Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand with Kids

Lush jungle, golden beaches, and oodles of elephants; a Thailand family holiday offers kids a rare chance to meet the real Dumbos of the world. Pachyderms have been an icon of Thailand for centuries, and there are numerous sanctuaries around the country that offer elephant encounters. But it’s crucial to ensure the one you visit follows ethical practices.

Why Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary? 

Despite being a protected animal under the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act (WARPA), elephants have been used for logging, trekking or for tourist entertainment for decades. Many of the elephants you'll meet in Thailand have been rescued from temples, zoos and circuses, so it's essential the sanctuaries you visit prioritise their health and wellbeing. Take The Family is a UK-based travel agency specialising in adventurous family holidays; we can help build an ethical elephant sanctuary into your Thailand itinerary. 

Ethical elephant sanctuaries prioritise the animals’ welfare above visitor entertainment, focusing on observation rather than direct interaction. In responsible centres, elephants are free to roam, forage and socialise in natural forest or jungle environments without chains or harsh handling tools. 

Avoid venues that offer riding, performances, forced bathing, or close-contact experiences such as selfies and touching, as these activities can cause stress for these beautiful creatures. Visiting an ethical sanctuary supports better standards of animal welfare in Thailand, and helps shift tourism away from exploitative practices.

The best and most ethical elephant encounters in Thailand

Elephant Hills, Khao Sok National Park

Tucked away in the rainforests of Khao Sok National Park is one of the best places to encounter elephants in Thailand with kids. One of the country's first tented safari camps, Elephant Hills is a great place for children aged four and above to enjoy their first jungle experience, offering overnight jungle tours sleeping in safari-style tents with added comforts such as en-suite bathrooms and private decks.

Unlike less reputable elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, Elephant Hills has a truly hands-off approach to interacting with these gentle giants. It has a strong focus on animal welfare, and you won't find riding or bathing experiences on offer here – instead, visitors learn how to prepare food for the elephants and feed them, and can observe them as they roam freely in their natural environment.

Aside from the elephant encounters, you can also enjoy long-tail boat tours of Cheow Lan Lake, kayaking expeditions through mangroves, and workshops to learn how to make paper from recycled elephant poo (no, really).

Find out more about Elephant Hills.

Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

One of best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand was set up by the elephant rights advocate Saengduean ‘Lek’ Chailert, who has been rescuing and rehabilitating old, sick and injured elephants since the 1990s. Kids can observe the elephants as they roam freely in the forest, watch them feed and bathe in the river, and learn about elephant conservation from the knowledgeable guides. The park offers both day and overnight experiences, and is an unforgettable highlight of any Thailand family holiday.

ChangChill, Chiang Mai

One the best places to watch elephants roam, feed and enjoy dust baths in their natural habitat, in the Mae Wang District of Chiang Mai (tickets include transfers), this strictly hands-off sanctuary has four resident female elephants who visitors can observe roaming the valley, foraging for food and enjoying dust baths from the observation deck. Local guides from the Karen tribes are also on hand to explain elephant behaviour.

Elephant Freedom Village, Chiang Mai

The Karen hill tribes have lived and worked with elephants in Chiang Mai for centuries. Working alongside the Karen communities, the Elephant Freedom Village encourages visitors of all ages to observe the elephants in their natural habitat, whether it’s foraging in the forest or splashing in rivers. You can also learn about hill tribe culture through unique experiences, such as feasting on traditional Karen meals with a local family.

Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

Providing a safe retirement home for rescued or injured elephants who have spent their lives logging or for tourist trekking, BEES in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai ensures that the welfare of the elephants always comes first. It doesn't allow any physical contact with the animals, just observation at a respectful distance. Kids particularly enjoy climbing the observation tower by the river to watch the elephants bathe.

Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

This non-profit sanctuary that protects elephants and wild gibbons in the forest and jungles of Chiang Mai has six resident elephants. It also offers overnight experiences where you can stay with local families and enjoy a guided hike through the forest to see elephants and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket

Phuket is a popular island for those travelling to Thailand with kids. The first ethical elephant sanctuary here, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary on the fringes of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park rescues sick, injured and old elephants and allows them to roam, bathe, forage and socialise freely. A highlight for kids is the 600m canopy walkway through the jungle, where you can observe the elephants from above as they explore.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Koh Samui

Golden beaches, water parks and plenty of kid-friendly hotels and resorts make Koh Samui among the best places for a Thailand family holiday. For the most ethical elephant encounters, visit the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, which has locations in Bophut and Chaweng Noi. It's one of the projects supported by Saengduean ‘Lek’ Chailert, who founded the Save Elephant Foundation and the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

By Tracey Davies

Planning a family trip to Thailand? 

With Take the Family, you can add an ethical elephant sanctuary visit to a jam-packed Thailand itinerary; combine education and conservation for an encounter you will all remember forever. See our guide to Thailand family holidays.