Our visit to Elephants World Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi was a heartwarming and enlightening experience. It offered us a rare opportunity to connect with magnificent creatures in a setting dedicated to their well-being. Located in the lush, green landscapes of western Thailand, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries, where they often endure harsh conditions. We booked at bangkokelephanttour.com.
Hotel Pick-up
At the break of dawn, we left our hotel in Bangkok for a three-hour ride to Kanchanaburi. Upon arriving at Elephants World Sanctuary, the staff warmly welcomed us and briefed us on the sanctuary’s mission and the importance of ethical elephant tourism. The sanctuary’s commitment to prioritizing the elephants’ needs was refreshing. We engaged intimately with these gentle giants, who are not forced to perform or carry tourists.
Getting Intimate at Elephants World Sanctuary
Our day began with a hands-on experience feeding the elephants. We provided them with small watermelons the size of cantaloupe. The elephants gathered along the rail of a covered lodge where they ate the melons as quickly as we could hand them out. It was incredible to see their personalities shine through, from the playful young elephants to the more reserved older ones.
After an appetizer of watermelons, we walked down closer to the river to learn more about these amazing creatures. Some of the animals bore scars of their former mistreatment, which included circus performances and logging. The elephants snacked on sugar cane while we learned more about the sanctuary.
Feeding the Elephants World Sanctuary Matriarch
One of the elephants, a female, was into her 60s. Because she can’t chew the watermelons or sugarcane, we made rice-balls for her. We chopped squash and boiled it down in a massive pot with rice. After allowing the mixture to cool a bit, we formed rice balls to feed the aging matriarch. It was a sticky mess, but also a fun and very interactive experience.
Enjoying a Mud Bath
After the rice balls, we accompanied the elephants to a nearby mud hole, where visitors were invited to cover the elephants in mud. I was a bit apprehensive, but my wife jumped right in. I was thinking more about the content of the mud in the small pond. It was probably fine, but knowing an elephant is going to add to the mud in the pond wasn’t appealing to me.
Washing in the River
After the mud hole, we headed to the river for their daily bath. This was perhaps the most memorable part of the day, as we got into the water alongside the elephants, helping them scrub off the dust and mud. The joy and relaxation they exhibited during their bath were infectious, and it was clear that they were truly at ease in this environment.
Elephants World Sanctuary Visit Included Lunch
Our visit finished with an excellent buffet style lunch in the open air lodge. The chicken was excellent, as were the papaya salad and array of other treats. The meal was almost an afterthought in the greater scheme of things. But it was included in the price of our visit, so worth mentioning.
Ethical Tourism
Throughout the visit, the sanctuary’s guides provided valuable insights into the elephants’ lives, their history, and the challenges they face in Thailand. They also emphasized the importance of supporting sanctuaries like this one to ensure that elephants can live out their lives in peace and dignity.
Final Thoughts
We left with a deep appreciation for the sanctuary’s work and the majestic animals they care for. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and a sense of hope for the future of these incredible creatures. For anyone visiting Thailand, a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary is not to be missed. It’s an experience that not only enriches your understanding of these animals but also contributes to a cause that truly makes a difference.
While our visit to the elephant sanctuary included a larger group, our transportation was private. On our way back to Bangkok, our driver stopped at the River Kwai for us to explore a bit before we loaded back up to finish our trek back to our hotel. Overall, an amazing, memorable day.
Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!