At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, these retired and rescued elephants can live in their natural habitat and are treated with the utmost respect. During the tour, guests will meet them all and discover their personal histories. Located halfway between Bangkok and Thailand near the old historical city of Sukhothai, Boon Lott is a highly respected place to see elephants in their natural environment. For many years, these gentle giants have been subjected to abuse and overwork, sometimes with horrific injuries. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Join our morning or afternoon program knowing you are supporting ethical elephant tourism and helping to make a difference. Opening in 2018, our original Bophut sanctuary is set on 15 rai of land and is home to 7 beautiful female elephants rescued from elephant riding and shows. (Child prices are 1,100THB for a full day and 700THB for a half-day.) To see Luna destroying cakes and Haven happily enjoying mud baths and watermelon has to be witnessed in person at least once! The need for sanctuary breeding programmes has caused division within animal activism circles too. Observation platforms overlook natural pools where visitors can watch the elephants splashing each other and covering themselves in cooling mud; open fields and jungle-covered hillsides provide plenty of space for elephant play and socialising. BEES have both rented and bought elephants for the sanctuary, both of which come with potential issues. If you crave a more immersive and intimate experience with the world's oceans, only an adventure that sprinkles your soul with salt water will do. Samui Elephant Haven is the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui, and it's less than a 20-minute drive from the Outrigger Koh Samui Resort. Koh Samui Travel Hub will cover everything there is to do and see in Koh Samui. They are working to return formerly captive elephants back to a protected forest area in the wild. They are passionate about educating tourists about the risks of unwittingly participating in unethical practices at so-called sanctuaries. Samui Elephant Haven offers morning or afternoon tours with professional, informative, and caring guides. How to visit: Morning and afternoon visits are available from 3,000THB per person. 14:45 Walk with the gentle giants through the park; the walk is taken at the elephants pace to ensure that guests have as much time with them as possible. 16,520THB per adult. The project works under the Save the Elephant Foundations off Saddle program. 2019 Samui Elephant Haven. Features animals. Each elephant has its own working history, but they all where made to work for the tourism Industry for elephant riding, logging and Circus until they are older, then shipped out for elephants trekking. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If coming to Thailand or Samui and want to be close to elephants please do so at Samui Elephant Sanctuary where the elephants are free to walk around with you, that is an elephants experience for sure. View our list of hands-off elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia here. How to visit: Both half-day morning and afternoon tours (three hours in total) cost 3,000THB per person and 1,500THB per child. Samui Elephant Sanctuary | Thailand Your email address will not be published. 14:1015:10 pm Prepare food for the elephants & feed the elephants, 15:1016:30 pm Observe the elephants foraging and interacting They offer morning and afternoon tour sessions with a professional guide. Home; Tours. Tiny ones under 4 years old Free Little ones 4 11 years old THB500 Big ones 12 years and over THB1000. They were also used as a mode of transport in daily life and even as a weapon of war. The staff at Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital work tirelessly around the clock to ensure their giant friends stay fighting fit. They now use the words elephant conservation and elephant sanctuary in many of their marketing materials, misleading tourists. Samui Elephant Sanctuary - A Safe Haven Now thatSamui ElephantHaven is open and they can carefully accept small groupsbecausesocial distancing is becomingmore relaxed,MaewSuriya, the founder, wants to afford island residents and visitors the opportunity of helping make nutritious rice ballstofeed the gentle herd. 13 ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary In Koh Samui Koh Samui is one of the most tourist friendly islands in Thailand, due to its upgraded infrastructure and ease of access. elephants previously spent their lives having to endure thousands of people clambering onto their backs for an elephant ride, performing in shows, begging on the streets or beaches, or pulling and pushing heavy timber in the logging industry. Emphasis is on observing the elephants interact, play, and express their instincts in a habitat that would be natural to them and with limited human interaction. MEET OUR ELEPHANTS Observing the tightly knit herdssocializing freely, communicating with each other, and providing comical turns; is an experience a visitor will never forget. Discount code: HANDSOFF. Check out their one-day volunteer program, a small-group opportunity (two to four adults) that includes transportation from the Outrigger Koh Samui Resort plus snacks and meals. . Interaction has been respectfully limited with these elephants, but visitors can watch them foraging, bathing, and socializing from a distance. They were injured by landmines and had to have limbs amputated. 