Top 8 Elephant Sanctuaries Near Bangkok: Expertly Selected for You

As the national animal of Thailand, elephants are a must-see for many travelers visiting Thailand. Imagine the joy of feeding, bathing, and walking alongside these majestic creatures, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

If you're looking to connect with elephants, but aren't heading to Chiang Mai or Phuket, which have more sanctuary options, we've carefully researched a list of the top eight elephant sanctuaries near Bangkok. Each sanctuary offers unique experiences for a close encounter with these gentle giants.

1. Elephants World Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi

• Distance from Bangkok: 165 km (103 miles), about 2½ hours' drive

ElephantsWorld, one of the largest and most popular elephant sanctuaries near Bangkok, is home to over 30 elephants aged 8 to 90 years old. There, you could participate in activities like gathering and planting food for the elephants, cleaning fruits and vegetables, preparing sticky rice, feeding these gentle giants, and giving them a refreshing bath or scrub in the river.

The sanctuary offers various programs, from half-day visits to week-long mahout (elephant worker) experiences. A 1-day program from Kanchanaburi, including a private transfer, costs 70 USD per person (prices are for reference only and may change), with a 25% discount for kids aged 4 to 11.

2. Elephant Haven, Kanchanaburi

• Distance from Bangkok: 174 km (108 miles), about 2½ hours' drive

Elephant Haven is a top choice for responsible tourism in Thailand, where you could interact with elephants in a natural and ethical environment. Their educational programs highlight the challenges Asian elephants face and the need for conservation.

You could choose from half-day visits, full-day excursions, or 2-day stays. A 1-day program from Kanchanaburi, including a bus pickup, costs about 70 USD per person, with a 50% discount for children aged 3 to 11.

3. Somboon Legacy Foundation, Kanchanaburi

• Distance from Bangkok:134 km (83 miles), about 1½ hours' drive

Founded in 2019, Somboon Legacy Foundation offers a safe, natural haven for elephants, where they roam freely without the risk of exploitation. You could observe and interact with these majestic animals in an ethical way, such as preparing fruit salads for the older elephants, but you won't be feeding or bathing them there.

You could choose from half-day, 1-day, or 2-day tours. A 1-day visit costs about 80 USD per person and children under 13 get in for free (with a 6 USD charge for lunch).

4. Elephants' Home & Nature, Kanchanaburi

• Distance from Bangkok: 168 km (104 miles), about 2½ hours' drive

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Lum Sum, Kanchanaburi, Elephants' Home & Nature offers a peaceful escape where you could connect with elephants in a natural and ethical setting.

There, you could immerse yourself in activities like feeding and bathing the elephants while learning about wildlife conservation and responsible tourism. The sanctuary's educational programs emphasize the importance of elephant welfare and sustainable living, providing both insight and inspiration.

Choose from half-day or full-day programs, with the 1-day experiences including educational talks, jungle treks, and interactive elephant activities. Prices range from 80 to 100 USD, depending on your group size.

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5. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Pattaya

• Distance from Bangkok: 146 km (91 miles), about 2 hours' drive

If you're heading from Bangkok to Pattaya and want to spend half a day with elephants, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a great choice.

This sanctuary is committed to the well-being of its elephants, ensuring their health, safety, and happiness. You would experience ethical and memorable interactions as you build connections with these majestic animals.

The sanctuary offers a half-day program designed to align with the elephants' natural routines. Prices start at 80 USD per person, varying by group size, with a 35% discount for children aged 4 to 11.

6. The Hutsadin Elephant Foundation, Hua Hin

• Distance from Bangkok: 205 km (127 miles), about 3 hours' drive

Hutsadin Elephant Foundation was established by three local businessmen with the goal of rescuing elephants abandoned by their owners due to health issues, old age, or inability to work further. This non-profit organization ensures that all funds received are used directly for the welfare of the elephants.

Hutsadin Elephant Foundation currently does not offer any riding activities. However, you could engage in various memorable activities, such as walking with the elephants, feeding them, showering them, and participating in an engaging and educational activity. A half-day of mahout experience activities costs from 80 USD per person. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 are eligible for a 30% discount off the standard price.

7. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), Phetchaburi

• Distance from Bangkok: 175 km (109 miles), about 2½ hours' drive

More than elephants, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is Thailand's largest wildlife rescue center, specializing in rescuing domesticated or captive wild animals. The core mission of WFFT is to alter the tourism habits of international visitors to address wildlife exploitation issues.

At WFFT, you would get an exclusive tour of the enclosures for rescued elephants, tigers, bears, monkeys, and more. You may explore WFFT through an organized day trip or a half-day trip.

Witness hundreds of fascinating creatures and interact with elephants (preparing food and feeding them) in a cruelty-free manner, without exploitation. A full-day trip is priced at 80 USD per person. Children aged 4 to 11 receive a 30% discount.

8. Elephant Park Bangkok

• Distance from Bangkok: 10 km (6 miles), about 30 minutes' drive

Bangkok Elephant Park, the closest elephant sanctuary to Bangkok, opened its doors in 2024. Located on the city's outskirts, this new sanctuary shelters four rescued elephants, aged 12, 6, 5, and 5 (2024).

Perfect for a family-friendly and educational experience, the park offers activities like creating nasal medicine paste and feeding, walking with, preparing food for, giving mud baths to, and bathing the elephants.

If you're looking for a half-day trip filled with meaningful elephant care experiences without traveling far, Bangkok Elephant Park is a great choice. The half-day program is priced at 50 USD per person.