Thailand is a hot spot for traveling families seeking culture, serene natural beauty and incredible experiences. One of the more popular ways to spend the day, alongside enjoying local cuisine, is spending quality time with elephants. Whether feeding, washing or just visiting, elephants get a lot of attention from tourists.
Being a trendy attraction for visitors of all ages, many companies try to capitalize on the fascination of the beautiful animals and put their health and wellbeing below financial interests. Avoid the frauds and stick with the kinder, more responsible organizations, like sanctuaries and rescues, to get your face time with elephants on your family trip to Thailand.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand
Located in Tha Mai Ruak, Thailand, the Wildlife Friends Foundation is a wildlife refuge center focused on caring for ailing wildlife. WFFT works to rescue, rehabilitate and protect all kinds of animals, including elephants. Visit the other residents before heading to the Elephant Refuge and Education Centre for a day tour. For about $46 per person, guests enjoy an educational tour of the center, lunch, a walk with the elephants and bathing.
The sanctuary is located about a two-hour drive from Bangkok and 35 minutes from Ch-Am and Hua Hin, so plan transportation appropriately. Dress for walking, getting dirty and in light layers to change with the weather.
Elephant bath time at the sanctuary © Wareelak Tunbut | Dreamstime.com
Over in Kuet Chang, guests can visit rescued elephants in the comfort of their new homes while learning more about each of them. Listen to their rescue stories from caretakers and experts during the day tour, also including the opportunity to feed and bathe the elephants for about $73 per person, or spend the night for $168.
The tours include meals for your family and the elephants as well as pick-up and drop-off in Chiang Mai. For those opting for the overnight tour, hut accommodations are provided. If you can, bring swim suits, towels, comfortable flip flops or sandals that can get wet and a pair of clothes to change into — this tour can get messy.
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary
Live among the elephants at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary for about $175 per guest, per night. Get to know the lovable animals while taking care of them with the professionals. Watch as the kids are completely immersed in the caretaking process and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime activity with the family.
Experiences include all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, cottage accommodations, WiFi, laundry and pick-up and drop-off. This sanctuary is a bit more remote and operates as a bed and breakfast, so bring what you need and plan for a journey; reservations required.
Read This Next
Inside Japan Delivers Theme Park Fun for Families
Destinations / Asia
Apr 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Africa
Apr 24, 2024Enjoy an African Beach Safari with Jek Tours and Safaris
An African safari is a dream vacation for many. For family travelers, it is a great way to introduce the kids to a lifestyle in which people coexist compassionately with the world around them. Not everyone is looking for the same experience, so choosing the right safari for the family is an important decision when planning your vacation.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024Colorful Kids Programming Awaits at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Before the season is over, take your family travel to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Kids rule the world at the Flower Fields this spring and, with flowers officially in bloom, it creates the perfect rainbow backdrop for a family day out. Here are can’t-miss springtime activities and deals for children you won’t want to miss.
Parents
Apr 24, 2024Treat Mom to Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta
Are you planning family travel to Atlanta for Mother’s Day this year? For those in the area on May 11 and 12, celebrate mom with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta. Afternoon tea is a hallmark at the property and this year’s Mother’s Day version will honor Audrey Hepburn and her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Apr 23, 2024What’s New in Billings, Montana, This Spring and Summer
Plan your spring or summer family travel to Billings, Montana, this year. The largest city in the state offers plenty of family-friendly fun.
ShareThis