Thailand is home to majestic elephants. Spotting these can be an interesting experience, possibly the highlight of your trip if you’re into that sort of thing. When I first visited Thailand, I thought seeing elephants would be tough. Turns out, they’re everywhere. You just need to know where to look. Here’s a list of a few places where you can see elephants in Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
This well-known sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park, is big on elephant rescue and care. It has over a hundred rescued elephants that roam around in groups. Visitors can watch them in their natural habitat, learn about their issues, and feel good about contributing to their welfare.
Elephant Hills, Khao Sok National Park
Think of Elephant Hills as a luxury safari meets elephant sanctuary. You get to bathe, feed, and hang out with the elephants in a respectful way. Elephant Hills won the Thai Green Excellence Award, so they must be doing something right.
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, Sukhothai
Set in a lush forest, Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary helps elephants recover from their troubled past. You can bond with the elephants and learn about conservation. Walking with the elephants and their mahouts is an option, or you can simply watch the elephants graze.
Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, Mae Chaem
This small sanctuary, Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, takes good care of rescued elephants. You can spend some time with these gentle creatures in a peaceful setting. If you stay for a few days, you can plant trees, prepare elephant food, and visit local waterfalls. Book in advance.
Smile Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai
An eco-tourism project run by locals and expats, Smile Elephant Sanctuary cares for a small herd of elephants. You can feed, bathe, and walk the elephants while supporting their well-being. It’s a popular day trip from Chiang Mai. Booking packages that include transportation and meals is easy.
The Bottom Line
Where can you see elephants in Thailand? Now you know. Before you start elephant watching, be aware of welfare practices. No riding, no chaining, and definitely no tricks. Otherwise, have a great time.
