Location: Phetchaburi, Thailand
Recommended by Coritta of It’s a Family Thing
How do I know it’s ethical?
It can be hard to find an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Many places claim to be sanctuaries, although they offer elephant rides and can not provide proper care for the gentle giants. One of the most reputable and ethical animal sanctuaries is Wildlife Friend Foundation, located two hours from Bangkok.
This organization is instrumental in the fight against animal tourism. This sanctuary is different from others because they offer homes to several animal species that have suffered from animal cruelty or were neglected by their owners while living in captivity.
Over the years, they have rescued domesticated elephants, offering them a sanctuary to retire and live out the rest of their years as elephants, not work mules.
Description of the Experience
There are different experiences available. The most popular one is the day trips. You are picked up from your hotel/Airbnb and driven to the sanctuary in the morning.
Upon arrival, you will are welcomed by a volunteer and learn more about the organization. You will then be introduced to the animals and learn about their stories. This includes a walk around the grounds to see the many animals that call this sanctuary home. Remember, this is no longer an interactive sanctuary. You will not bathe the elephants.
There is an option of a full or half-day tour, but the full-day is the best option. You will get the opportunity to get hands-on and prepare food for the elephants.
Although you will be hands-off with the elephants, this is your opportunity to see them up close.
Company/ Cost:
You can book directly through the Wildlife Friends Foundation. A full-day experience is 1,600 THB per person ($42 USD) and the half-day is 700 THB ($18 USD). Transportation is not included in this but can be accommodated if you contact them.
You can also spend a night at their eco-lodge, aptly named I Love Phants Lodge. Rooms start at 3,400 THB ($90 USD).


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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
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