Thailand · ELEPHANT SANCTUARY VISITS

The 15 Best Elephant Sanctuary Visits in Thailand

52 tours  ·  from $22 a head

No riding, no shows, no chains. The 15 below are the feeding, mud and river days around Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khao Lak, compared on group size, how much contact there really is and how early the good slots go.

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting - Leaving Chiang Mai for Mae Wang
Bamboo Rafting & White Water, Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Rafting Trips in Chiang Mai, Tour Reviews, Tours in Chiang Mai, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Trips in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

1.Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9,160 reviews · 9 hours · from $60Our pick

Travel from Chiang Mai to Pon Elephant Thailand for a guided day with rescued elephants. Feed bananas, walk through the forest, bathe with them, swim at Mae Wang Waterfalls, eat a Thai lunch, and float down the Mae Wang River on a bamboo raft. Guides such as Nop, Paul, Yaya, and Sunny add local insight and help with photos.

“Other than my wedding this was one of the best days of my life! Got to cuddle my favourite animal. The sanctuary was so well run. They really care for them and I learnt so many things I didn’t know. Can’t recommend this tour enough ❤️”

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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour - Meeting the rescued elephants at Pon Elephant Thailand
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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour

2.Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary & Waterfall Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5,780 reviews · 7 hours · from $50

Travel about 80 minutes from Chiang Mai to Pon Elephant Thailand in Mae Wang. Feed, touch, and walk beside rescued elephants, learn their stories from an English-speaking guide such as Beer, Yaya, or Nop, and help cool them in the river. After lunch, hike to Mae Wang Waterfall for a swim or a cool break.

“Beer was such a great tour guide & very patient! Knowledgeable & welcoming. Our group had such a great time, awesome experience!!! WooHoo shout out to Beer!!! Until next time :)”

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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour - The drive south from Chiang Mai
Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour

3.Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,527 reviews · 5 hours - 330 minutes · from $27

Spend five hours south of Chiang Mai at Pon Elephant Thailand, where guides such as Pat, Toto, Jackie, and Pan explain elephant care before you prepare herbal treats, feed the animals, walk through the forest, and visit the river. Bathing is never forced, and pickup is optional.

“Sooo amazing! Got to see loads of elephants, get up close with them and bath them in the river! What an amazing experience. The half day was more than enough in my opinion.”

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Phuket: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Ethical Feeding Experience - The welfare talk before the feeding
Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket, Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Phuket

Phuket: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Ethical Feeding Experience

4.Phuket: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Ethical Feeding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,359 reviews · 1 day · from $28

Meet at Elephant Jungle Cafe for a one-hour feeding session with rescued elephants. Your English or Thai-speaking guide explains their care, behavior, and boundaries before you offer fruit or grass. Guides such as Hannah, Michael, and Eddie are praised for clear explanations. There is no riding, bathing, or elephant show.

“Impressive! Congrats for the huge amount of work put to building the place and saving the domestic elephants! Majestic creatures and emotional moments behind the story of some of them. Must be stated that all sanctuary is non guvernamental and self sustained by the visitors!”

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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Long Neck & Sticky Waterfall - Walking beside elephants and bathing them in the river
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Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Long Neck & Sticky Waterfall

5.Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary, Long Neck & Sticky Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,262 reviews · 9 hours · from $63

Spend nine hours outside Chiang Mai feeding and bathing elephants, visiting a Karen long-neck village, eating a Thai lunch, and climbing Buatong Sticky Waterfall. Guides such as Fluke, Amy, Tiger, and Paul are praised for clear English and careful timing. Expect a busy but varied day, with swimming clothes needed for the river and falls.

“Brilliant Day! our tour guide Fluke was very knowledgeable, entertaining and looked after us very well! it was the highlight of our Thailand trip so far don't hesitate to book!”

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Krabi: Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter - Feeding the elephants and learning their habits
Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Krabi

Krabi: Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter

6.Krabi: Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,021 reviews · 1h 30m · from $48

Meet the elephants at Krabi Elephant Shelter, learn their stories from a Thai or English-speaking guide, then feed and bathe them in a lush setting. The 90-minute visit includes hotel pickup from Ao Nang or Klong Muang, refreshments, showers, accident insurance, and free photos shared afterward. Bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel, and dry clothes.

