Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand and Laos you should add to your itinerary
Elephants have long captivated animal lovers around the world so it’s no wonder visiting an elephant sanctuary might be on your Southeast Asia bucket list. But when planning to see elephants on your next trip, it is essential to choose an ethical sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being of these gentle giants.
Unfortunately, not all camps treat their elephants with the care they deserve, so it’s important to know what to look for to ensure your experience supports their welfare, as well as the livelihoods of the local community.
How to Choose a High-Welfare Elephant Camp
1. Look for the “Klook Assessed” Badge
Choose sanctuaries that have passed reputable welfare assessments. Klook has partnered with Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES), to assess the camps listed on the Klook website, ensuring that ethical practices are in place.
2. Observe Natural Behaviors
The best sanctuaries allow elephants to mimic their behaviors in the wild—socializing, bathing, foraging, and moving around without restrictions. Choose camps that openly share how they care for their elephants, including proper food, medical care, and shelter. Sanctuary guides should be knowledgeable and able to explain the elephants' individual stories and how they are cared for.
3. No Riding Policy
Elephant riding is often an indicator of a poor welfare camp. Look for camps where elephants can roam freely and express natural behaviors. They should also not be forced to perform in shows or mimic human behaviors such as painting.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Laos
By choosing high-welfare camps like these, you can enjoy a fulfilling, educational experience while contributing to the ethical treatment of elephants in Laos. You will create lasting memories while supporting sustainable tourism that benefits these magnificent creatures.
Let’s take a look at what makes these elephant experiences so special!
Elephant Conservation Center, Luang Prabang - The leader in Asian Elephant Conservation
Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) is dedicated to rescue, care, breed, research, and re-introducing Asian elephants to the wild. ECC scores the highest level of ACES certification “Conservation Gold” excelling in all areas of welfare and sustainability. Visitors can observe elephants in natural surroundings, genuine conservation, with no direct contact with the elephants.
It’s a few hours' drive from Luang Prabang so an overnight stay is essential, but believe us, you won’t want to leave the charming lakeside bungalow once you arrive.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
We also embarked on a mission to curate a selection of elephant camps in Thailand that prioritize ethical practices and community well-being. We aim to help you find experiences that not only offer fulfilling interactions with elephants but also contribute positively to the local ecosystem.
Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai - The cultural homestay experience
At Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, experience authentic hill tribe culture. Join daily hikes through the forest to find and observe rescued elephants in their natural habitat foraging, socializing, and interacting with their environment with no riding or hands-on interactions.
Gain insights into elephant behaviors and conservation efforts while spending a night or two in a traditional Karen village, connecting with locals and fellow volunteers.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai & Phuket - The traveler's favorite
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is one of the most popular elephant camps and for good reason! With packages ranging from a morning/afternoon visit, showering and feeding, or even Thai cooking classes, plus the option of round-trip transportation, it’s guaranteed to be a fun and easy way to enjoy an ethical elephant interaction.
For wheelchair users, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket also offers some accessible experiences.
Elephant Dream Project, Chiang Mai - The community choice
Elephant Dream Project is run by Mr Dee, a local owner from the Karen community, and his small team who are committed to the return and protection of the village’s elephants. Learn about elephant behavior, natural habitat, and the challenges they face through educational programs and engaging activities surrounded by gentle giants and witness their playful interactions, all while supporting their well-being and protection.
Lunch cooked by women from the local village and round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai are included.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket - Thailand’s longest canopy walkway
This 30-acre jungle sanctuary allows elephants to roam, forage, and bathe freely. Visitors can feed the elephants in a respectful and non-intrusive way, all while learning about their history and conservation efforts. Enjoy the option to walk along the 600-meter canopy and a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet with soft drinks during your visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary!
Maerim Elephant Home, Chiang Mai - Help with the elephant foot spa
Experience a day of meaningful connection at Maerim Elephant Home in Chiang Mai with elephants in a high-welfare sanctuary certified by Klook. Spend the day interacting with elephants as you feed, walk, and play with them. You'll learn basic elephant verbal commands and help care for them, including washing them in the Maerim River.
It’s also one of the only sanctuaries to offer elephant foot care programs. This sanctuary focuses on rest and relaxation for the elephants, allowing you to observe their natural behavior. Lunch and round-trip transfers are included for a seamless and enriching experience.
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai - The convenient choice from Chiang Mai
Spend a memorable day at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai up close with gentle giants in a stress-free environment that has passed Klook's welfare assessment. Choose between a morning or afternoon session to feed, bathe, and interact with the elephants in a safe, sustainable setting. You'll gain insight into their behavior, learn about their diet, and experience their playful nature firsthand.
Samui Elephant Kingdom, Ko Samui - The only assessed camp on the island
On this trip to Samui Elephant Kingdom, you'll experience a unique, up-close connection with elephants in their natural environment. Walk along a 400-meter skywalk, feeding and observing the gentle giants from above as they express their natural behaviors in freedom. You'll also visit the PowerBall Kitchen, where you'll learn about elephant nutrition, help prepare their supplementary food, and meet the elephants as they enjoy a healthy bath and protective mud spa.
Aonang Elephant Sanctuary Experience, Krabi - The first sanctuary in Krabi to be welfare certified
At Aonang Elephant Sanctuary, you'll enjoy a hands-on experience with retired elephants in a high-welfare environment. Choose between a morning or afternoon session and participate in cooking, feeding, and bathing the elephants, including a fun mud spa and river shower. By visiting, you'll support a sanctuary dedicated to providing ethical care for these gentle giants. Round-trip transportation is included for a hassle-free journey.
Krabi Elephant Shelter Experience, Krabi - A unique jungle setting
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Krabi Elephant Shelter and experience the majesty of these gentle giants up close. Get ready, try your hand at 'Cook and Feed' to learn how to make traditional Thai sticky rice balls to delight the elephants. If you're feeling adventurous, 'Get Up Close' and learn about elephant behavior, communication, and personalities from the expert mahouts.
And don't forget to join in the fun with 'Bathe With Me' and take a dip in the river alongside the elephants as they play and splash. Discover the threats that elephants face in the wild and learn how the Krabi Elephant Shelter is working to protect and conserve these magnificent animals.
Phuket Elephant Care Sanctuary, Phuket - Make your own elephant souvenir
Visiting Phuket? Don't miss the Phuket Elephant Care Sanctuary where these gentle giants are allowed to live their final years roaming freely in a lush, tropical area with a big natural lake without being forced to work. Choose from different programs that include a walk with the elephants through a green forest area, preparing a spa treatment, bathing them in the big pool, and preparing healthy herb balls.
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, Phuket - Take a jungle walk with the elephants
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, located in a lush jungle on the west coast of Phuket, is a pioneer in ethical elephant tourism offering a beautiful sanctuary home for overworked and tired elephants rescued from the tourist entertainment industry. Guided by international welfare standards for captive elephants, the care of elephants is their first priority.
Meet and feed rescued elephants, learn about their stories, and walk with them through the beautiful jungle complemented by an amazing Thai cooking session and lunch (half-day program) making Thailand’s most famous dishes!
Here's how to travel more sustainably
Travelers are increasingly seeking more sustainable experiences, looking to contribute to the places they visit and the people they meet, and to make a positive impact. However, it can often be tricky to know whether a tour or experience is truly as green as they say they are.
That’s why we’ve introduced the “Certified Sustainable Partner” badge, making it easy for you to find sustainable travel options and to make more informed choices when planning a trip with Klook. Find out more below!
About the Author: Taurak Uppaputthangkul
Taurak is part of Klook’s Sustainability team based in Bangkok, Thailand. With a background in international economics, she specializes in globalization, environmental economics, and sustainable development. Her work spans across various projects with the core focus in raising standards of animal welfare in tourism, and encouraging Klook merchants to become more responsible and sustainable.
