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        Why We Don’t Offer Feeding & Bathing
Learn why ethical sanctuaries have stopped feeding and bathing activities — and why this matters for elephant welfare...
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      Where rescued elephants live freely — no riding, no shows.
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      Walk beside elephants, learn their stories, and support local communities.
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      Proud finalist in Responsible Thailand Awards for animal welfare.
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      ⭐ 4.8 (120 reviews) | ⏱ 4 hours
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Tour Code: KAP34
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      ⭐ 4.9 (95 reviews) | ⏱ 1.5 hours
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      ⭐ 4.9 (150 reviews) | ⏱ 4 hours
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      ⭐ 4.9 (210 reviews) | ⏱ 8 hours
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Book NowResponsible Thailand Awards
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.
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.
stands for truly ethical elephant tourism. Here, our elephants enjoy enrichment activities that support both their physical and mental well-being. Guests are welcome to observe natural behaviors, join enrichment sessions, and learn directly from our guides — all without disturbing the elephants’ freedom.
More Than a Visit, It’s a Commitment.
At Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, we say no to riding, shows, and forced interactions — and yes to freedom, enrichment, and respect.
Book NowSee what real travelers say about Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
 
        ⭐ 4.9 (0+ reviews)
Certified ethical elephant experiences with excellent traveler feedback.
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        ⭐ 4.8 (0+ reviews)
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        ⭐ 4.9 (0 reviews)
Rated by travelers worldwide — see the latest photos & feedback.
See on GoogleStep 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.
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.
 
         
         
         
         
         
        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.
Rescued Elephants
Rai of Land
Staff & Mahouts
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.
We are an independent sanctuary located near Sai Rung Waterfall. Please double-check your booking to avoid confusion.
 
         
        We are not the same as the sanctuaries below:
Many guests get confused with nearby places. Please follow this exact location to reach Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an incredible morning at the most ethical elephant sanctuary I’ve visited in Khao Lak, Thailand, and it’s an experience I’ll cherish forever. From the moment we arrived, the sanctuary’s commitment to the well-being of these majestic creatures shone through. The staff took the time to educate us on how elephants naturally follow food sources, explaining their migration across Asia to Thailand in search of sustenance—a fascinating insight into their instincts. They were upfront about avoiding typical tourist activities like bathing or hand-feeding, noting these aren’t natural behaviors for elephants, and assured us there were no baby elephants. Far from being disappointed, we found this approach refreshing and deeply educational. The highlight was feeding the elephants by tossing food onto the ground, a method the guide explained as an enrichment activity. It mimicked their natural foraging, turning it into a playful game that kept their environment authentic. We learned how too much sugar cane or bananas—equated to sweets for us—can be unhealthy, and they shared details on the massive amounts of food these gentle giants need daily. We were able to walk nearby and admire them in their natural habitat, which was awe-inspiring. No collars, no sticks, no force—just each elephant bonded with their dedicated caretaker, whom they followed willingly. The photos I’ve attached capture the magic of this experience: the elephants roaming freely, their trunks gracefully exploring the ground, and the serene landscape they call home. This sanctuary’s dedication to ethical practices and education made it a standout morning, leaving us with profound respect for these incredible animals. Highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful, authentic encounter!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hier werden die Elefanten gut behandelt und können frei um ganzen Waldgebiet rumlaufen. Man darf weder mit ihnen Baden gehen noch auf ihnen reiten, was ich sehr gut finde! Jeder Elefant hat einen eigenen Pfleger, der mit ihnen Baden geht und sich um sie kümmert. Ich kann diese Sanctuary jedem empfehlen!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was such an amazing experience to be walking beside these gentle giants! Tonny our tour guide was super knowledgeable and happily answered all the questions I bombarded him with.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WOW! Eine sehr schöne Erfahrung ohne Reiten, Schwimmen oder sonstigen Müll. Einfach nur Beobachten, Futter geben, mit Spazieren ohne zwang und Mühe. Wir haben eine geführte Tour von 1h gebucht und sich begeistert. Der Tourguide hat uns viel über das Sanctuary sowie über die Elefanten erzählt. Es war sehr Informativ sowie spannend mehr über die Elefanten zu erfahren. Spannend daran ist das jeder Elefant sprich 5 im ganzen, haben einen eigenen man kann schon sagen Aufpasser die für diese zuständigem sind. Also nicht jeder Elefant wird von jedem betreut sondern jeder hat seinen eignene. Man spürte auch die Verbundenheit denn ohne Schläge oder Leine oder wildes herumfuchtel folgte der Elefant seinem Aufpasser ohne Stress und Zwang. Sehr zu Empfehlen für die jenigen die noch etwas von Elefanten halten und diese fröhlich und glücklich sehen wollen ohne Show! Vielen Dank für eure Arbeit und Liebe!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience! Thoroughly recommend-informative and riveting. Such amazing creatures and will never forget xPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing elephant tour with “Jungle Boy.” He was so kind and answered any questions we had about the elephants. I’d recommend everyone to come here to the Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. חווה יפה לשיקום פיליםPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend the ethical elephant sanctuary in Khao Lak. There is no riding or tricks here - just observing these amazing animals in their natural environment. You can immediately see that the staff treats the elephants with great love and care. An unforgettable experience!
Quietly follow the elephants as they forage, socialize, or relax in their natural rhythm.
Help prepare seasonal elephant snacks with tamarind, bananas, salt, and rice husk—then observe elephants enjoy them.
Learn from mahouts and guides about elephant psychology, body language, and individual rescue stories.
Photography from a respectful distance only.
Hear inspiring rescue stories and learn how our team cares for each elephant with respect.
Observe elephants cooling off in the river, enjoying water play at their own pace.
Stories, tips, and insights from Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
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          NEW
        Learn why ethical sanctuaries have stopped feeding and bathing activities — and why this matters for elephant welfare...
Read More → 2D 1N Program
          2D 1N Program
        Spend 2 days & 1 night beside the herd. Watch elephants forage, rest, and play on their own terms...
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        Help provide meals and care for rescued elephants while contributing to our Elephant Protector Museum...
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        Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary was awarded Runner-up in Responsible Animal Welfare at the Responsible Thailand Awards 2024...
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        From hiring staff in Khao Lak to sourcing bananas and sugarcane from local farmers, our sanctuary grows with the community...
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        Discover how enrichment helps elephants thrive — from tearing banana trees to splashing in mud pools on their own terms...
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