To most tourists, a trip to Thailand isn’t complete without crystalline beaches, a wild night in Bangkok, some delicious Pad Thai, and a jungle trek on the back of an elephant. While these activities sound like the makings of a perfect vacation, in the case of elephant riding, the ends to the experience don’t exactly justify the means.

About Asian Elephants

Known as gentle giants, Asian elephants are slightly smaller than their African relatives and have a friendly, social nature. Currently endangered, their population sits between 25,000 and 33,000. A century ago, the number was closer to 300,000, but with humans as their only serious threat, populations have dwindled significantly due to hunting (for their ivory tusks) and being captured for manual labor.

Before 1989, the main use of these animals across Southeast Asia was to carry timber for logging industries. In that year, the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission implemented strict regulations, effectively banning logging in numerous countries. As a result, many elephants were put out of work.

Some continued to work in illegal logging operations; however, many were killed or crippled by landmines meant to stop those operations. Others were traded into the tourism industry and put to work performing in circuses or trekking tourists through jungle tours. While this fate may seem better than logging, life for elephants working in tourism is often equally bleak.

Current Conditions for Thai Elephants

In Thailand, the wild elephant population currently sits around 1,500. As an endangered species, they are safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act from hunting and domestication. Many of these elephants live in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where they are further protected.

However, due to the scale of (sometimes illegal) elephant tourism in Thailand, it is estimated that around 2,000 elephants are held in captivity to work in the tourism industry. Because they are considered domesticated animals, they are not protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

In order for mahouts (or trainers) to obtain an elephant for their tour operation, many rely on imports from Myanmar, where 5,000 wild elephants live under less regulation. Baby elephants are captured and taken from their herds, then smuggled across the Thai border. Because mother elephants are highly protective, around five females and adolescents are often killed for every one calf captured.

These calves, being young and impressionable, are subjected to the torturous ritual known as Phajaan. This consists of the elephant being tied up, starved, and beaten to make them associate disobedience with pain. Many calves die from stress, starvation, and depression before ever reaching Thailand.

Those who survive are chained to a domesticated mother. Domestic elephant births are not required to be recorded until the animal is eight years old, making it easy to sneak a new elephant into the country. Once registered, these elephants can be worth up to $33,000 USD.

Once sold into the tourism industry, many elephants are used for trekking tours. They walk for long hours carrying heavy, uncomfortable loads, which often cause blisters and joint problems. Elephants are typically not allowed to rest, as guides prod them with bullhooks if they slow down.

The chairs placed on their backs cause additional blisters and long-term spinal injuries. When not working, elephants are confined to small pens with little social interaction. As highly social animals, this isolation can lead to emotional distress.

Choosing a Sustainable Elephant Tour

While it’s nearly impossible to know for sure which elephants have been illegally imported, there are a few signs that can indicate ethical practices in an elephant tourism establishment:

• You’re allowed to interact with the elephant: If you’re simply loaded onto the elephant’s back without much interaction, this may be a sign the animal is not in good spirits. Ethical experiences often include activities like bathing or feeding the elephants, which allow close interaction.
• You’re not given a ride in a chair on the elephant’s back: Many ethical companies prohibit this due to the harm it causes. Instead, they may allow visitors to walk alongside the elephants. If riding is allowed, look for places that teach visitors to ride bareback, which is significantly less harmful.
• General behavior of the animals: Mistreated elephants often sway, bob their heads, or pace back and forth—signs of stress and psychological trauma.

Here are a few reputable elephant tour companies in Thailand:

Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary
Overview: A homestay experience where visitors help bathe elephants, walk them to release sites, gather food, and support local community initiatives.
Location: Baan Tuel

Elephant Nature Park
Overview: An elephant rehabilitation center focused on education and responsible tourism.
Location: Near Chiang Mai

Wildlife Friends of Thailand
Overview: A volunteer experience that rescues elephants in need and supports broader conservation efforts.
Location: Phetchaburi

BEES Elephant Sanctuary
Overview: A retirement home for elderly elephants where they can live freely in their natural environment. Hosts a volunteer program.
Location: 2.5 hours southwest of Chiang Mai in Mae Chaem

Also, check out this excellent guide on irresponsible elephant trekking!

Continue reading:

15 Best Vegan Resorts In Thailand

Should You Visit Thailand’s Long Neck Women Villages?

How To Have A Weaving Experience In Chiang Rai, Thailand

How To Have A Responsible Elephant Encounter In Thailand

6 Global Good Experiences To Have In Chiang Mai, Thailand

Exploring The Curative Paradise Of Pai, Thailand

About the Author

Currently working in a museum, Judi Zienchuk has lived everywhere from Southeast Asia to Northwestern Canada. She loves travel, longboarding, and coffee-flavored ice cream. To get more personal, check out her blog, Travvel Sized.