Thailand’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture draw millions of visitors each year, with one of the most sought-after experiences being an elephant excursion. The idea of feeding, bathing, observing, and spending time with these magnificent creatures sounds like a dream come true for many travelers. However, beneath the surface of this popular activity, lies a troubling reality. Across Thailand and around the world, many companies operate unethical elephant tours that exploit these animals for profit. These companies often allow tourists to ride the elephants, confine them to unnatural and unbearable environments, and prevent them from living as they should—wild and free.
As a responsible traveler, it’s essential to recognize these issues and make good decisions. If you’re planning to visit Thailand and have an encounter with elephants, it’s important to choose an ethical company that prioritizes the well-being of the animals and avoids harmful practices. By supporting such sanctuaries, you can enjoy a meaningful and respectful experience while contributing to the protection and preservation of these incredible creatures.
I had the incredible opportunity to partake in an elephant experience in northern Thailand. I booked my excursion through Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, a company that also operates in other Thai cities like Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. They offer a variety of tour options, all centered around ethical interactions with the elephants but differing in duration and additional activities. I opted for their full-day experience, which was absolutely amazing and provided everything I was looking for in an elephant sanctuary.
The company also offers a half-day experience, a one-hour feeding experience, a six-hour observation experience, a nine-hour walk with the elephants, and even an overnight stay. Prices range from 690 THB to 5,900 THB ($20 – $173). The experience was well worth the cost, and the company ensured that everyone had a great and ethical encounter with these magnificent creatures.
During my full-day experience with Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, I was able to witness firsthand the incredible work being done for the well-being of the elephants, while also spending quality time with these wonderful animals.
The day began early in the morning when we were picked up in an open-air vehicle in the center of Chiang Mai, right near our accommodation. Along with a few other travelers, we headed to the sanctuary, located about 90 minutes outside the city. The drive was peaceful, setting the perfect tone for the jungle adventure ahead. The driver and tour guide were friendly and helpful, even stopping at a market for us to use the bathroom and grab a snack if needed. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we were immediately given traditional Karen outfits to change into. These clothes not only hold cultural significance but also serve as a safety precaution for the animals. By wearing them, we helped ensure the elephants felt safe and comfortable, as they wouldn’t be exposed to unfamiliar odors from our own clothes.
Our first interaction with the elephants was feeding them small bananas and interacting with them while the local guides educated us on their environment, behavior, and history. There was plenty of time to watch them, take photos, and simply enjoy their presence. Afterward, we learned about their health and well-being, including how to make their “medicine balls.” Once we had made the medicine, we had the chance to feed it to the elephants, which was an incredible experience.
The highlight of the day was the short jungle trek with the elephants. We followed them as they roamed freely through the jungle, stopping and continuing as they did. The tour guides provided ongoing education and plenty of opportunities for photos with the elephants in their natural habitat. When we returned to the main part of the sanctuary, we changed into our bathing suits and headed to the mud spa, where we scrubbed the elephants with mud—and ourselves too! After spending time covered in mud, we walked down to the river to bathe and clean off the elephants and ourselves using buckets of water. It was so much fun, with the tour guides adding humor to the experience by playfully throwing mud and water at us to keep the good times rolling.
After cleaning up and changing back into our clothes, we enjoyed a traditional Thai meal next to the elephants, which was absolutely delicious. We then had some free time to say goodbye to the animals and observe them a bit longer before it was time to head back to the city. We climbed back into the vehicles and were dropped off at our hotels or hostels about two hours later.
The staff at the sanctuary were not only friendly and organized but also incredibly knowledgeable. They clearly had the best interests of the elephants at heart and took immense pride in their work. They provided us with so much information about safety and wellness for both us and the animals, making the entire experience seamless and memorable. I never had to question the ethics of their practices; everything was handled with care and respect. If you’re looking for a reputable and ethical elephant sanctuary, I cannot recommend this one enough. It was the most memorable day of my trip to Thailand.
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