ElephantsWorld Elephant Sanctuary
An ethical, no-riding sanctuary founded in 2008 for old, sick, abused and rescued elephants. Visitors feed, prepare food for and bathe the animals rather than ride them.
- Category
- Wildlife & Elephant Sanctuaries
- Entrance fee
- Paid programs only, roughly 2,500 THB for a day visit (multi-day/mahout stays cost more); advance booking required. As of 2026, confirm on the official site.
- Hours
- By reservation; day programs typically run approximately 08:00-16:00. As of 2026, confirm on booking.
- Best time
- Cool season Nov-Feb for comfortable outdoor and river activities.
- Time needed
- Full day (or multi-day)
About ElephantsWorld Elephant Sanctuary
One of the more reputable ethical sanctuaries near Kanchanaburi. There's no riding and no shows here, just feeding, preparing food for, and bathing old, sick, abused and rescued elephants. If you want to be around these animals without being part of something that harms them, this is the model to look for.
That matters in this area specifically. Kanchanaburi still has riding camps and the legacy of the shut-down abusive 'Tiger Temple', so choosing a no-riding sanctuary is an active decision. Avoid anywhere offering elephant rides or tiger selfies.
It's a paid, advance-booking-only experience and usually a full day, sometimes multi-day if you do a mahout stay. Do verify current welfare practices before you book, and note there's no simple public transport out here.
Highlights
- Ethical, no-riding, no-show sanctuary
- Feeding, food prep and bathing the elephants
- Home to old, sick, abused and rescued animals
- River setting along the Khwae Noi
- Day and multi-day mahout-stay programs
Tips
- Book in advance, it's a paid reservation-only program
- Choose no-riding sanctuaries like this, avoid rides and tiger selfies
- Verify current welfare practices on the official site before booking
- Use the sanctuary transfer or a private car, there's no easy public option
How to get there
About 35 km NW of Kanchanaburi in Wang Dong along the Khwae Noi; ~45 min by road. Most visitors use the sanctuary's own transfer or a private car; no simple public option.