13,535 were here. Read more about the ethics of elephant tourism, complete with opinions from the experts, here! We would like to invite everone to come to visit us and meet our herds together. Welcome and introduction video on who we are and why elephants need to be protected. Samui Elephant Sanctuary | $83.61 - Book Best Price Tour Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut): All You Need to Know Both Wittaya and Leks passion for helping elephants comes alive at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, which invites volunteers just like you to spend some of your time with them for an unforgettable experience. What are the Samui Elephant Sanctuary entry prices? A brilliant idea and important because I witnessed lots of visitors very scared to approach the elephants. The family wanted rid of the elephant and told BEES to find the money to buy her or they would sell her to a trekking camp. You can book your ethical elephant experience via our website here. How can you contribute as a visitor? The Elephant Sanctuary is a retirement home for rescued elephants. Female elephants are only permitted because mixing with males can cause aggression. Plenty of Thailands elephant sanctuaries are ethical and they are doing great work to care for rescued elephants. Have all your questions answered by travellers on the ground in Southeast Asia right now. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy, Happy Lisbon #pride, yall! Elephant Nature Park is located in Chiang Mai, the third largest city in the nation, and can be found in mountainous northern Thailand. By visiting our sanctuary, you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism. The Elite Concierge team will be happy to arrange for private transfers and tickets to the sanctuary. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was the first ever elephant sanctuary in Phuket to offer a hands-off experience for tourists (see below). Visits to the sanctuary take place all year round and include a pickup from Kanchanaburi bus or train station plus food and accommodation if doing an overnight stay. Inspired by the works of elephant conservationist and Save Elephant Foundation founder Lek Chailert, the . Visitors are allowed to walk and observe the elephants as they forage, play, and socialize with other elephants in their natural habitat. 11/8 Moo 5 Namuang Koh Samui Suratthanni84140 Thailand, Tel : (+66) 77-423-468, (+66) 86-393-8878, Explore the authentic Samui way of life program, Collaboration and ethical safety tourism by, Samui Elephant Home Caring and Education Center is where you will see the well-being that all. She was born in Baan Lao to a small hill tribe community, located north of Chiang Mai. This sanctuary is not only home to elephants but also tigers, monkeys, bears and crocodiles. During the tour, guests will meet them all and discover their personal histories. To everyone who has been following our family of elephants, we hope we have the opportunity to welcome you here at the sanctuary one day. After much scrutiny, Thailand has embraced ethical animal tourism and has provided safe sanctuaries for its national animal: elephants. Join us to witness just how incredible the largest land animal on earth truly is. I rode an elephant in Thailand back in 2016. A haven for rescued and injured elephants, Elephants World has plenty of space filled with lush green forests and a peaceful setting on the banks of the River Kwai. The team at the Haven has found creative ways of feeding their many hungry mouths. By the end of the exercise everybody was feeling safe around the elephants and happy to walk through the sanctuary. Since opening, it has expanded due more and more tourists visiting enabling the sanctuary to rescue more elephants for Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Samui Elephant Sanctuary (@samuielephantsanctuary) They offer morning and afternoon tour sessions with a professional guide. Share your experience with us in our Facebook community! You can stay overnight or become a volunteer if you plan on staying longer. Those with kids wont want to miss the ranger packages which are tailor-made for children! and is creating community farms for future sustainability with the help of the islands hotels. Eventually, she was able to end the performances and run the sanctuary as she wanted. The Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the very first of its kind in southern Thailand. Guests will learn some fascinating facts about these gentle pachyderms. It provides refuge to not only the rescued ones but