Elephant Nature Park
Ethical travellersThe original ethical sanctuary, founded by Lek Chailert. Rescued elephants roam freely. No riding, no tricks.
Confidence that your visit supports genuine rescue and rehabilitation work.
Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
Meet rescued elephants at ethical sanctuaries. No riding, no tricks - just genuine connection with these remarkable animals.
See our picksAll our picks are verified no-ride, no-hook sanctuaries
This is for you if:
- You want to see elephants without supporting exploitation
- You are willing to travel outside the city for an authentic experience
- You want to learn about elephant conservation and rescue
- You are comfortable getting muddy while bathing elephants
This is not for you if:
- You specifically want to ride an elephant (we cannot help with that)
- You only have a couple of hours to spare
- You are looking for a polished, theme-park experience
Our zero-regret picks
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Limited timeHalf-day option closer to the city. Feed and bathe elephants in a natural setting.
Meaningful elephant experience without dedicating a full day.
Ran-Tong Elephant Sanctuary
Families with kidsSmall, intimate sanctuary with only 8 elephants. Personal experience with less crowds.
Calm environment suitable for children. Staff speak excellent English.
Patara Elephant Farm
Deep experienceOne-on-one experience where you are paired with a single elephant for the entire day.
Not a group tour. Learn to care for your elephant and walk through the jungle together.
Quick comparison
| Option | Price | Duration | Pickup | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant Nature Park | 2,500-3,500 THB | Full day | Yes | Free cancellation 48h |
| Elephant Jungle Sanctuary | 1,800-2,400 THB | Half day | Yes | Free cancellation 24h |
| Ran-Tong Sanctuary | 2,200-2,800 THB | Full day | Yes | Free cancellation 24h |
| Patara Elephant Farm | 5,800-6,500 THB | Full day | Yes | Free cancellation 72h |
Why we picked these
- All sanctuaries have a strict no-riding policy
- Each offers a different experience for different traveller types
- Consistent positive reviews from visitors over multiple years
What we excluded
- Any facility that offers riding or uses hooks for control
- Places that chain elephants or use them for performances
- Greenwashed operations that claim to be ethical but are not