For years, I’ve dreamed of visiting an elephant sanctuary, but not for the reasons you might think. It wasn’t about getting that picture-perfect shot or just ticking it off some bucket list. What I truly wanted was to walk with these gentle giants, to feed them, and, most importantly, to see them free—free from the chains of abuse, free to live the way they were always meant to.
Elephants have always fascinated me. They’re smart, they have incredible memories, and they feel things deeply. I knew the dark side of what these creatures often endure—years of abuse, beatings, and exploitation. So when Luca and I planned our trip to Koh Samui, I made it my mission to find a sanctuary that genuinely cared for the elephants and wasn’t using them for show. After some research, I found Samui Elephant Sanctuary, and it felt right. No rides, no forcing the animals into interactions—just a place where they could live in peace.
When we arrived, I didn’t expect the flood of emotions that hit me. We were in this five-acre sanctuary, home to seven elephants, each with a story that shattered my heart. These animals had been through so much. One had gone blind in one eye because she had been beaten so badly. Reading about their pasts made me cry, and I don’t mean just a tear here and there—I was bawling. The thought of these majestic creatures, who have done nothing but exist, being treated so horribly by humans… it’s hard to put into words. It hurt.
At the sanctuary, we made food for the elephants, and that was one of the few times we got close to them. They eat up to 130 kilograms of food a day, and watching them enjoy their meals with pure, simple joy was beautiful. But what I loved most was that the sanctuary didn’t cater to tourists in the usual way. There were no baths with elephants for photo ops. In fact, we were told not to get too close, and we couldn’t bathe or wash them, because it would stress them out. This wasn’t about us—it was about the elephants, and that made me love the place even more.
What stuck with me the most was seeing them be themselves—rolling around in the mud, bathing in the water, just being free. It made me think of what freedom really means. These animals had been through so much, but now they were safe. Not only were they free from physical chains, but from the emotional trauma they had endured. Elephants remember. They remember everything—both the good and the bad. And the fact that they can still trust humans, even after everything they’ve been through, that’s what really got me.
The experience reminded me of abuse in all its forms—whether it’s animals or people. The idea that someone can take away your freedom, your dignity, your right to simply exist without fear, is something I’ve always struggled with. Being at the sanctuary made me feel this even more deeply.
I can’t stop thinking about one elephant’s story in particular. She had gone blind in one eye because of the abuse she endured. It made me feel sick to my stomach. I wanted to scream at the people who did this to her. But then I realized, this isn’t just about anger. It’s about educating people, changing mindsets, and protecting these beautiful creatures from further harm.
As I watched the elephants enjoy their day, I couldn’t help but think about how resilient they are. They’ve been through hell, but here they are, living their lives, free from harm, free from fear. And I was lucky enough to be a part of their world, even if only for a little while.
This experience was so much more than a simple visit to a sanctuary. It was a reminder of how important it is to fight for the freedom of all beings—animals, humans, everyone. We all deserve to live without fear, to feel safe, to be free from abuse. And it made me so happy that in my small way, I gave a positive impact.
I left the sanctuary with a great sense of happiness and hope. There are places like Samui Elephant Sanctuary that are making a difference. They can’t erase the past, but they’re giving these elephants a future. And that, to me, is worth everything. Best money spent on my trip, by far.
Does Riding Elephants Hurt Them? The Reality Behind Elephant Rides in Thailand
When people picture an elephant experience in Thailand, many envision riding on an elephant’s back or splashing around in a river with them. But what most people don’t know is the harm behind these interactions. The reality is, for elephants to perform these tasks, they go through unimaginable abuse—beatings, captivity, and “breaking” routines meant to make them submissive to humans. And that abuse leaves both physical and emotional scars.
Elephants are intelligent, sensitive beings with complex social structures and emotional depth. Subjecting them to an industry where they are used as entertainment destroys their natural spirit. Even though I’ve always believed in the importance of ethical treatment, seeing it firsthand at Samui Elephant Sanctuary reminded me of just how essential it is to make informed choices.
How Do I Know If an Elephant Sanctuary Is Ethical?
