Elephant Hotels & Resorts in Thailand (A Travel Expert's Picks)

When planning a trip to Thailand, staying close to its majestic elephants could turn your vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

With various types of accommodation available, what is the best choice? A sanctuary hotel or a luxury resort?

Let's explore the best places to stay to make the most of your elephant encounters in Thailand.

Where to Stay to See Elephants in Thailand

In Thailand, you typically have two types of elephant hotels: overnight elephant sanctuaries, which focus on elephant care and education, and elephant resorts, which offer a more comprehensive vacation experience.

Chiang Mai is home to most overnight sanctuaries. These sanctuaries often offer basic lodging in relation to elephant volunteer programs. Therefore, don't be surprised if there's no air-conditioning or luxury touches.

However, if comfort is a priority for you, then all-inclusive resorts are the way to go. These resorts are often found in less well-known places, such as Chiang Rai and Khao Sok National Park. Exclusive elephant interactions are usually part of a broader, hassle-free vacation experience.

Top 4 Elephant Resorts in Thailand

With a serene atmosphere, distinctive rooms, and seamless, exclusive activities, an all-inclusive resort is the ideal choice for couples or families looking for something truly special.

The elephant resorts we have chosen all prioritize elephant welfare, with no riding options available.

1. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai: Special Jungle Bubble Rooms

• Price: starting from 947 USD per room per night
• Location: 1-hour drive from Chiang Rai International Airport

Nestled in the Golden Triangle region, Anantara is one of Thailand's most famous and luxurious elephant resorts.

This all-inclusive resort has rescued over 20 elephants. To interact with them, you could take part in elephant care like a mahout: preparing food, feeding the elephants, and even walking alongside them.

For a short experience, don't miss the 90-minute 'Walking with Giants,' which is highly rated by our clients. You would stroll through the hotel's meadows with the elephants, feed them, and chat with their mahouts for more information about elephants.

For something truly special, consider a dusk-to-dawn stay in a jungle bubble. All of your activities would take place with elephants next to you. Imagine savoring an al fresco meal prepared by a private chef while elephants are next to you under the starry sky.

Note: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort requests a minimum stay of 2 nights.

2. Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle: Exclusive Stay with a Limited Number of 16 Tents

• Price: starting from 2,818 USD per room per 2-night package
• Location: 1-hour drive from Chiang Rai International Airport

For those seeking a luxurious safari experience, the Four Seasons Tented Camp stands out as a hidden gem in the Golden Triangle.

As a special start, you would reach the hotel via a traditional longtail boat, which takes you close to the jungle views and river view on the Myanmar side.

Inside the camp, you could interact with resident elephants, such as observing their bathing rituals and sharing breakfast with them. For more fun, couples could enjoy an open-air private spa amid the bamboo forests, while families with kids could cycle around the surrounding villages and go fishing with locals.

With 16 lavish tents set in a lush jungle, you could enjoy private intimate hours with your loved one(s). Please note that Four Seasons Tented Camp requires a minimum stay of 2 nights and each tent accommodates a maximum of three people only.

3. Elephant Hills, Khao Sok: Great for Outdoor Adventures in Southern Thailand

• Price: from 13,875 THB / 410 USD per room per 2-day package
• Location: 1½ hours' drive from Surat Thani Airport and 4 hours' drive from Phuket

Located in southern Thailand, Elephant Hills is Thailand's first luxury tented jungle camp offering safari-like accommodation.

For the elephant experience there, you could feed and observe elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. But it's not just about elephants. You would also have the chance to explore the wild through canoeing, jungle walks, wildlife spotting, and cruising on Cheow Lan Lake.

There are two camps at Elephant Hills Khao Sok: a rainforest camp and a lake camp. Since the elephant interaction is a key part of every package, staying at least one night at the rainforest camp is a must. But if your time allows, add a night at the floating tented camp on Cheow Lan Lake. Picture waking up to stunning sunrises and taking a refreshing swim right from your tent!

Note for a family with kids: Are you traveling with kids? One tent could comfortably fit two adults and two children at most. If you have five family members, just grab a second tent.

4. The Bush Camp Chiang Mai: Most Focus on Elephant Interactions

• Price: from 13,875 THB / 410 USD per room per package
• Location: 2 hours' drive from Chiang Mai International Airport

Located just 2 hours from Chiang Mai, The Bush Camp Chiang Mai offers a unique glamping experience with only 10 tents, ensuring a private and tranquil getaway.

This camp is all about elephants. You're welcomed by an elephant playing by the lobby. Your tents would be also full of elephant decorations, such as elephant chairs.

To interact with elephants, you would help to prepare food for them, such as cutting up sugar cane and fruits. Then, feed them at a close distance! (During our visit in September, we discovered that elephants can be picky eaters too! Just like babies, they love sweet fruits but aren't fans of grass!)

Beyond feeding, you could also observe the elephants to see how they bathe, throw mud, and socialize with each other. Making elephant dung paper would also give you more facts about elephants.

For some cultural immersion, learn to husk rice and cook traditional northern Thai dishes in a Karen village-style house.

As one of their few exclusive partners, we could offer special agent rates for your hassle-free booking! Contact us for even more early bird discounts!

Check out the tour details of exploring Chiang Mai with a glamping stay at the Bush Camp...

Top Overnight Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

After checking out a few places in person, we've decided to skip the elephant sanctuaries that provide a more basic homestay at a shared base. This includes well-known options, such as Elephant Nature Park, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and Following Giants in Krabi.

Scroll down to see the details of two ethical sanctuaries with much better facilities and comfort!

1. Chai Lai Orchid, Chiang Mai: Budget-Friendly Eco Lodge

• Price: from 3,200 THB / 95 USD per room per night
• Location: 1½ hours' drive from Chiang Mai International Airport

Chai Lai Orchid is a family-run elephant sanctuary with eco-friendly lodging. Most visitors choose a half-day or full-day elephant caring program to feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants.

But staying overnight gives you more chances to connect with them. One highlight is the "Elephant Wake-Up Service". An elephant would gently knock on your door at the appointed time in the morning. Then, you could even feed them bananas and sugarcane right at your doorstep.

When booking your room, we recommend a mountain-view or river-view bungalow for more comfort. All of the rooms are simple. There is no air-conditioning and some don't even have hot water. You're also likely to encounter bugs or geckos in your room. If that bothers you, this might not be the best choice.

Secrets to Getting Discounts at Elephant Resorts in Thailand

Do you want to save on elephant resorts in Thailand? Here's a tip: traveling during the rainy season (May to October) could cut your costs by about 20%!

Also, steer clear of the summer crowds (June to August) for better deals. When you book with us, you could also get some great travel agency discounts.

Shall I Book an Elephant Resort or Overnight Sanctuary in Advance?

Yes, last-minute bookings are rarely possible for elephant resorts or overnight sanctuaries due to their limited rooms. You'd better book them at least 3 months in advance.

However, make sure to book only after finalizing your travel plans, as most places would charge a cancellation fee, even for cancellations made just 2 weeks in advance.

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