elephants. The Surin Project is a volunteer-based initiative. Participants stay longer to contribute directly to elephant care, though shorter visits can still offer meaningful experiences.
#9: Phang Nga Elephant Park
-Location: Phang Nga
-Distance: Around 780 km from Bangkok
-Address: Address: 49 1, Thung Kha Ngok, Mueang Phang-nga District, Phang Nga 82000, Thailand
While not immediately near Bangkok, Phang Nga's ethical approaches make it a worthwhile consideration for those willing to travel further. Many Bangkok tour operators offer extended trips to these sanctuaries. Phang Nga Elephant Park offers a sanctuary for rescued elephants, allowing you to interact with them in a natural, cruelty-free environment. You'll have the chance to bathe and feed the elephants while learning about their history and the park's conservation efforts. While not immediately near Bangkok, Phang Nga's ethical approaches make it a worthwhile consideration for those willing to travel further. Many Bangkok tour operators offer extended trips to these sanctuaries. It's a great choice if you're traveling further south.
#10: Safari World – Elephant Show
-Location: Bangkok
-Distance: About 25 km outside Bangkok
-Address: 18 ม.8 Liap Khlong Song Rd, Bang Chan, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510, Thailand
Is there an elephant sanctuary in Bangkok? This is always a frequently asked question from our readers. It seems that there is no elephant sanctuary in Bangkok Thailand, but there are a few places where you can still see elephants and learn about their conservation. Safari World, located just 25 km outside the city, is a fun and family-friendly option. While this is more of a theme park experience, it includes an elephant show where you can see elephants perform tricks and interact with their trainers. It's not as intimate as the other sanctuaries, but it's a great option for those short on time or seeking a quick and easy way to enjoy elephant interactions. Safari World is a large complex that also features other animal shows, making it an ideal stop for families looking to combine entertainment with a brief introduction to elephants.
Each of these sanctuaries provides a unique experience and supports ethical elephant tourism. Whether you're looking for a day trip near Bangkok or an immersive, hands-on experience, there's something for every elephant lover! Hope you won't hesitate where to see elephants in Bangkok anymore.
>>>Click to consult and customize your private elephant sanctuary tour from Bangkok.
2. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
Are there some more places to encounter elephants near me? Of course, the best place to see elephants in Thailand is Chiang Mai, but you have better take a flight first to Chiang Mai city the night before the visit. There are dozens of ethical elephant sanctuaries, all located in dense jungles!
Elephant Nature Park
-Location: Chiang Mai
-Distance: 1 hour 15 min from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by flight, another 1 hour 15 min to the sanctuary.
If you decide to fly to Chiang Mai, don't miss Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary is an outstanding program in Thailand elephant sanctuaries. Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand where you can volunteer and visit to help.
Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, a Thai woman, is its founder. Lek began to help elephants at the beginning with their hard-earned wages. Until 2003, she was invested by a good man in America, who offered her 6 million – baht, and then Lek bought land which is more than 200 acres.
The park provides a natural environment for not only elephants but also a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, buffaloes, and many other animals under the care. There are about 70 elephants currently living in the park. Your visit begins with a picturesque drive from the downtown to Elephant Nature Park.
You will hear the personal story behind those rescued elephants. See how big their life is changed from misery and abuse. You will then enjoy a close forest walk with elephants, making food and feeding them by hand. Walking them into the river and observing their bathing while you stay dry on the river bank.
They also accept donations or sponsorships for animals in the park. You can also order something from their online shop, including elephant-designed mini wallets, elephant mugs, elephant coffee, water bottles, and photographs. No ivory or skin products. You can buy these in their online shop or in the sanctuary. All profits will be donated to Elephant Saving.
Note: Please kindly note that the elephants will bathe themselves with no visitor interaction from 16 April 2018. You can watch the elephants bathe and play, while you stay dry on the appointed platform and see them from afar.
The elephants love to swim and splash water on each other while only to do so alone or with their favoured elephant groups. Visitors are available to observe the elephants behaving naturally.
Activities & programs available: Single Day, 2 Days 1 Night, One Full Week Volunteer Program.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
-Location: Chiang Mai
-Distance: 1 hour 15 min from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by flight, another 1 hour 10 min to the sanctuary.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a project that has set up ethical sanctuaries in Thailand. The sanctuary has three locations in Thailand, they are near Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui. All this, needless to say, the nearest sanctuary to Bangkok is Pattaya. While if you have time, it's also highly recommended to take part in a Chiang Mai visit.
The first park was founded in July 2014 near Chiang Mai. It is a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill tribes and Chiang Mai locals who were concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand. Ecotourism is beneficial to local tribes and elephants. Compared with other places, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai offers more visit programs. Overnight is available.
Activities & programs available: Half day, full day, exclusive one-day walks with the animals, overnight stay options, one full week visit(dormitory), maximum 2-week elephant care programs(runs every week, dormitory).
Elephant Rescue Park
-Location: Chiang Mai
-Distance: 1 hour 15 min from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by flight, another 1 hour 10 min to the sanctuary.
All our elephants live with us here at Elephant Rescue Park permanently, we have purchased and rescued them from places like circuses, the logging industry, mistreatment camps, hard-working sites, and unfortunate accidents.
Elephant Rescue Park has put together five special elephant tours for you to choose from, these unique and well-organized program tours are purely designed to help fund our park and provide more elephant rescues, food, and veterinary care.
>>>Click to consult Chiang Mai elephant tour packages.
3. Samui Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
If you fly to Koh Samui, there will be some more Thailand elephant sanctuary options waiting for you to take a visit.
