NEW Sep 2025
Why We Don’t Offer Feeding & Bathing
Learn why ethical sanctuaries have stopped feeding and bathing activities — and why this matters for elephant welfare...
Read More →Most Popular Activities
Small-group, ethical programs — no riding, no shows.
Best Seller Ethical Elephants & Rubber Plantation
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
- Small group
From฿1,700
Top Rated Eco Guided Elephant Sanctuary Tour
- Hotel transfers
- Educational talk
- No riding
From฿3,200
Popular Eco Guided Walk and Learn with Elephants
- Observation only
- Mahout Q&A
- Community support
From฿1,600
Day Tour Eco-Safari: Elephants, Tsunami Museum & Turtles
- Half day tour
- Short walk & learn
- Photo stops
From฿2,700
Cooking Class Khao Lak Cooking Class with Chef's Market Tour
- Buy Food at Market
- Choose your own food to cook
- Include meal
From฿2,500
Day Tour All-Day Experience Ethical Elephants with Guide
- Full day tour
- Short walk & learn
- Participate work
From฿5,000
Traveler Reviews & Ratings
See what real travelers say about Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
Tripadvisor
Certified ethical elephant experiences with excellent traveler feedback.
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Responsible Thailand Awards
Awarded for Responsible Tourism
Responsible Thailand Awards 2024 — Runner-up, Responsible Animal Welfare
You’re visiting a sanctuary recognized for ethical, responsible elephant care. Our practices are independently reviewed and celebrated at the national level — so you can feel confident your visit supports real welfare and conservation.
- Verified standards in animal welfare
- Non-riding, observation-led experiences
- Positive impact for elephants & local community
Important Update for 2025
Starting in 2025, Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary has officially stopped guest feeding programs. Instead, we now focus on elephant welfare activities, allowing elephants to express their natural behaviors while guests enjoy observation-led, ethical experiences.
- No feeding programs since 2025
- Focus on natural behaviors such as foraging, mud bathing & social interaction
- Welfare-centered activities designed for responsible tourism
Be an Elephant Caretaker: 2 Days 1 Night
Step into the life of an elephant caretaker and experience what it’s like to live alongside the herd. To protect the well-being of our elephants and guests, this program is strictly limited to 5 participants only, ensuring a quiet, respectful, and intimate experience.
- Join daily routines with elephants — feeding, walking, and enrichment
- Observe natural behaviors: foraging, mud bathing & social interaction
- Eco-accommodation in a tranquil jungle setting
- Evening activity: join caretakers in bathing elephants after closing time
Day 1 – Arrival & Caretaker Introduction
- Hotel pickup & check-in at the sanctuary
- Briefing on elephant welfare & your role as caretaker
- Prepare natural food & walk with the herd to forage
- Assist caretakers with enrichment activities
- After the park closes: help bathe the elephants — part of their daily routine
- Dinner & overnight in eco-accommodation
Day 2 – Morning with the Herd
- Wake to jungle sounds & elephants starting their day
- Assist with morning feeding and observe natural behaviors
- Farewell breakfast & transfer back to hotel
Since 2025: No feeding programs. Experiences are welfare-centered & observation-led. Evening bathing activity is part of elephants’ daily care routine after the sanctuary closes.
Program Gallery
About Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
We are more than a sanctuary — we are part of the local community. Our mission combines ethical elephant care, sustainable tourism, and support for Khao Lak locals.
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Rescued Elephants
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Rai of Land
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Staff & Mahouts
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Local Employment (%)
We proudly employ staff from the Khao Lak area, creating jobs and supporting families. Our elephants’ diet — fresh grass, bananas, and sugarcane — is sourced directly from local farmers, ensuring our community grows together with us.
Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary (Near Sai Rung Waterfall)
We are an independent sanctuary located near Sai Rung Waterfall. Please double-check your booking to avoid confusion.
Our Location
- Official name: Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary
- Area: Near Sai Rung Waterfall
- Independent operation, our own team & programs
Not Affiliated With
We are not the same as the sanctuaries below:
- Elephant Sanctuary by ECO KHAO LAK ADVENTURE
- Elephant Sanctuary Khaolak
- Phang Nga Elephant Park
Please make sure you book the correct sanctuary.
Find Us Easily
Many guests get confused with nearby places. Please follow this exact location to reach Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary.
What You’ll Experience
Meet Our Elephants
Boon-Song
Boon-Song spent decades in logging and tourism, which left her frail. Now, she roams freely, receiving special nourishment to maintain her health and enjoying the sanctuary’s serene environment.
Som-Boon
Somboon is one of the eldest residents, having endured years of hard work as a trekking elephant. Despite weakened joints and no tusks, she enjoys peaceful forest walks, embracing her well-deserved rest.
Chom-Pu
Chompu, once overworked in trekking camps, now explores the forest and splashes in the river. Her resilient spirit shines despite her past hardships and physical strain.
Som-Paan
Som-Paan has scars and trembles from years of logging and labor. Rescued from abuse, she now receives care and enjoys the tranquility of the sanctuary, free from exploitation.
Darlie
Darlie performed circus tricks in her youth, causing joint pain. Though wary at first, she’s found joy in her new home, forming bonds with other elephants.
Siri-Phorn
Siri-Phorn, a former logging and riding elephant, bears scars from her past but is now safe. Though cautious, she’s adjusting to her peaceful new life, showcasing her strength.
Travel Blog & Updates
Stories, tips, and insights from Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
NEW 2D 1N Program Aug 2025
Overnight: Live Like a Mahout
Spend 2 days & 1 night beside the herd. Watch elephants forage, rest, and play on their own terms...
Read More → Aug 2025
Support Our Elephant Protector Project
Help provide meals and care for rescued elephants while contributing to our Elephant Protector Museum...
Read More → Jul 2025
Recognized: Responsible Tourism Award
Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary was awarded Runner-up in Responsible Animal Welfare at the Responsible Thailand Awards 2024...
Read More → Jul 2025
How We Support Local Communities
From hiring staff in Khao Lak to sourcing bananas and sugarcane from local farmers, our sanctuary grows with the community...
Read More → Jun 2025
What Is Elephant Enrichment?
Discover how enrichment helps elephants thrive — from tearing banana trees to splashing in mud pools on their own terms...
Read More →