Ethical Elephant Encounters  ·  No Riding  ·  No Shows  ·  No Force  —  Book Your Experience
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Elephants walking toward you with mountain forest behind — Chiang Mai sanctuary

Ethical Sanctuary · Chiang Mai

Walk with elephants
in their true home.

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Elephant family including a calf in an open sanctuary landscape

Chonburi Sanctuary · From Bangkok

Only 90 minutes
from the city.

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Elephants roaming freely in open green meadow with mountains behind

Chonburi Sanctuary · From Pattaya

40 minutes away.
A world apart.

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0
Rescued Elephants
2016
Year Founded
3
Camp Locations
13
Tours Available
Our Locations
Choose Your Sanctuary
Suspension bridge leading to elephant camp in Chiang Mai
9 Tours Available
Chiang Mai
1.5 hrs · 20+ rescued elephants
Explore Chiang Mai Tours
Elephant family in a spacious Chonburi sanctuary landscape
2 Tours · From Bangkok
Chonburi — Bangkok
Only 90 minutes away
Explore Bangkok Departures
Baby elephant Charlie at Chonburi sanctuary near Pattaya
2 Tours · From Pattaya
Chonburi — Pattaya
Only 40 minutes away
Explore Pattaya Departures
Our Experiences
Find Your Perfect Tour
Chiang Mai Sanctuary ToursPickup from Chiang Mai hotels · Nine experiences in Northern Thailand
Visitors observing a full elephant in an open sanctuary setting
Thaielehub · Half-Day AM
Morning Elephant Program
Hotel pickup 07:00–07:30. Scenic 1.5hr rural drive. Elephant feeding, interaction & health check. River bathing (elephant's choice). Traditional local meal.
Hotel Transfer English Guide Lunch Free Photos Insurance
฿1,600 adult
Child ฿1,000 · 6–7 hrs
07:00 depart
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Visitors and elephant fully visible in a calm sanctuary setting
Thaielehub · Half-Day PM
Afternoon Elephant Program
Hotel pickup 12:00–12:30. Elephant feeding, forest interaction, river bathing and health check. Great for those wanting to enjoy Chiang Mai's morning first.
Hotel Transfer English Guide Meal Free Photos Insurance
฿1,600 adult
Child ฿1,000 · 6–7 hrs
12:00 depart
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Most Popular
Visitors making sticky rice balls at elephant sanctuary cooking class
Thaielehub · Full Day
Elephant Sanctuary + Pad Thai Cooking
Full-day immersion: elephant feeding, forest walk, herbal medicine ball workshop, seedling planting (future elephant food), Pad Thai cooking class, river bathing.
Hotel Transfer Cooking Class Lunch Herbal Ball Workshop Free Photos
฿2,000 adult
Child ฿1,300 · 9–10 hrs
08:00 depart
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Visitors on traditional bamboo raft on Wang River jungle scenery
Thaielehub · Full Day · Adventure
Elephant + Bamboo Rafting + Pad Thai
Three experiences in one epic day: morning elephant sanctuary + Pad Thai cooking, then afternoon bamboo rafting on the Wang River through lush jungle scenery.
Hotel Transfer Pad Thai Cooking Bamboo Raft Ticket Lunch Free Photos
฿1,800 adult
Child ฿1,200 · 9–10 hrs
08:00 depart
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Suspension bridge through a green elephant sanctuary landscape
Thaielehub · Full Day · Trekking
Elephant Sanctuary + Doi Inthanon Hike
Morning elephant sanctuary, then explore Thailand's highest peak: Twin Pagodas, Botanical Garden, Pha Dok Siew Trail (rice terraces, waterfall swim, Karen coffee farm). Park entry included.
Hotel Transfer Park Entry ฿400 Meal Free Photos Insurance
฿2,000 adult
Child ฿1,500 · 11–12 hrs
07:00 depart
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Elephant herd fully visible in an open sanctuary setting
Thaielehub · Full Day · Culinary
Thai Cooking Class + Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Market visit → Casa de Mango organic farm → 5-course Thai cooking class (Spring Rolls, Tom Yum or Curry, Stir-fry, Pad Thai, dessert) → afternoon elephant sanctuary. Max 12 guests. All-inclusive.
Market Tour 5-Course Cook Lunch + Dinner Elephant Sanctuary Free Photos
฿1,900 adult
All-inclusive · 11–12 hrs
07:30 depart
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Elephants and visitors fully visible on an open sanctuary path
Thaielehub · Half-Day AM
Thaielehub Morning Elephant Program
Pickup 07:00. Prepare fresh fruits, herbal vitamin ball workshop, habitat care (harvest grass, plant banana trees), authentic Pad Thai cooking class. "No control" philosophy — no forced bathing.
Hotel Transfer Karen Clothing Cooking Workshop Lunch Free Photos
฿1,600 adult
Child ฿1,100 · 7 hrs
