05 Dec. 2018

Traveling to Thailand and encountering elephants is an objective many travelers share. Faced with this demand, numerous tour operators offer elephant rides. While tempting, this tourist attraction often conceals unsuspected animal cruelty. Yet, there are many more responsible alternatives to see these giants without causing them harm. This is where sanctuaries and refuges come in! Discover a list of organizations where you can see elephants ethically...

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

Undoubtedly, this is the most well-known elephant refuge in Thailand. Much of this is thanks to the sanctuary's founder, Lek Chailert, whose efforts have driven the shift in mahouts' attitudes (elephant handlers) and the proliferation of dedicated refuges. And thanks to her commitment, today the center rescues nearly 75 elephants—previously exploited by the tourism and logging industries—that you can observe and care for during a day or longer. Not to mention the countless dogs, cats, buffalo, and other rescued animals waiting to be pampered... More information on elephantnaturepark.org

Elephant Haven Thailand in Kanchanaburi

When we say Lek Chailert's work has contributed greatly to improving mahouts' perceptions of how their elephants are used... this sanctuary is proof! While once you could ride elephants here, Elephant Haven Thailand is now a refuge where the pachyderms no longer work! Instead, the former handlers proudly collaborate to offer their 7 elephants a much more peaceful life while raising public awareness. Activities include food preparation and feeding, walking alongside elephants, mud baths, and bathing during one or two days (or more)! More information on elephantnaturepark.org

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Phetchaburi

This organization is first and foremost a rescue center for wild animals exploited for profit (performances, begging, photography...). It has rescued over 5,000 animals (bears, tigers, primates, birds...) since its inception. Some have been successfully rehabilitated, others find refuge within the foundation. As for elephants, around twenty live in the sanctuary. By visiting for a day, you can share the daily work of volunteers and caregivers while contributing financially. And if you wish to be even more helpful, they enthusiastically welcome volunteers for several days or weeks! More information on wfft.org

Elephant Sanctuary Phuket

Like the refuges mentioned above, Elephant Sanctuary Phuket allows elephants once exploited to regain a sense of freedom! The sanctuary takes its role in raising awareness seriously by offering visits organized around specific themes with live demonstrations and observations of elephants. For example, you can choose the "From Land to Water" program, which gives you the opportunity to learn more about water's important role in treating sick elephants. The "In the Footsteps of the Giant" program allows you to experience how pachyderms live in their natural environment. And if you wish for an even more intimate experience, you can even book a private guide! More information on phuketelephantsanctuary.org

Bees Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

Once again, this sanctuary is free from exploitation and abuse of elephants. But it goes even further than the others in that it refuses direct contact with elephants. Since these animals should not become accustomed to human contact, center staff allow them to behave as naturally as possible. Beyond the animal welfare cause, Bees Elephant Sanctuary supports local businesses through multiple missions detailed on the website. You can visit them for a short stay or participate in their work as a volunteer. Encountering elephants without harming them while supporting the local community... All the elements are in place for you to travel sustainably and responsibly! More information on bees-elesanctuary.org

Florine Dergelet

ROBERT Christel

19 November 2021

Nearing retirement, I would like to volunteer to care for elephants.

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Kern Martine

20 November 2020

Hello Mrs. Lek Chailert, your dedication to the elephants is wonderful and we are greatly admiring your decades of work protecting these elephants. There are no words to thank you and express our admiration. Could you provide your email address so we can support you modestly?

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Mireille

13 January 2020

Bravo 👏. I will return to Chiang Mai next year and will not miss visiting your rehabilitation site. MIREILLE

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Pak

08 December 2019

Chiang Mai?

Brégeon

22 August 2020

Hello, My name is Justine. I am currently training as an animal care specialist since November 2019 and I have been passionate about animals since childhood, particularly elephants. I am very sensitive to poaching, tourism, and circus performances... I wish to defend them and make it my profession—not just a job, but a calling. I would like to do an internship at your facility. I am passionate, highly motivated, and dynamic. Please accept my respectful regards and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Justine

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Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel is not about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her creed? Advise travelers ethically, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often arise far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, during a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…