Baan Mama offers a peaceful and secure environment for elderly, sick or exhausted elephants. Here, they can live with dignity and receive the care they deserve. Rather than riding on their backs, you're invited to cherish these animals and deepen your knowledge of their world and nature.

A little history

The story of Baan Mama begins with Brigitte, a Belgian who settled in Thailand in 2012. Her Thai adventure started with the purchase of a restaurant on Koh Samui, which she named Bario Latino. However, faced with the popularity of her pizzas, she decided to rename the restaurant "Mama Pizza". This name came naturally, as everyone was already calling her "Mama".

In 2015, Brigitte received a special gift: a stay as an ecovolunteer at a center dedicated to elephants. That's when she fell in love with these animals. In 2016, she sold her restaurant for personal reasons and began making trips back and forth between Belgium and Thailand to spend time at the elephant center. In 2017, the owner offered her the opportunity to stay longer. Brigitte then decided to sell her belongings in Belgium to settle permanently in Thailand. But once there, she discovered problems at the elephant center. After attempting to discuss this with the owner, she was forced to leave. Determined not to abandon the elephants, she launched a fundraiser to open her own center, supplemented by her savings. Thanks to the generosity of donors, she was able to inaugurate her own elephant sanctuary on December 1st, 2018.

Discover Baan Mama, an elephant care center in Thailand

During your brief stay in Kanchanaburi, give your children the opportunity to interact with elephants. Visit Baan Mama, a Thai sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of elderly, sick or exhausted elephants, unable to continue working in traditional camps. Located 12 km southwest of Kanchanaburi, on the banks of the River Kwai and away from tourist camps, this refuge is an ideal attraction for families who love nature.

The center ensures a better future for these animals by providing appropriate veterinary care, food suited to their needs and plenty of affection.

Meeting the rescued elephants of Kanchanaburi

The founder and her team ensure the well-being of four elephants at the center.

Tao

At 58 years old and weighing 2.6 tonnes, Tao is under the care of her mahout Ti. Win replaces her during holidays. She was the first elephant Brigitte welcomed. Upon arrival in late 2018, she was malnourished and fearful of humans, and also had an irrational fear of water. After several months of work, she became gentle and now bathes in the River Kwai.

Douille Douille and Tami

Tami, aged 21 and weighing 3.2 tonnes, is under the care of Pan, her mahout and owner, as well as Douille Douille's. The latter, aged 24 and weighing 3.6 tonnes, is accompanied by her mahout, Chai, Pan's brother.

Chai and Pan's father purchased Douille Douille after the death of an older elephant. Later, he acquired Tami so that each of his sons would have an elephant.

Pan officially became the owner of Douille Douille and Tami after working to repay their purchase to his father.

Tami gave birth to a calf named Chiang Rai. In February 2019, Pan offered Chiang Rai to Brigitte, who was looking for more elephants. Despite her intention to acquire older elephants, she accepted.

In February 2020, faced with the pandemic, Pan decided to entrust Tami and Douille Douille to Brigitte because the camps where they worked no longer used howdahs.

Chuchai

Chuchai, aged 2 months and weighing 110 kg, is the son of Tami. Tami arrived in February 2019 and was already pregnant. Chuchai was born in February 2021.

In March 2021, Pan, owner of Douille Douille, Tami, Chiang Rai and Chuchai, decided to sell Chiang Rai to a temple. Chiang Rai was then 4 years old and Chuchai had just been born. Pan found it difficult to care for and educate two adult elephants, an adolescent and a baby.

Services on site

• Shuttle: Baan Mama can offer you a shuttle to explore Kanchanaburi.
• Transfer from Bangkok to Baan Mama: If you prefer to travel by your own means, Baan Mama can arrange a taxi for you. Arrival at this location is only possible from 6:00 pm.
• Free Wi-Fi: internet connection is available in Baan Mama's restaurant.
• Payment methods: this sanctuary only accepts cash payments in Thai Baht for the balance of your stay and consumption. Payments in euros or dollars are not accepted. No ATM is available nearby, so make sure you have enough cash with you.

Enjoy and refresh yourself at Baan Mama

Served in buffet style, enjoy Thai, European or Burmese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. In case of food allergies, don't hesitate to inform the staff.

Water, coffee and tea are provided with the meal. Soft drinks, beers, cocktails and milkshakes are available for an additional charge.

Practical information

Must-bring items

• Clothing

Remember to bring clothes that can get dirty because some activities like cutting banana trees can be messy. Also remember to bring long pants or capris, a t-shirt and shoes suitable for water as in Thailand, bathing is done fully clothed. If you come during the rainy season, from May to October, don't forget waterproof clothing such as a raincoat.

• Sunglasses and/or prescription glasses: remember to attach them with a cord to avoid losing them.
• Various accessories: sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, etc.

How to get there from Kanchanaburi?

From Kanchanaburi, travel approximately 12 km southwest. The journey takes between 15 and 20 minutes from the bus station.

For the Baan Mama and Volunteer packages, Baan Mama ensures your transfer from Kanchanaburi bus station at 6:00 pm. They will be waiting for you in front of Café Amazon, on the bus station side. On your departure day, a shuttle will leave at 9:00 am to take you back to Kanchanaburi bus station. If you use your own means, arrival is scheduled from 6:00 pm and departure is scheduled for 9:00 am.

For the Discovery package, a shuttle will pick you up from Kanchanaburi bus station in the morning at 8:30 am and drop you off in the evening around 5:30 pm.

Nearby attractions

• The Bridge over the River Kwai
• Jeath War Museum
• Thailand-Burma Railway Museum
• Khwae Yai River
• Khwae Noi River
• Wat Yuan
• Wat Tham Sua
• Wat Tham Khao Noi
• Wat Ban Tham
• Wat Chai Chumpon

Address: 224, Moo 2 | Ko Samrong 71000 Kanchanaburi Thailand