07:00 depart
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Elephants roaming freely in Thaielehub sanctuary habitat
Thaielehub · Half-Day PM
Thaielehub Afternoon Elephant Program
Pickup 11:30. Same ethical experience as the morning program in an afternoon setting: fruit feeding, vitamin ball workshop, habitat care, Pad Thai cooking, herd observation. Infants 0–3 free.
Hotel Transfer Karen Clothing Cooking Workshop Lunch Free Photos
฿1,600 adult
Child ฿1,100 · 7 hrs
11:30 depart
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Visitors on bamboo raft on Mae Wang river Chiang Mai
Thaielehub · Full Day · Adventure
Thaielehub Elephant + Bamboo Rafting + Waterfall
Pickup 07:30. Elephant care, vitamin ball workshop, Pad Thai cooking, then Mae Wang waterfall swim and bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River — possible wild elephant sightings!
Hotel Transfer Karen Clothing Cooking Class Waterfall + Raft Free Photos
฿1,800 adult
Child ฿1,300 · Full day
07:30 depart
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Free hotel pickup — All Chiang Mai hotels within 5 km of the Old City. Surcharges apply beyond this radius. Contact us for private transfers (฿2,500). Drop-off at Airport / Train / Bus Station available (depart 2+ hrs after tour end, notify luggage in advance).
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Chonburi Sanctuary · Departing BangkokPickup from Bangkok hotels or meet at Ekkamai Bus Terminal · Approximately 90 minutes to the sanctuary
Panoramic Viewpoint
Elephant family fully visible at Chonburi sanctuary
Thaielehub Chonburi · Morning Session
Chonburi Sanctuary from Bangkok — Morning
Pickup 07:00–08:00. Arrive 09:30. Traditional Mo Hom shirt, elephant feeding, nature walk, trek to 180° panoramic hilltop viewpoint with elephants. Ancient Pad Thai lunch 12:00. Depart 13:00.
Bangkok Hotel Transfer 180° Viewpoint Trek Pad Thai Lunch English Guide Free Photos Insurance
฿2,200 adult
Child ฿1,300 · Full day
07:00–08:00 pickup
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Elephant in a green Chonburi sanctuary landscape
Thaielehub Chonburi · Afternoon Session
Chonburi Sanctuary from Bangkok — Afternoon
Pickup 11:00–12:00. Arrive 13:30. Elephant feeding, natural foraging walk, hidden panoramic hilltop trek, elephant bathing/water play, relaxation area. Depart sanctuary 17:00. Back in Bangkok ~19:00.
Bangkok Hotel Transfer Hidden Viewpoint Pad Thai Meal English Guide Free Photos Insurance
฿2,200 adult
Child ฿1,300 · Full day
11:00–12:00 pickup
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Free Bangkok pickup zones — Zone 1: Bo Bae · Khao San · Yaowarat · Sathorn  |  Zone 2: Phaya Thai · Sukhumvit · Lumphini · Siam · Silom · Suan Luang  |  Zone 3: Bang Na · Suvarnabhumi
Alternative meeting point: Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Sukhumvit Rd 928, Bangkok 10110). Areas across the Chao Phraya River or outside designated zones incur a surcharge.
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Chonburi Sanctuary · Departing PattayaPickup from Pattaya hotels · Approximately 40 minutes to the sanctuary
Closest Camp
Elephant family herd including calves in a natural sanctuary landscape
Thaielehub Chonburi · Morning Session
Chonburi Sanctuary from Pattaya — Morning
Pickup 07:45–08:45. Only 40 minutes from Pattaya! Traditional Mo Hom shirt, elephant briefing, feeding, nature walk, 180° panoramic viewpoint trek, elephant bathing. Ancient Pad Thai 12:00. Depart 13:00.
Pattaya Hotel Transfer Mo Hom Shirt Panoramic Trek Pad Thai Lunch Free Photos Insurance
฿2,200 adult
Child ฿1,300 · Full day
07:45–08:45 pickup
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Visitors carrying banana leaves across suspension bridge toward elephants
Thaielehub Chonburi · Afternoon Session
Chonburi Sanctuary from Pattaya — Afternoon
Pickup 11:45–12:45. Spend your morning at the beach, then join us in the afternoon. Hidden panoramic viewpoint trek, elephant feeding, water play, relaxation. Depart 17:00, back in Pattaya by ~17:40.
Pattaya Hotel Transfer Hidden Viewpoint Elephant Bathing Pad Thai Meal Free Photos Insurance
฿2,200 adult
Child ฿1,300 · Full day
11:45–12:45 pickup
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Free Pattaya pickup — All hotels in North, Central & South Pattaya  |  Jomtien area: +฿100 surcharge  |  Nong Nooch Garden area: +฿200 surcharge
Please be ready 15 minutes before your pickup time. Final schedule confirmed one day prior by our team.
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Visitors hiking through dense jungle alongside elephant
Our Story
Born from
compassion.

