one time experience
100% Ethical
All our elephants are from the same family, no one is moved in the morning depending on how many visitors are coming on the day !
Respectful
There is no riding at all, we love our elephants and do not let anyone to ride them.
Local sanctuary
We are from the Karen hill-tribe, and have built our sanctuary next to our village where our elephants used to live before.
Full day
Program
Transportation
Included
Family
Friendly
Best Price
Guaranteed
100% respect
to our big loved elephants friends
Embark on an extraordinary and memorable journey, celebrating a profound connection with animals suitable for the entire family. Immerse yourself in a quaint sanctuary nestled amidst lush jungles, surrounded by picturesque rice fields and the wonders of nature.
Managed by local Karen tribe
Swim all together
Walk in the jungle
Watch and take photos
Who are we at Thong Elephant Sanctuary
Nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Northern Thailand, our sanctuary is situated in Chiang Mai, the largest city in the region. Formerly the capital of the kingdom of Lanna, Chiang Mai is renowned as a haven for elephants.
This majestic creature holds the esteemed position of being the official national animal, celebrated for its remarkable strength and intelligence. Throughout history, the elephant has been intricately associated with royalty and wealth, symbolizing a profound cultural significance.
What do we do?
At Thong Elephant Sanctuary, our mission is to preserve these magnificent beings, providing them with a sanctuary where they can live freely in a nurturing environment. We aim to ensure their well-being and contribute to the conservation of these remarkable creatures.
Our camp stands as an eco-tourism project that prioritizes sustainability. When you visit our sanctuary and engage with the adorable elephants, you not only enjoy a delightful experience but also contribute to the well-being of indigenous communities. Additionally, your visit plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic prosperity of the Karen village. Thus, our eco-friendly approach ensures a harmonious balance between the joy of interacting with these wonderful creatures and making a positive impact on local communities and economies.
This was a true elephant sanctuary. Not one chain in sight. The elephants are commanded by word only and only have a lose rope around the neck.
The handlers clearly love their elephants
We get to feed the elephants by hand, apply mud to their skin and then scrub it off in the river. It was a great experience
Olivia – Tripadvisor
What an incredible experience. My friend and I were fortunate to be the only guests that day and so we essentially had a private tour which was amazing!
he staff and our guide were great and made the day absolutely fun! I’d highly recommend booking at this elephant sanctuary if you want a more intimate experience with less people!!
Mark – Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience seeing these creatures up close. We laughed at their antics and were amazed by the amount of food that the consume!
A little sanctuary away of all civilization. We were alone all the time with the animals, since they prefer to divide the visitors in really little groups and the elephants did what they wanted at every moment.