“Enjoyed feeding elephants and then got to wash them. All at sanctuary were very accommodating and kids 10 and 12 had great time. Loads of photo ops and also the guides email there o n pics for free afterwards. Lovely experience”

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Phuket: Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers - The one-hour program, step by step
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Phuket: Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers

7.Phuket: Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,020 reviews · 1 hour · from $41

Spend one hour at Patong Hill Tribe Elephant Village meeting rescued and retired elephants. Your English-speaking guide, possibly Mayya, Pa, Pule, or Guy, explains each elephant’s story while you prepare food, feed them, walk nearby, and take photos. Choose morning or afternoon, with optional transfers from many Phuket resort areas.

“Our tour was great. Our guide was great and knowledgable and the actual sanctuary was really open and not too commercialised as they didn’t allow you to ride the elephants just feed them and stroke them slightly as you were feeding them.”

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From Chiang Mai: Elephant Care Program and Nursery Tour - Changing clothes and meeting the elephants
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From Chiang Mai: Elephant Care Program and Nursery Tour

8.From Chiang Mai: Elephant Care Program and Nursery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,899 reviews · 5 - 6 hours · from $53

Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Tang for a hands-on elephant care program. You’ll prepare treats, feed rescued elephants, follow them to a mud and sand spa, and help rinse them afterward. Guides such as Francesco, Tin, Disney, and Tim explain elephant behavior, while a vegetarian Thai buffet and hotel transfers keep the half-day outing simple.

“Peaceful and gentle, the elephants were amazing!The genuine care and appreciation for the elephants is evident. The day was fun and informative, the baby was soo cute 😍❤️. Would definitely visit again.”

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A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Arrival at the Tree Top Lounge
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A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

9.A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,693 reviews · from $97Top rated

Spend about three and a half hours at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary watching rescued elephants roam, bathe, and socialize without riding or forced performances. Start with an educational presentation, walk through the 30-acre grounds and canopy walkway, then enjoy a vegetarian Thai buffet. Round-trip hotel transfers are available.

“Truly wonderful experience at an accredited elephant sanctuary. All staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and spoke excellent English. Elephants were clearly well cared for and appeared content. Food was very good and there was a lot of variety. I would go back every day. Transportation to and from the sanctuary to my hotel was easy and comfortable.”

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From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip - Arrival, clothing, lunch, and the first briefing
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From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

10.From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,541 reviews · 3 hours - 450 minutes · from $57

Travel from Bangkok to Chonburi’s Living Green Elephant Sanctuary for a guided, no-riding encounter with rescued elephants. Feed them, walk through forest paths, hear each elephant’s story, and join them in the water if conditions allow. Guides such as Lulu, Mod, and Jamboi keep the day informative and fun. Lunch, clothing, equipment, and optional transfers are included.

“I highly recommend Living Green Elephant — not only because you get incredibly close to these amazing, intelligent, and gentle animals, but also because this center is doing important and meaningful work rescuing elephants. From the moment of booking, everything was perfectly organized. We immediately received detailed information via email and WhatsApp. We ordered a hotel pickup, and the driver arrived exactly on time. The park is about 2 hours outside Bangkok, but the journey is absolutely worth it. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with cold water and a tasty lunch. Our instructor, Lulu, was wonderful — kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. He explained the mission of the c...”

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Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience - Feeding time with watermelon and bananas
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Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience

11.Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,446 reviews · 1 hour · from $28

Spend one hour at Koh Samui’s Elephant Jungle Sanctuary feeding rescued elephants fruit, watching them roam, and taking photos at close range. English and Thai guides explain their care and past lives. The group is limited to 10, with food, a cold drink, and a snack included. Expect some uneven walking despite listed wheelchair access.

“It was lovely to learn about the elephants and where they had been rescued from. our guide was very knowledgeable. so lovely to get up close and have a chance to feed these beautiful creatures.”