In 2016, our founders witnessed the suffering elephants endured in Thailand's tourism industry — chained, forced to perform, used as tools. Two rescued elephants, Boon-Me and Thu-Meh, became the heart of everything we do.

Today, across camps in Chiang Mai and Chonburi Province, we care for over 20 rescued elephants working alongside Karen Hill Tribe mahouts whose families have lived with elephants for generations.

Our Six Promises
Meet Charlie
The first elephant
born at our sanctuary.

Charlie arrived into the world at our Chonburi sanctuary — playful, curious and full of charm. Born into safety, raised in freedom. No chains, no commands, no performances.

Visiting Charlie is one of the most memorable parts of our Chonburi tours. At just 90 minutes from Bangkok and 40 minutes from Pattaya, this is an encounter you won't forget.

Baby elephant Charlie and mother raising trunks at Chonburi sanctuary
Elephant herd including calves at river at Chonburi sanctuary
Chonburi Sanctuary
A 180° panorama,
one hour away.

Set in the Khao Khiew hills of Chonburi Province, our newest camp spans 100 rai (40 acres) of protected forest. Hike to the 180° panoramic viewpoint overlooking Eastern Thailand's wild jungle and mountains.

Just 1.5 hours from Bangkok, 40 minutes from Pattaya. Free hotel pickup across all major areas. Open daily 06:00–23:00. Depart morning or afternoon.

Our Ethics
Six Promises We Never Break
✕
No Riding. Ever.

Riding causes permanent spinal damage. We refuse every request — no exceptions, no compromises, under any circumstances.

✕
No Performances

Elephants are not entertainers. Ours live at their own pace, on their own terms — as nature intended.

✕
Zero Force

Bathing, feeding, walking — all activities follow each elephant's own mood and instinct. Nothing is ever forced.

✕
No Bull Hooks

Our mahouts build relationships grounded in trust and care — not dominance or control instruments.

○
Habitat Protection

40+ acres of protected forest. We grow elephant food on-site, actively reforest land and support anti-poaching efforts.

○
Community First

Partnered with Karen Hill Tribe mahouts to create dignified livelihoods and preserve generations of traditional elephant knowledge.

How to Book
Four Steps to an Extraordinary Day
01
Choose Your Tour

Browse 13 tours across Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya. Pick the experience that fits your group size and schedule.

02
Complete Your Booking

Open your chosen tour, enter the guest and pickup details, then review the booking before payment.