Elephant Sanctuary Samui
-Location: Koh Samui
Normally, elephant sanctuaries are almost impossible to take part in when you mainly stay on southern beaches and islands. It's available now in Samui Elephant Sanctuary!
The sanctuary currently has 6 elephants, born between 1958 to 1973. Most of them were born in northern Thailand and initially worked in the logging industry until this was finally banned by the Government in 1989. Then, they were forced to provide riding every day for about 30 years in Pattaya, where has a high tourist demand to ride an elephant and watch them perform.
Despite all the adversity they have faced in their life before coming to the sanctuary, they are very friendly towards people. They can now relax in their new home and finally enjoy their time as real elephants again.
The sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to feed elephants, walk with them, and observe them as they forage, socialize, and play in their fabulous purpose-built pool. While this sanctuary now isn't available to bathe elephants. Elephants are highly empathetic animals and feel stress being surrounded by people. However, this sanctuary does offer an excellent feeding program. How incredible it is to be up close to an elephant!
Samui Elephant Haven
-Location: Koh Samui
-Distance: 1 hour 45 min from Bangkok to Koh Samui by flight and another 30 min
The sanctuary currently has 7 elephants, including a mother and son. The oldest one is 52 years old. The youngest one is a 1 ½-year-old male.
In this sanctuary, you will feed, observe, and interact with elephants. Walk with the elephants to a beautiful viewpoint, and wonderful photographic opportunities in the jungle. Enjoy splashing, bathing, and brushing the elephants in their very own swimming pool.
You will also have the opportunity to visit a special Elephant Poo Poo paper factory and learn how the local Thais recycle from useless things. Try it yourself and buy some souvenirs if you need them.
Activities & programs available:
Half Day Private Tour (Morning: 06:30 am - 12:30 am and Afternoon: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Half-Day Group Tour: 08:30 am – 2:00 pm
Full-Day Group Tour: 08:30 am – 5:30 pm
Overnight Elephant Care: 2 Days, 1 Night starts from 08:30 am
Samui Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
-Location: Koh Samui
-Distance: 1 hour 45 min from Bangkok to Koh Samui by flight and another 30 min
Samui Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is also a lodge of Elephant Sanctuary Jungle Chiang Mai. The sanctuary is just 20 min from Samui International Airport. The sanctuary currently has 2 elephants.
Activities & programs available: Half-day visit (starts from morning and afternoon).
>>>Click to consult Koh Samui elephant tour packages.
4. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
If you are interested in the elephant sanctuary Thailand Phuket, we have also reviewed some for you to enjoy your day trip to elephant sanctuary from Bangkok:
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
-Location: Northern Phuket
-Distance: 1 hour 10 min from Bangkok to Phuket by flight. Taking another 45 min from Phuket town or Patong Beach
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket offers a unique, ethical experience to get up close with elephants in a natural, safe, and compassionate environment. Located in the lush hills of Phuket, this sanctuary provides a home to elephants rescued from harsh conditions, where they can roam freely and receive the care they deserve. You can learn about the elephants' individual stories, feed them, bathe them, and even walk with them through the jungle. The sanctuary's mission is to promote responsible tourism and animal welfare, ensuring that these majestic creatures are treated with love and respect. It's a heartwarming and educational experience for anyone looking to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation efforts.
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
-Location: Northern Phuket
-Distance: 1 hour 10 min from Bangkok to Phuket by flight. Taking another 30 min from Phuket town or Patong Beach
The Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket is a renowned ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants from abusive or exploitative environments. At the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket, you'll experience a heartwarming connection with rescued elephants in a safe and ethical environment. This sanctuary is all about giving these gentle giants a peaceful life, free from exploitation. You can feed them, join them in a fun mud bath, and watch them roam freely in their natural surroundings. It's not just a visit; it's a chance for you to learn about ethical elephant tourism and make a difference. If you're an animal lover or an eco-conscious traveler, this is a place you'll never forget!
>>>Click to consult Phuket elephant tour packages.
5. Take an Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Us!
After reading our elephant sanctuary Bangkok reviews above, if you want to have closer contact with elephants in Thailand, such as joining an elephant volunteer program to take care of them, you need to travel to the northwest of Bangkok. The jungle and climate here provide natural protection for those cute creatures.
Best Thailand Elephant Tour Packages
We have specially designed elephant sanctuary tour packages, offering you a chance to get close to Thai elephants in their natural habitat. These can also be tailored to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Our travel advisors can also help you tailor-make a tour according to your requirements! See these popular Thailand Elephant tours first and feel free to inquire us now!
10 days Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
10 days | From $ 2199
9 days Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai - Phuket
9 days | From $ 1959
6 days Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya
6 days | From $ 1699
8 days Bangkok - Phuket
8 days | From $ 2055
Bangkok Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip
Here are also some options on your day trip to elephant sanctuary from Bangkok and elephant sanctuary day trips in other cities of Thailand, just take a look at them in the following:
>>>Half-Day Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary from Bangkok (From US $169 Per Person)
>>>Full-Day Kanchanaburi Elephant World Volunteer Tour from Bangkok (From US $174 Per Person)
>>>Half-Day Phuket Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Tour (From US $125 Per Person)
>>>Full-Day Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary & Doi Suthep Tour (From US $179 Per Person)
What We'd Like to Say
Volunteering with elephants is often a very rewarding experience. Retired working elephants are no longer able to re-enter the field and rely on human support for daily care. The best sanctuaries are those with large plots of land that allow gentle giants to roam freely in semi-wild environments. For an authentic elephant experience, you won't go wrong with the ones I have reviewed in the article. Contact us to book your elephant sanctuary tour Thailand now.