7 Must-Visit Elephant Sanctuaries In Thailand 2025-26

The elephant tour is very famous in Thailand. Thousands of visitors come to this country to see elephants each year. These creatures were historically used for the purposes of warfare and royal ceremonies. This legacy contributed to the prominence of elephants in tourism. If you're thinking of a dreamy trip with your family, you should definitely visit Thailand. You can explore ancient temples, relax at stunning beaches, and do many fun activities here. Get Thailand holiday packages to ensure a seamless travel experience. No matter when you jet off to this charming place, elephant sanctuaries are a must-visit. In this comprehensive article, you’ll walk through the top 7 spots to enjoy elephant rides in the year 2025-26. So, continue to read ahead!
7 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand You Must Visit
The following is a list of the top 7 elephant sanctuaries you should visit in Thailand in 2025-26.
Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)
Are you planning to have a wonderful tour to Thailand? Make sure to go to the Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES) here. It is popular for its dedication to providing a safe and natural environment for rescued animals. This refuge ensures a completely improved life for elephants via a 'no touch' policy. You can visit this site with your kids and take part in animal welfare projects. Though you can’t touch these creatures, you can simply see them in the wild from a distance. Don't forget to bring a camera with you to click some memorable photographs!
ChangChill
ChangChill is the next elephant sanctuary to visit in Thailand. It is the first elephant-friendly commercial site in the world. The only focus of this venue is to provide shelter to elephants with proper care. You can enjoy a lot of activities at this spot, like preparing food for these lovely creatures. It is not allowed to touch these animals for safety concerns. However, you can learn about the behaviour of elephants and serve them in their natural habitat. You will feel so good while doing all these things. This is an amazing experience you can have while being in Thailand.
Kindred Spirit Animal Sanctuary
The Kindred Spirit Animal Sanctuary has made a great name in Thailand. It not only saves rescued elephants but also gives them a safe space to roam freely. This place has become a great source of tourism as well. Many people come to this sanctuary to entertain themselves as well as their children. You can go hiking to see these giant animals in their natural habitat. It will also be the best practice to engage in long-term volunteer programs. This will help further support the rescue mission of elephants. You should visit this site whenever you have a trip to Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park
The Elephant Nature Park is the major rehabilitation center in Thailand. Most people use elephants for unethical things, like logging, riding, and begging, which is not good. The Elephant Nature Park rescues these animals from these kinds of abusive situations. It aims to give these lovely animals the freedom to move anywhere freely. When you go to this sanctuary, you can have a close interaction with elephants. For instance, you can touch these creatures with your hands and also capture photos. It will also be a fun thing to participate in feeding the elephants.
Mahouts Elephant Foundation
Mahouts Elephant Foundation has been saving the lives of elephants for many years. It is a great tourist attraction in Thailand that you must visit with your family. You can have a unique experience of observing giant creatures rather than taking part in activities, like riding. If you're planning to go to this idyllic country for your next vacation, you must head to this site. The pretty animals of this venue will just awe you. You can indulge yourself in the local Karen culture to learn more about elephants. It is best to opt for Thailand holiday packages for guided tours.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was inspired by the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Over 14 elephants have been rescued from abusive behaviour till now. Your visit to this place starts at the Tree Top Lounge. You will get a brief documentary about elephant protection at this spot. Whether you're with your friends or family, it will be a smart choice to head to the Phuket Sanctuary. Riding is not allowed here, but you can feed elephants snacks. Imagine observing elephants taking a bath and foraging in the wild! It feels so fun and enjoyable at the same time.
Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary
Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary is also a renowned place in Thailand that you must visit. It gives elephants a great environment to grow while allowing visitors to have a direct interaction with these animals. Remember one thing that this sanctuary doesn't offer half-day or full-day tours. That means you have to stay here for at least 2 nights for a better experience. This will help you get more time in learning about these animals. You will have enough time to feed and take care of the elephants. Hence, you should never miss out on the chance to visit this place in Thailand.
In a Crux
Thailand is a great destination for those looking for a break from hectic life. There are beautiful beaches where you can lie down on the sand and relax your mind as well as your body. The elephant sanctuaries are no exception here. Many people come to this place each year to see the lovely experiences with elephants. Touching is not allowed, but you can still feed these animals and take care of them. It will also be a good approach to take part in animal welfare programs.
In case you have no time to plan your tour, get Thailand holiday packages from Virikson Holidays. This is how you can end up with a fully unforgettable and stress-free travel experience.