- Dig into the Sanctuary’s Background: A truly ethical sanctuary will be transparent about its mission, how it rescues elephants, and its commitment to long-term care. Do a bit of research to see if the sanctuary shares its story, conservation efforts, and daily practices openly. If there’s little information about where the elephants come from or what the sanctuary stands for, it could be a warning sign.
- Check if the Elephants Are Owned or Rented: Some sanctuaries rent elephants rather than rescue them, which means the elephants may be moved around frequently, following the highest bidder. This often does little to improve their quality of life. Look for sanctuaries that own their elephants and provide them with a stable, lifelong home—this shows a real commitment to their welfare.
- Prioritize Observation Over Interaction: One of the strongest indicators of an ethical sanctuary is that it allows visitors to observe, not interfere. Sanctuaries focused on welfare avoid activities like rides, bathing, or feeding sessions, which can add stress to the animals. Instead, they let the elephants roam freely and encourage guests to watch quietly from a distance, respecting the animals’ space and natural behaviors.
- Look for an Educational Focus: An ethical sanctuary prioritizes educating visitors about elephant lives, natural behaviors, and the challenges these animals face. When knowledgeable guides provide insights into elephant care and conservation, it not only enriches the experience but also raises awareness, making your visit meaningful and impactful.
- No Chains or Restraints: Observe how the elephants are kept. Ethical sanctuaries allow elephants to roam freely without restraints like chains. If you see elephants restricted or chained, it’s a sign that their freedom and comfort aren’t being prioritized.
- Watch for Elephants Performing Tricks: Sanctuaries that involve elephants in tricks or performances—like painting, posing, or other unnatural behaviors—are often using harmful training methods to force compliance. Look for places where elephants can simply be themselves without performing for visitors.
- Look for Recognized Accreditations or Awards: Accreditation or awards from reputable animal welfare organizations show that a sanctuary meets recognized ethical standards. Awards from conservation or animal welfare groups confirm that the sanctuary is following best practices and provide peace of mind that the facility is committed to the elephants’ welfare.
Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?
When I was searching for an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand, Samui Elephant Sanctuary stood out as Koh Samui’s first dedicated, award-winning refuge. Opened in 2018, this sanctuary has one mission: to provide rescued elephants with a safe, peaceful place to live free from the harmful practices of tourism and logging industries. The sanctuary’s founder, Wittaya Sala-ngam, partnered with the amazing Lek Chailert, a renowned elephant advocate and founder of Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Together, they’ve created a space where elephants are respected and allowed to just be themselves.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary gives these elephants the dignity they deserve. Visitors can walk alongside the elephants, watch them forage, socialize, and splash around in their custom-built pools. The sanctuary isn’t about photo ops or entertainment; it’s about giving elephants the chance to live as naturally as possible. This thoughtful approach has earned them awards from Thailand’s Tourism Authority and recognition from animal welfare groups like World Animal Protection. They’ve even expanded to a second location in Chaweng Noi, which includes an elephant clinic to provide specialized care.
The sanctuary is a reflection of Lek Chailert’s life’s work. Growing up in a small village in Northern Thailand, Lek was inspired by her grandfather, who cared deeply for animals. Her dedication to protecting Asian elephants has led her to advocate for their rights worldwide, appearing in documentaries and receiving awards for her efforts. She’s a real trailblazer in elephant conservation, and her vision for ethical tourism guides sanctuaries like Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Why Ethical Elephant Experiences Matter in Thailand
Supporting ethical sanctuaries protects these beautiful animals and also makes a statement that we refuse to contribute to their suffering. When we choose to visit places that genuinely care for elephants, we’re supporting a movement away from exploitation. Ethical sanctuaries educate visitors on the realities of elephant tourism, allowing us to experience these incredible animals while respecting their autonomy.
If you’re considering an elephant experience in Thailand, I urge you to look deeper. Think about what goes on behind the scenes and choose places like Samui Elephant Sanctuary, where animals are truly free. By making that choice, you’re not only contributing to a better life for these elephants but helping change the demand in tourism toward compassionate, responsible travel.
