Elephant Sanctuary Surat Thani

Visiting an Elephant sanctuary in Surat Thani is a must for any traveller to Thailand. Those wanting an ethical experience should seek out sanctuaries that do not allow visitors to ride the elephants, as it may harm the elephant. Look for well-regarded sanctuaries and read reviews carefully before choosing. 

Many of the best sanctuaries are located far from the cities, in the jungles and mountains. To reach them, the best option is a car rental from Surat Thani. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sanctuary that fits your itinerary and expectations:

To Ride or Not to Ride?

For years, riding an elephant was just seen as another of the many attractions in Surat Thani. In recent years, however, animal advocacy groups have pointed to elephant riding as harmful to these majestic creatures. 

There are safe ways to ride an elephant. The danger comes when tourist trap elephant camps place frames on the elephant’s back to hold five, seven, or even ten people at a time. Elephants may be expected to do this several times a day as busloads of tourists arrive for photos.

Many elephant sanctuaries do not allow riding of any kind. If they do, it is limited to a single person for a short period. It is up to each tourist to decide how they wish to experience elephants in Thailand, and many choose to simply enjoy the sight of them. 

Why Visit an Elephant Sanctuary?

Elephant sanctuaries fulfil two primary purposes. First, they provide money to feed and house the elephants, many of which are retired working elephants. Secondly, they educate the general public regarding elephants and their status as keystone species of the tropical jungle ecosystem. 

Sanctuaries offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Most importantly, they can do it in an environment that is safe for the visitors as well as the animals. 

Why Not Set Them Free?

Elephants are social creatures and form bonds with humans. Many elephants at the sanctuaries are retired working elephants (a practice that is thankfully dying out). Because of this, they are accustomed to being around people. 

If set free, these elephants would quickly return to human-inhabited areas and could pose a danger to themselves and people unaware of how to interact with them. By keeping them at sanctuaries, the elephants are allowed to roam within the sanctuary grounds while being allowed to live out the rest of their lives safely. 

What Can I Expect From a Sanctuary Tour?

Many sanctuaries offer half-day, full-day, overnight, or multi-day experiences. Some also offer the opportunity to volunteer, albeit at personal expense to the visitor. Guests can usually expect general education and up-close encounters. 

Some sanctuaries allow guests to feed elephants their favourite snacks, such as fruit, grasses, and bamboo. Most sanctuaries are located next to a water source for bathing and will allow guests to swim with the elephants and have fun spraying water on each other. Getting to experience such amazing creatures and see the genuine joy on their faces is an unforgettable experience. 

Many sanctuaries will provide transport to and from your hotel, as well as lunch and changing facilities should one wish to bathe with the elephants. Some also provide special clothing that is familiar to the elephants so visitors can appear as a sanctuary employee, helping to keep the elephants calm. 

Is There a Recommended Sanctuary?

Many sanctuaries faced great hardship due to the lack of tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, several have closed down or have changed ownership. Currently, the most famous sanctuary is the Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary. 

Each visitor to Surat Thani is advised to do their own homework, read reviews, and ask other travellers about their experiences. Look for sanctuaries that guarantee no riding and small group sizes for the best experience. 

The Easiest Way to Visit All of Surat Thani

Surat Thani is an expansive province with a lot for visitors to experience, and because it is a less-visited province, the costs in Surat Thani are lower than elsewhere in the south. To truly experience all that Surat Thani has to offer, a rental car is recommended. 

Drive Car Rental has a convenient pickup location at Surat Thani Airport and offers the ability to drop off at another location. Check our website and book in advance for the best vehicle selection and prices!