ElephantsWorld
An ethical sanctuary offering intimate encounters with rescued elephants, focusing on feeding, bathing, and rehabilitation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More active elephants
ElephantsWorld
Best Time
More active elephants
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ethical sanctuary offering intimate encounters with rescued elephants, focusing on feeding, bathing, and rehabilitation.
"Absolutely THE highlight of our Thailand holiday! Loved seeing the elephants roaming freely."
🎯 Pack a Change of Clothes
You'll get wet during bathing! Wear shorts or bring a change. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Guides are Knowledgeable
Learn fascinating stories about the elephants' past. Guides speak great English! :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Gentle Giants
Designated feeding areas
Bond with elephants by offering them treats like watermelons and sugarcane. A truly heartwarming experience.
River Bathing Fun
River
Join the elephants for a refreshing bath, helping to clean them. A highlight for many visitors!
Baby Elephant Encounters
Nursery areas
Spend time with adorable baby elephants, a truly heartwarming and memorable part of the visit.
Making Elephant Treats
Preparation areas
Engage in the rewarding task of preparing food like banana and grass balls for the elephants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ethical Elephant Encounters
Book Ahead & Pack Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Change of Clothes
You'll get wet during bathing! Wear shorts or bring a change. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Guides are Knowledgeable
Learn fascinating stories about the elephants' past. Guides speak great English! :speech_balloon:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Guides are happy to help capture amazing photos and videos of you with the elephants. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Avoid Unethical Sanctuaries
Steer clear of places offering rides or performances. Look for true rescue centers. +1 :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Change of Clothes
You'll get wet during bathing! Wear shorts or bring a change. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Guides are Knowledgeable
Learn fascinating stories about the elephants' past. Guides speak great English! :speech_balloon:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Guides are happy to help capture amazing photos and videos of you with the elephants. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Avoid Unethical Sanctuaries
Steer clear of places offering rides or performances. Look for true rescue centers. +1 :noentrysign:
🚗 Easy to Reach
A short Grab ride from Kanchanaburi city. :oncoming_taxi:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise ElephantsWorld for its ethical approach to elephant rescue and rehabilitation, highlighting the heartwarming interactions with rescued elephants and adorable baby elephants. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, along with the opportunity for hands-on activities like feeding and bathing, make for a truly meaningful experience. While some note the repetitive nature of activities for the elephants, the overall sentiment is that the sanctuary provides a valuable and positive encounter with these gentle giants.
"Come visit this beautiful place where you can spend time with rescued elephants and adorable baby elephants.
I didn’t book in advance due to the unpredictable weather, but I called them and was lucky to find an available spot. It’s just a quick 30-minute Grab ride to get there from Kanchanaburi hotel. I enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch from 12 to 1 pm.
Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes and wear shorts! (Or you can buy at the survivor store there) You’ll have the chance to head to the river and help bathe the elephants. It’s a fun and refreshing experience you won’t want to miss!
The trip was truly meaningful. The guides are friendly, speak great English, and share wonderful stories about the elephants' lives. They prioritize our safety and are always ready to help you capture amazing photos and videos with the elephants.
Seeing the elephants so happy and playful with the staff was heartwarming. The staff even helped arrange my ride back to the hotel at the end of the day (around 3:30pm).
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with these gentle giants!"
wong Peyton
"We had a great time here and our guide Gogo was awesome! He went above and beyond in making sure we were having a great time and proactively offering to take our photo.
We had a great time meeting the elephants and feeding them watermelons! Very good value for the money, we did a half day and we were able to spend a lot of time with the elephants.
There are elephants freely roaming around that you get to interact with. Generally when feeding there is a bar separating you because the elephants are very excited to get at the food!"
Mystery Person
"The staff at Elephants World are very accommodating, knowledgeable, and kind! Keim led my 6-hour day, and he taught us so much about the elephants and how they are cared for at this rescue. Each elephant has a personality - it was breathtaking to interact with them, especially given that they have had previous negative interactions with humans before arriving at this rescue. The driver they arranged was very professional and helpful! I hope to go back again!"
Lukas Neafsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ElephantsWorld is easily accessible by a short Grab ride, approximately 30 minutes from Kanchanaburi hotels. Many visitors also arrange transport through their accommodation or the sanctuary itself.
