No riding
Only feeding, walking and learning.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: the elephant sanctuary in Pattaya
An elephant sanctuary with no riding: you feed the elephants, walk beside them and learn about them.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 810 THB, when booked in advance.
Important information:
- There is no elephant riding.
- Half day: pickup 6:30–7:00 or 12:30–13:00. Transfer within Pattaya and Jomtien. Outside them at extra cost.
- Bring: Swimsuit, Towel, A change of clothes, walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- For the insurance you need a passport number. The activity runs in the rain too.
- Children only with an adult. For the child age range, write to us.
What you do
A sanctuary, not a circus
At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary you do not ride the elephants. You feed them, walk beside them and learn about them from the guides.
Half day you get about three hours with the elephants and a meal. Elephant feeding is one hour only, without hotel transfer.
Transfer
On the half day, from Pattaya and Jomtien.
Meal
Included in the half day.
What to bring
A swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Also in the rain
The activity runs in the rain too.
When to go
According to the sanctuary's website, the program runs in rain and in mild weather as well. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the cooler months in the country are November to February, at 18 to 28 degrees, and the hot months are March to May, at 28 to 38 degrees. During periods of increased tourism, the sanctuary recommends booking early.
Getting there
- Most of the drive from central Pattaya is on paved public roads, and the last stretch is unpaved
Good to know
Drones are prohibited at all of the sanctuary's camps.
Cameras are not recommended during the mud and bathing unless they are waterproof. Visitors are responsible for their belongings.
Anyone who is pregnant, uses a wheelchair or has difficulty walking, or has a relevant medical condition should inform the sanctuary before the visit. A waiver may be required.
The activity suits all fitness levels, and nobody is required to do anything they are not comfortable with.
Children of any age are welcome, and young children need close supervision by an adult next to them.
Drinking water is available on site free of charge. Other drinks can be bought.
No special vaccinations are required to be near elephants, but it is worth consulting a doctor before the trip.
The sanctuary covers visitors under its own insurance policy, and it is recommended to keep personal travel insurance as well.
About the place
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary was founded in July 2014 as a collaboration between Karen hill-tribe people and residents of Chiang Mai. Today it has four camps: in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
The Pattaya camp is in the Khao Mai Kaeo area of Bang Lamung district, about a 45-minute drive from central Pattaya.
According to the sanctuary's website, across its camps every elephant receives daily health checks, regular vet visits, special diets and round-the-clock medical support. The mahouts, the elephant handlers, receive basic veterinary training.
The visit is built around the elephants' natural daily routine. You can watch them roam and forage, help prepare their food and take part in routine care. The water activity is presented as bathing and care rather than a show, and the mud and water are up to the visitor.
What awaits you
The half-day program includes a mud spa, bathing in the pool and fresh fruit, alongside feeding the elephants and the meal.
The one-hour feeding program also includes a workshop on making eco-friendly paper from elephant dung.
The meal in the half-day program is a traditional Thai buffet.
The Pattaya camp is listed at Gold level on the list of ethical elephant camps of the ACES organization (Asian Captive Elephant Standards). The certification date shown is June 2026.
Across the sanctuary's camps, a project lets elderly female elephants live at the sanctuary permanently, together with a non-profit elephant conservation organization.
The guides speak English and Thai.
Who it suits
Great for
- Families with children, with adult supervision
- People who want to meet elephants up close at a calm pace, with no riding and no show
Less suited for
- Wheelchair users: according to the sanctuary's website, wheelchair accessibility at the Pattaya camp is limited
- People who find walking difficult: some experiences need moderate walking ability, so tell the sanctuary in advance
Gallery
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
Do you ride the elephants?
No. It is a sanctuary: you feed the elephants and walk with them.
What is the difference between the half day and the feeding?
Half day: about three hours, a meal and transfer. Feeding: an hour, without hotel transfer.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, Towel, A change of clothes, Comfortable shoes, Hat and sunscreen.
What if it rains?
The activity runs in the rain too.
May I bring a drone?
No. Drones are prohibited at all of the sanctuary's camps.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, children of any age are welcome. Young children need close supervision by an adult.
Do I need special fitness?
No. The activity suits all fitness levels. Anyone who has difficulty walking or a medical condition should inform the sanctuary in advance.
Can I take photos during the mud and bathing?
The sanctuary does not recommend cameras during the mud and bathing unless they are waterproof. Responsibility for the camera is the visitor's.
What is ACES?
An organization that publishes standards for the welfare of captive elephants in Asia (Asian Captive Elephant Standards). The Pattaya camp appears on its website at Gold level.
Do I need vaccinations?
No special vaccinations are required to be near the elephants. It is still worth consulting a doctor before the trip.
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