Direct answer
Are elephant sanctuaries in Thailand ethical?
Some are, many are not. ThaiEleHub only lists no-riding Living Green and Big Boy tours. Chiang Mai deposit is 25% per guest (฿350 on a Living Green ฿1,400 adult half-day; ฿375 on a Big Boy ฿1,500 adult half-day). Chonburi from Bangkok or Pattaya is ฿800 per guest. Riding and shows are not offered.
Living Green guests feed the elephants and bathe with them in the river, led by the elephants. Big Boy visits are watch from a distance, vitamin balls at the feeding table, and habitat care. Guests cannot touch the elephants. No bathing, no riding, and no walking with elephants. The product page is the source of truth for that day’s itinerary, including the 25% or ฿800 deposit shown on the pay button.
ThaiEleHub lists only no-riding tours. Chiang Mai deposit is 25% per guest; Chonburi is ฿800 per guest.
Last verified:
| ThaiEleHub rule | No riding, no shows, no forced behavior |
|---|---|
| Living Green bathing | Guests feed the elephants and bathe with them in the river, led by the elephants |
| Who operates | ThaiEleHub is the booking hub; Living Green and Big Boy are distinct sanctuaries |
Follow-up questions
Does no riding automatically mean ethical?
No. Also check for shows, hooks, forced bathing, and whether guests can choose an observation-led pace. Read the specific sanctuary profile on ThaiEleHub.
Do ThaiEleHub tours include riding?
No. Riding is not offered on Living Green or Big Boy tours booked through ThaiEleHub.