Yes, you can travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by bus or train, and then take a taxi or Grab to ElephantsWorld. The journey from Bangkok can take 2-3 hours.
Once you arrive at ElephantsWorld, most activities are within walking distance. The sanctuary is designed for visitors to interact with elephants in their natural environment.
While not explicitly stated for all bookings, some visitors have had their return transport arranged by the staff, indicating a helpful approach to guest logistics.
For a day trip, taking a Grab or a pre-booked taxi from Kanchanaburi is the most convenient option, allowing you to maximize your time with the elephants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's recommended to book in advance, though some visitors have successfully called ahead for last-minute availability due to unpredictable weather. Checking their official website or contacting them directly is advised.
ElephantsWorld typically operates with half-day and full-day programs. The exact start and end times can vary, but activities usually conclude by mid-afternoon.
While not explicitly stated, the focus on ethical interaction and the presence of baby elephants suggests it's suitable for most ages. However, very young children might require closer supervision during activities.
Ticket prices generally include the elephant interaction activities, a buffet lunch, and the guidance of knowledgeable staff. Souvenirs are available for purchase separately.
It's best to book in advance to secure your spot. While some visitors have managed to get in by calling on the day, this is not guaranteed, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🐘 Onsite Experience
You can feed them, help bathe them in the river, make them food balls, and observe them roaming freely. The focus is on ethical, non-intrusive engagement.
Many visitors report that the elephants appear happy and well-cared for, with staff showing kindness and knowledge. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing elephants from difficult pasts.
Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Shorts are highly recommended for the bathing activities.
Yes, absolutely! The guides are very helpful and will assist you in capturing amazing photos and videos with the elephants.
Based on visitor accounts, ElephantsWorld prioritizes ethical treatment, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation rather than rides or performances. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, a delicious buffet lunch is typically included in the program, usually served between 12 pm and 1 pm.
The lunch is described as a buffet and is generally considered yummy and satisfying by visitors.
While specific dietary options aren't detailed, buffet lunches often include a variety of dishes that can cater to different preferences. It's advisable to inquire directly if you have strict dietary needs.
Souvenirs are available for purchase, which may include snacks or drinks. However, the main dining experience is the included buffet lunch.
Lunch is typically served between 12 pm and 1 pm, providing a break during the day's activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you interact with the elephants! Feeding times, bathing in the river, and observing them roam freely offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and phones to capture the experience.
Absolutely! The guides are very friendly and eager to help you capture amazing photos and videos with the elephants.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of the elephants' well-being and avoid intrusive flash photography if it seems to disturb them.
Photos of feeding, bathing, and close-up interactions with the elephants, especially the baby elephants, are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack extra clothes as the bathing can get splashy! Consider a half-day program if your children have shorter attention spans. The presence of baby elephants is a huge draw for kids and adds to the heartwarming atmosphere.
❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers
Solo travelers will find the guides very friendly and helpful, often assisting with photos and making you feel part of the group.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Look for sanctuaries that do not offer rides or performances. ElephantsWorld's model of interaction, focusing on observation and gentle engagement, is a benchmark for ethical elephant tourism.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ethics of Elephant Sanctuaries
Many visitors express satisfaction with the ethical practices observed, noting that the elephants appear happy and are treated with kindness. The sanctuary's mission is to offer a second life to elephants that have suffered from abuse or neglect.
While the focus is on ethical interaction, it's worth noting that some activities, like feeding, may involve a barrier to ensure both visitor and elephant safety, as the animals can become very excited about food.
A Day at ElephantsWorld: What to Expect
The highlight for many is the chance to join the elephants for a refreshing bath in the river. This is a fun and interactive experience where you can help clean the elephants. Remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and consider bringing a change of clothes.
Throughout your visit, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories about the elephants' individual histories and personalities. They are also very helpful in capturing memorable photos and videos of your experience.
The Importance of Rescue and Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process is crucial. Elephants that have experienced trauma may exhibit behavioral changes, and the sanctuary's environment is designed to help them heal both physically and psychologically. This includes providing ample space, proper nutrition, and gentle, respectful human interaction.
By visiting places like ElephantsWorld, you contribute directly to the ongoing efforts to protect elephants and advocate for better treatment of these intelligent animals. It's a chance to learn, connect, and be part of a positive change in the world of wildlife conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit