Elephants, charming and majestic creatures imposing in size, have long been one of Thailand’s greatest attractions. Linked to the country’s culture for centuries, these animals have been heavily exploited by the tourist industry. Nowadays, travellers can also interact with elephants and do so more ethically. Visitors to Thailand usually approach these giants of the jungle in the many elephant sanctuaries (or orphanages) scattered throughout the country.
However, it’s a good idea to do some research before you visit, as there are many different types of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. In theory, they should be ethical sanctuaries with high standards for animal welfare, but this is not always the case. A genuine sanctuary is not the same as a sanctuary that labels itself a “rescue centre”, seeking financial gain at the expense of elephants.
- What is an elephant sanctuary?
- Where to see elephants in Thailand. Recommended sanctuaries
- Recommendations for the visit (opening hours, prices, etc.)
- Where to stay in Thailand
What is an elephant sanctuary?
A genuine elephant sanctuary is a centre where the elephants are the priority. The centres must respect the following rules: there must be minimal interaction between the tourists and the animals, the sanctuary must be committed to and care for the elephants until the end of their lives, it must educate visitors to raise awareness about the welfare of the animals and provide these creatures with the necessary veterinary treatments to protect their health. Elephants must not be subjected to commercial activities (buying and selling) or exploitation (beatings, punishment, separation of babies from their mothers, etc.). In addition, elephant breeding must not be encouraged and elephants must be kept in an area as similar as possible to their natural habitat. Logically, the elephants must be protected from stressful situations.
If you want to know which sanctuaries are the most recommended, check with the NGO FAADA (Foundation for Advice and Action in the Defence of Animals), which regularly provides a list of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
Where to see elephants in Thailand. Recommended sanctuaries
There are many sanctuaries with elephants in captivity in Thailand. Some say there are around a hundred or so. However, not all of them are ethical elephant sanctuaries, so you should choose sanctuaries that provide respectful and ethical surroundings for the elephants. Here are a few that focus primarily on elephant recovery and welfare:
In Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, there are several elephant sanctuaries in natural settings, where animals are rescued from hardship and provided with care and the opportunity to live in herds. The traveller has to adapt to the needs of the elephants and the animals are never forced to pose or do any activity that they do not want to do of their own accord. In addition, visitors will learn about their appearance, behaviour and feeding. One of the best known sanctuaries in Chiang Mai is Elephant Rescue Park. Outside Chiang Mai, there is also Happy Elephant Valley, BEES (Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary), Toto’s Elephant Sanctuary, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary and ChangChill.
On the island of Phuket, there are also several shelters in the middle of forested areas devoted to the recovery of elephants. Visitors will find these animals in safe and sustainable surroundings. One of the best known sanctuaries is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
On the island of Samui, there are sanctuaries that strive to provide a safe haven for elephants. Most of these animals come from places where they were used for forced labour or shows for tourists: circuses, logging factories, etc.
Recommendations for the visit (opening hours, prices, etc.)
First of all, you should avoid and be wary of elephant sanctuaries that invite travellers to interact a lot with the animals. Hugging, kissing and grooming these creatures causes them stress. Nor should you accept an elephant back ride. If you see chains around the elephants’ legs, you should leave the sanctuary as this is a sign of mistreatment. If you are invited to see these animals in Thailand painting pictures or juggling, don’t accept it and find another sanctuary that respects these spectacular creatures.
During your visit to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, you should wear comfortable shoes, even flip-flops, because you will end up with mud on your feet, and this type of footwear is easy to clean. Many sanctuaries provide you with traditional Thai tribal clothing so that your own clothes don’t get muddy. Of course, you should bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent. And don’t forget to be respectful of the elephants.
Elephant sanctuaries are usually open to the public from 7:00 until 18:00, although this may vary slightly depending on the centre. Admission prices also vary, but usually range from 30 to 80 euros.