also the old and the injured. and her four-year-old boy Perm Poon. To be in the presence of elephants is breathtaking and we are sure that your day at Samui Elephant Sanctuary will leave you deeply moved. Is Koh Samui elephant Sanctuary ethical? The special thing about this sanctuary is that you get a chance to stay at one of its sites glamping camps, fully immersing yourself in nature. Samui Elephant Home Caring and Education Center is where you will see the well-being that allelephants deserve, conserve the environment, and help local communities with sustainable tourism. Those elephants' age range from 8 to 90 years old. After all, if the elephants were living in the wild, they wouldnt be washed several times a day by groups of tourists. Imagine being greeted by the trumpeting morning calls of our elephant family before you start your day at Samui Elephant Haven! This is elephant tourism where you can get up close and personal with the magnificent residents. About: Situated in Mae Sot, close to the Thai-Myanmar border, youll find the LIFE project, run by Mahouts Elephant Foundation. The sanctuary was created in partnership with 137 Pillars Hotels and Resorts Thailands CSR. There is no touching, feeding or riding at this place, although visitors are permitted to take photos of the elephants. Elephants endured beatings daily and were stabbed with hooks to make them obey and spent most of their time in chains. 5 Tips to Find the Best Online Casino During Traveling, Whos Coming to London for King Charles Coronation. Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Located in Kanchanaburi, close to the River Kwai Bridge, it houses seven elephants. Then you will love and understand the new ecotourism more than ever. Located in a stunning rural area south of Chiang Mai, Burm and Emilys Elephant Sanctuary (BEES) is the kind of place where elephants can get to spend their golden years. The central location of SES Bophut makes it easy to get to from popular places to stay on the island. This industry has evolved a lot over recent years and the ethics of animal tourism are always changing. Samui Elephant Sanctuary was the first Sanctuary to be opened. Includes transportation and a delicious light vegetarian meal, NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED - Please pay in cash on arrival - credit cards not accepted (Thai Baht only), You will receive a confirmation email with your full details, including the pick up time from your hotel, We do not accept guests outside of our tour schedule or guests arriving directly at the sanctuary without prior booking confirmation. Ready to book your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Thailand? There is no entrance fee to visit Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, however, donations are encouraged. If you come during the rainy season volunteers will help with planting banana trees, bamboo or grass. To this day, I still feel the experience of riding an elephant did NOT justify the pain and trouble caused by the mites. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. About: Samui Elephant Sanctuary is one of two ethical elephant sanctuaries on the island of Koh Samui. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. At South East Asia Backpacker, we have chosen to work solely with elephant sanctuaries which practice a hands-off policy. Opened back in the 1990s, the park originally had elephants performing tricks for tourists. Walk with the elephants and observe them as they express their natural behaviours, such as foraging for food, bathing in the pool, and playing in the mud pit. We are pleased to announce that the one-week Elephant Volunteer Program is ready to once again welcome volunteers. This is considered one of Thailands hidden resorts as it is accessible only by river boats. For example, if they buy an elephant, will the owner use the money to purchase another? Rescued elephants between the ages of 30 to 70 years old stomp freely across lush green pastures in the picturesque jungle bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Many businesses, from hostels to tour companies and elephant sanctuaries, were forced to close. How to visit: Half-day experiences begin at approx. Weddings and other events have also been part of the mistreatment of elephants with many hotels and event planners offering the baby elephant experience. Most of the time the baby elephant is put on the back of a pickup truck and driven to the location and then spends time being a sideshow, with guests having their picture taken with them and being made to perform various so-called tricks. One such episode hit the international media when The Telegraph (UK) picked up on a story from Nikki Beach Phuket. They have worked hard, their bodies are tired, and we want their life with us to be enjoyable and peaceful. We will bring you to open the world of conservation to learn and understand the natural way of the well-being of animals, especially "Thai elephants," as well as to learn the coexistence of humans, animals, and