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Phuket: Elephant Experience with Lunch or Dinner and Pickup - Feeding food and vitamins to the elephants
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket, Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Phuket

Phuket: Elephant Experience with Lunch or Dinner and Pickup

12.Phuket: Elephant Experience with Lunch or Dinner and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,387 reviews · 4h 30m · from $67

Spend about 2.5 hours at Kerchor Elephant Family Park feeding elephants, walking through the jungle, and helping with a mud spa and bathing session. You will also learn Karen tie-dye methods, sample herbal tea, eat a Thai buffet, and receive digital photos. Guides such as Fluke and Taki are known for keeping the program lively and informative.

“Great activity. Transfer on time. We spent 3 hours with the elephants, feeding, petting, washing them. The guide was really nice. And the meal at the end hit the spot.”

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Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary and Jungle Tour with Lunch - Namuang Waterfall: a short stop with changing conditions
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Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary and Jungle Tour with Lunch

13.Koh Samui: Elephant Sanctuary and Jungle Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,328 reviews · from $57

Spend six to seven hours exploring Koh Samui by 4WD, preparing food for elephants at I Love Elephant Samui, visiting Namuang Waterfall and Secret Buddha Garden, and eating Thai lunch above the island. English-speaking guides such as Emma, Fifa, and Lucy lead the day, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, water, and a cold towel included.

“This was an amazing experience, I highly recommend. Our tour gide Luci was amazing and very helpful.”

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Samui: Elephant Nutrition and Care Education Experience - Hotel pickup makes this an easy half-day choice
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Samui: Elephant Nutrition and Care Education Experience

14.Samui: Elephant Nutrition and Care Education Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,223 reviews · 2 hours · from $32

Visit Koh Samui’s first elephant nursery with an English-speaking guide, often Noi, who explains each elephant’s past, diet, and care. You’ll prepare natural food from bananas, pumpkin, sticky rice, and herbs, then feed the elephants under staff supervision. The program avoids riding and focuses on welfare, education, and calm observation.

“Great experience! The guide is was so nice, she explained everything in great detail. And the staff takes great care of the elephant in the nursery.”

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3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail - Meeting elephants at Living Green Foundation
Doi Suthep & Doi Inthanon Tours, Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary Visits, Hiking & Trekking, Hill Tribe & Jungle Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Chiang Mai

3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail

15.3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,087 reviews · from $48

Spend a full day outside Chiang Mai with an English-speaking guide such as John, Jon, Note, Rainbow, or Sandy. Feed rescued elephants at Living Green Foundation, visit Thailand’s highest mountain and royal pagodas, hike to Pha Dok Siew Waterfall, then sample coffee in Ban Mae Klang Luang. Hotel transport and lunch are included.

“Definitely I recommend it! Jon and the other guys were amazing!!! I just loved the trekking, the waterfall the views! It was lovely to have the elephant experience!”

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New in Elephant Sanctuary Visits

★ 4.9Khao Sok: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary VisitFrom $41109 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant SanctuaryFrom $7491 reviews
★ 4.5Top Pick – Full or Half Day @Elephant in Wild Sanctuary ChiangMaiFrom $42229 reviews
★ 4.9Samui:Elephant Jungle experience & The First Elephant MuseumFrom $64226 reviews
★ 4.9Phuket: Elephant Nature Reserve Entry Ticket and Guided TourFrom $37223 reviews
★ 4.7Khaolak: Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour with Hotel TransfersFrom $51226 reviews
★ 4.6Chiang Mai: Full-Day Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour & TrekFrom $57224 reviews
★ 4.9Chiang Mai: Elephants, Sticky Waterfalls, Market and TempleFrom $70227 reviews
★ 4.8Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Bamboo Raft & Padthai CookingFrom $54245 reviews
★ 4.8Phuket: Guided Tour to Elephant Sanctuary & Hotel TransferFrom $38292 reviews
★ 5.0Elephant care program at CHIANGMAI ELEPHANT CAREFrom $52295 reviews
★ 5.0Erawan Waterfall and Elephant Care: Private Tour to KanchanaburFrom $227339 reviews
★ 4.8Pattaya: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Feeding ExperienceFrom $28329 reviews
★ 4.6Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon Hiking & Elephant Sanctuary ProgramFrom $56324 reviews
★ 5.0An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant SanctuaryFrom $97377 reviews

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