03
Confirm & Pay Deposit

Receive confirmation and pay a small deposit online. Remaining balance on the day — cash or card accepted.

04
Enjoy Your Day

Driver picks you up on time. English-speaking guide throughout. Free professional photos uploaded within 72 hours.

Tripadvisor Recognition
Trusted by travelers,
year after year.

LivingGreen Elephant Sanctuary has received Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice recognition across 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. These awards reflect consistent guest satisfaction, thoughtful guiding and ethical elephant encounters in Chiang Mai.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 award for LivingGreen Elephant Sanctuary Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025 award for LivingGreen Elephant Sanctuary Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024 award for LivingGreen Elephant Sanctuary Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2023 award for LivingGreen Elephant Sanctuary
Guest Reviews
What Our Visitors Say
★★★★★

"The most meaningful day of our entire trip. Seeing elephants roam freely — no performances, no riding — genuinely moved me to tears. The guides were exceptional."

Sarah M.
United Kingdom · Full-Day Pad Thai Cooking Tour
★★★★★

"Only 90 minutes from Bangkok and we were in the jungle with elephants. The 180° viewpoint left us speechless. Meeting baby Charlie was the highlight of our holiday."

James & Priya L.
Australia · Chonburi Morning Session from Bangkok
★★★★★

"Bamboo rafting plus elephant sanctuary in one day is genius. The Pad Thai we cooked ourselves tasted incredible. Photos arrived beautifully within 24 hours. Unforgettable."

Marco T.
Italy · Bamboo Rafting Combo · Chiang Mai
Elephant Care Journal
Travel with Deeper Understanding

Field notes for thoughtful travelers: how to recognize genuine welfare, prepare for your sanctuary day, and choose an encounter that respects the herd.

Explore All Guides →
June 02, 2026 · Ethical Travel Thailand Elephant Sanctuary FAQ: 18 Questions to Ask Before You Book Direct answers to the questions travelers ask most often about ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, from riding and bathing to prices, kids and hotel... Read the Guide → June 02, 2026 · Ethical Travel Chiang Mai vs Bangkok vs Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary Tours: Which Location Fits Your Thailand Trip? Compare Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya elephant sanctuary tours by travel time, itinerary style, hotel pickup and the type of traveler each location suits. Read the Guide → June 02, 2026 · Ethical Travel What Is the Best Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand? A Responsible Traveler's Decision Guide There is no single best elephant sanctuary for every traveler. Use this practical welfare-first framework to compare Thailand elephant experiences before you book. Read the Guide →
FAQ
Everything You Need to Know
Absolutely not. We strictly prohibit riding, shows and forced activities. Riding causes permanent spinal damage — a line we will never cross under any circumstance.
Yes — all 13 tours include round-trip hotel transfers. Chiang Mai: free within 5 km of the Old City. Bangkok: free across 3 pickup zones. Pattaya: free for all North, Central & South Pattaya hotels.
At least 24 hours in advance. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. During peak season (November–March) we recommend booking 1 week ahead to secure your preferred date.
Yes, completely free. A professional photographer accompanies every group. Photos are uploaded within 72 hours and kept for 90 days. You may request removal of any images at any time. Personal use only.
All ages are welcome. Infants 0–3 years are free. Children 4–8 receive a discounted rate. Parental supervision required during all elephant interactions. Water activities are always optional and never forced.
All tours are guided in English. Mandarin Chinese and Thai guides are available on request — please mention your preference when booking. Thaielehub Sanctuary explicitly offers EN/TH/ZH.
No. Bathing happens only when the elephant chooses to enter the water. Guests who prefer not to join water activities are never pressured — watching from the riverbank is equally special.
A small deposit is paid online at the time of booking. The remaining balance is settled on the day — cash (Thai Baht) or card. Credit card payments carry no surcharge when booked directly through us.

Ready to Book?

One click from
an extraordinary day.

Book at least 24 hrs ahead  ·  Free cancellation  ·  Hotel transfer included
Confirmed within 6 hours  ·  Meals & photography always included

Choose Your Tour
✓ Free cancellation ✓ Hotel transfer ✓ Meals included ✓ Free photography ✓ Insurance