nature for a sustainable. Tel: (+66) 095 269 8343. How to visit: If you want to visit ENP, book in advance. Prepare food for the elephants and then meet and feed the elephants. The guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. As such, the consensus is that one of the most ethical ways to encounter elephants is to visit an elephant sanctuary. Tel: (+66) 095 269 8343. By making an informed choice as to where you visit, you can rest easy knowing your money has gone to a good cause. Unfortunately, this issue is somewhat common. The Haven has many elephants in their care including Somboon and her baby bull Haven, the two nanniesSudaratand Sri Nin, the cheeky girlsMolorair, Kwan Samui, and Nong Pech, the boysPlaiBang and Sorn Ram, not to mentionAomand her four-year-old boy Perm Poon. Youll be able to enjoy a full safari-style experience while enjoying a luxurious stay in the tents. A sister project by Save the Elephant Foundation, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of old and injured elephants. Sangduen Lek Chailert, Elephant Whisperer and founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, has devoted her life to rescuing and rehabilitating working elephants. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Founded by Thai veterinarian Dr. Samart and his wife Khun Fon, the refuge began with rescuing three elephants. Set on the edge of a rainforest near Chiang Mai, in Thailand's north, the sanctuary was founded by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert in 1995. They are the number one operator on TripAdvisor and highly recommended by Lonely Planet! Samui Elephant Haven is the most significant ethical sanctuary on Koh Samui. The 'dark truth' behind elephant tourism includes separating baby elephants from their mothers to break their spirit. Our Chaweng Noi sanctuary opened in January 2020 and provides a loving home to 6 elephants on 40 rai of forested land - all rescued from a life of mistreatment. The founder of the sanctuary is Thai native, Wittaya Sala-Ngam who has learnt from Lek Chailert in making the sanctuary an ethical and protected place for rescued elephants. Elephant tourism: the fight in Asia against unethical operators steps up, 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Koh Samui, Thailand, Visit Thailands adorable isle of Koh Samui and its new elephant sanctuary, 10 places you need to go to ethically interact with elephants, Heartwarming moment elephant discovers a tree trunk is the perfect thing to scratch a jumbo itch, Samui Elephant Sanctuary wins Responsible Thailand award in London, Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand, Little Mix Jade Thirlwall's epic Thailand trip - roast dinners, beer and bikinis, The much-anticipated Samui Elephant Sanctuary is now open, Ethical Elephant Tourism: Do It For Dumbo, How volunteering with elephants turned into a dream job, Why Thailand is the perfectLGBTQ+ honeymoon destination, Thailand tourist board partners with TOWIE, How Do You Keep an Elephant Warm? To be in the presence of elephants is breathtaking and we are sure that your day at Samui Elephant Sanctuary will leave you deeply moved. There are two feeding sessions daily that visitors can get involved with. Novotel Samui Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui and learn the way of elephant living in their natural instincts. Please see below for pick up times. Watching an elephant show or riding an elephant through the jungles of Thailand was once an accepted practice. All Rights Reserved. Samui Elephant Sanctuary One of the first ethical sanctuaries on Koh Samui, it provides a safe haven for elephants who have previously been overworked or mistreated in the logging and tourist trekking camps. This setup means that the elephants get free time away from the guests of Elephant Hills. However, other groups accept that elephant breeding is necessary to boost numbers on the condition that there is a plan in place to release babies into protected wild areas when they are old enough. Visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary to support ethical tourism. A single-day visit costs approx. To give them the best quality of life possible, the team has commissioned prosthetic legs for them to use. Let them take care of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy the experience itself, with exclusive direct access to the sanctuary as soon as you arrive there. Top 10 Elephant Sanctuary near Bangkok - UME Travel The Elephant Sanctuary is a retirement home for rescued . Visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary to support ethical tourism. Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries In Chiang Mai - 2023 Review Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the first and most renowned ethical elephant sanctuary in the island.. Guaranteed by 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor, you will have a good day with those adorable creatures.. Feed, walk with and observe them as they roam, socialize, bath and enjoy their peaceful life. Located near the border of Myanmar and Laos, Four Seasons Tented Camps is perched on the countryside hills of Chiang Rai, another city in northern Thailand. Samui Explorer. 