About this activity
Editor's Note
After twenty years in this business, I’ve seen the "elephant tourism" machine churn out some pretty questionable leads. For a long time, the industry was obsessed with RevPAR and high occupancy at the expense of actual ethics—if it made money and kept the guests happy, no one asked too many questions about the chains. But the tide is turning, thank God. The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary in Chonburi is a prime example of what happens when we stop treating animals like props for a circus and start treating them like the sentient beings they are. It’s located just 90 minutes from the chaos of Bangkok, yet it feels worlds away from the "performative" tours that still, unfortunately, plague parts of Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a ride, go buy a bike; if you want to actually connect with nature without the guilt of supporting outdated practices, this is where you spend your Baht. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a tour that prioritizes the welfare of the elephant over the "perfect" Instagram shot, even if they do give you plenty of opportunities for the latter.
About the Tour
Escape the urban heat of Bangkok for a day of compassion and connection at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. Nestled within 40 acres of lush mountain scenery in Chonburi, this sanctuary serves as a peaceful haven for rescued elephants. Here, the focus is entirely on animal welfare, operating under a strict no-riding, no-chains, and no-performance policy.
The Experience
Your journey begins with a transition into traditional Mo Hom clothing, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sanctuary's atmosphere. You’ll spend your time observing these gentle giants as they roam freely, forage for food, and interact with one another in a natural setting.
- Interaction: Hand-feed the elephants and walk alongside them through forest paths.
- Education: Knowledgeable guides share the individual rescue stories of each elephant, providing deep insights into conservation efforts.
- The Mud Spa: Watch (and join!) the elephants as they roll in the mud to protect their skin from the sun, followed by a natural bath in the water.
- Dining: Enjoy a freshly prepared Ancient Pad Thai made with local ingredients while taking in panoramic mountain views.
Schedule & Logistics
The sanctuary offers two flexible sessions to fit your travel plans. Whether you’re an early bird or prefer a later start, the experience is designed to be seamless.
Itinerary (Approx. 6–7 Hours)
- Departure: Pickup from your Bangkok hotel or the Ekkamai Bus Station.
- Arrival: Welcome at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, Chonburi.
- Orientation: Enjoy a local meal and a safety/educational briefing.
- Interaction: Feeding and observing the elephants in their habitat.
- Trekking: A light walk through the forest with the herd.
- Bathing: Natural water play and mud bathing.
- Return: Transfer back to your original pickup point.
Important Information
- What’s Included: Round-trip transportation (if selected), traditional clothing, all equipment, and lunch.
- What to Bring: A change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera.
- Weather Note: Elephants are never forced into the water, particulary if the weather is unusually cold.
- Flexibility: This trip is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s an easy "escape" that provides a massive impact on the lives of these animals.
By choosing this tour, you are directly contributing to the food, medical care, and land required to keep these rescues happy and healthy. It is a day of nature that you wont soon forget.
Highlights
- Get up close and personal with elephants at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
- Enjoy a local meal and get briefed before feeding and interacting with elephants
- Trek through the jungle with the elephants and take a refreshing bath with them
- Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and the importance of elephants
- Enjoy a hassle-free day trip with round-trip transportation from Bangkok
Know before you go
- Routing may be adjusted subject to weather conditions.
- Menu items may change based on ingredient seasonality.
- Drop-off service follows the same zone restrictions as pick-up service.
- The exact pick-up time and driver details will be sent to your email after order confirmation. Please kindly check your email again the evening before your travel date for the latest information.
- An additional charge of 200 Baht applies per bag for both medium and large suitcases.
- For shared transfers, pick-up and drop-off locations must be the same; drop-off changes are not allowed.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Van
(1.5 hours)
+
Visit
Van
(1.5 hours)
2 drop-off locations:
Ekkamai Bus Terminal, Bangkok