5 likes, 0 comments - Spring Shelters Club (@springsheltersclubnresort) on Instagram: "Krabi, located on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand, is a popular tourist . At Samui Elephant Sanctuary, we give our elephants back their lives, their freedom, and their dignity. They also offer week-long volunteer programs which start at approx. It is located in the northeast near Mae Nam and is associated with the Save Elephant Foundation. Samui Elephant Home got the new rescued, He is 2 years old now and very cute with naughtly. How to visit: An elephant experience here is only accessible to guests who book a package. For many years, these gentle giants have been subjected to abuse and overwork, sometimes with horrific injuries. No riding or washing is allowed. You can view this on my video below. How to visit: All trips need to be booked in advance. Join us to witness just how incredible the largest land animal on earth truly is. Click here to see all elephant sanctuaries in Koh Samui. 5,800 per adult and 2,900 THB per child. We learned so much about elephants and what it means to treat them ethically and with respect. Required fields are marked *. SANCTUARY. Spend your wonderful time to get a fantastic experience to observe these gorgeous animals such as foraging for food, bathing in the pool, and playing in the mud pit in their owns. All tours are cheaper with more people. How to visit: Morning or afternoon visits can be arranged for approx. 5 reasons to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary - and where you can learn some fascinating facts about these gentle pachyderms. Elephant Sanctuary Samui - Ethical Animal Experience 5.0 (2) 3,000 2,900 Adults * Children (5-11 Years) * Accommodation Bookings for tomorrow only until 20:30 (GMT+7) The ethical elephant sanctuary in Bophut is one of Koh Samui's most popular attractions for travelers. Week-long volunteer programmes are also offered and start around 20,000THB. Stay overnight, try out various activities, visit local markets, connect with nature, and watch these majestic animals stomping freely in the place they call home. This may indicate a shift to more hands-off policies in the future as the elephant tourism industry continues to learn and evolve. About: This highly reputable and recommended ethical sanctuary inspired by Lek Chailert of Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park, is located in Paklok, in the northeast of Phuket. Ask the Elite Concierge to make a reservation for an experience that just like an elephant you will never forget. Elite Havens Group 2022. When it comes to elephant tourism in Thailand, there is plenty to chew over. Or, please telephone or WhatsApp +66 (0) 956286160; email info@samuielephanthaven.org or contact us via Messenger on the button below. Samui Elephant Sanctuary is one of the first ethical sanctuaries in Koh Samui. Elephant Sanctuaries in Cambodia 5 Popular Choices, The Environmental Cost of Palm Oil in Indonesia. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Rather, visitors are encouraged to simply observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat where they can just be themselves. Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut) - All You Need to Know 782 posts. Experience Samui Elephant Haven, authentic Thai cuisine and cultural rituals at the Outrigger Koh Samui Resort. In the majority of these, youll find ex-working elephants who have been rescued from the trekking or logging industries. Complimentary filtered water, coffee and tea. At a truly ethical sanctuary, the elephants autonomy will be respected, meaning the animal will be allowed to do what it wants inside the confines of the sanctuary. Then you will love and understand the new ecotourism more than ever. Located in the Khao Sok National Park, the people at Elephant Hills are constantly working to improve environmental conditions and the quality of life for the elephants. Over the last couple of decades, there has been increased media attention on the treatment of elephants in captivity and a push for higher welfare standards. Find travel buddies. . We are the first truly ethical & award winning elephant sanctuary on the paradise island of Koh Samui, Thailand. Elephant Nature Park. If you would like more information, or to book a tour please contact Samui Explorer at info@samuiislandexplorer.com or book via the link below. All the elephants at WFF have been rescued from the logging and tourism industries and a few were also made to beg on the streets of Bangkok. There is a limited number of guests so you must book in advance. This sanctuary is set on about 15 rai of land and is home to six beautiful female elephants rescued from elephant riding and shows. Despite this, there are options for the responsible traveller. Now it has 25 animals rescued from logging and trekking camps, mostly malnourished and injured.