Elephant Haven
Elephant Haven
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
Does not meet animal welfare guidelines
Tripadvisor does not provide bookings for this experience because it does not meet our animal welfare guidelines.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles286 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
22
Average
4
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9
Terrible
7

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Didi
5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
What a horror for these elephants, surrounded by 60 tourists rushing to feed them and take photos right next to them. A sadness, a money factory, the manager doesn't care, no explanation, nothing. Just there to take money from you. Everything falls into disrepair. No welcome, nothing...
This is not at all what I imagined elephant sanctuaries to be...
Google
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel M
Maui, HI9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
I absolutely loved my day at Elephant Haven. We fed the elephants, chopped up watermelons for them to eat, joined them on a walk through the jungle. After lunch, they played in the mud, then we walked down to the river to bathe. Great place to spend the day “volunteering” to ensure these beautiful creatures enjoy the rest of their days.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevin N
Singapore, Singapore7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Couples
I was brought to the 'park' (in reality it's a disused farm) by my partner as a birthday treat as I'm an animal lover. I loved being so close to these magnificent creatures but left with the realisation that this is still a business that exploits animals. 'No show, no riding' is the claim and the no riding bit may be true but you are still watching a show. The elephants are guided through the day; feeding time, walk, mud time, bath and final feed. The realisation of the exploitation came in the afternoon the elephants didn't want to go to the mud as they were happy eating and pottering about in the woodland, but as we approached after lunch it was clear something was wrong, lots of growling and trumpeting and thrashing about. This resulted in one of the elephants charging us, bit too close to the action! They were unhappy for the rest of the afternoon we observed them, from a distance, for the rest of the day, submitting to their shurper and going through the show. In addition one of the elephants was pregnant, not sure a sanctuary only concerned with the freedom and care of elephants would be breeding still. When pressed about where the elephants sleep we were informed they sleep at the farm across the road (in the big barn chained to a post, with the ten other elephants which you can clearly see from the road) which coincidently still has elephant riding.Overall I think it's clear that while the six elephants (two old, one pregnant and three that may be too spirited to be ridden) are being looked after, they are still part of a business exploiting these animals for money. So if it eases your conscious that you don't ride them then great, but they are not free and you are still exploiting them. A few posters doesn't mean it's a sanctuary, it means they can print posters!
Written October 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lulette11
Montevideo, Uruguay5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Solo
Elephants were FORCED TO FOLLOW A ROUTINE. That is NOT freedom nor a sanctuary. In a sanctuary they can do whatever they please and you mught see them or not. THEY ARE FORCED TO BATHE WHENEVER THE GUIDES WANT YOU TO SEE THEM BATHE
THEY ARE FORCED TO WALK WHENEVER THE GUIDES WANT YOU TO SEE THEM BATHE.
Ieven saw a guide PUSHING an elephant to get in the water so tourists could bathe her. (As if elephants need to be bathed)

THEY SAY THEY ARE A SANCTUARY. THEY ARE NOT.

PLEASE, DO NOT FINANCE ELEPHANT SLAVERY.

I went there cause many people told me it was a sanctuary and I started crying in the middle of the excursion. PLEASE DON'T GO
Written November 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CharlWelburn
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK21 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Friends
On my first day in Thailand I visited Phuket Elephant Sanctuary where I learnt if elephants sway side to side it's a sign of distress and unhappiness. When arriving at Elephant Haven, all 7 elephants were stood swaying side to side continuously, straight away this made me feel really uncomfortable. We were all given food to feed the elephants, the bigger more confident elephants pushed the smaller ones away and took all their food, this was very much the case of first come first serve, there was no equal sharing amongst them. I focused on feeding the skinniest elephant who was blind, as I was holding a banana for her to smell whilst she was finishing her bamboo shoot, the keeper to the side told the elephant to drop the food it was eating just so it would take the food out of my hand, this was absolutely not what I wanted, but just showed how the elephants are there purely to entertain the tourists. We moved on for a walk in the forest where the elephants were treat like dogs, told where to go, where to wait and to allow tourist to touch and pet them (at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary the elephants went where they wanted to and tourists just observed). We arrived at the mud bath where tourists bathed the elephants (we did not participate as we felt totally uncomfortable with the way they were being treat), the two elephants in the mud moved into a corner as far away from the tourists as they could get, whilst people were rubbing mud all over them, and again forcing themselves upon the elephants. As if this wasn’t upsetting enough, we then moved to a river (again, we did not get in the water with the elephants as we could see how cruel this was) where the elephants were forced to stand whilst tourists bathed them, we were told how the elephants were so happy, but stood still so that humans could gather around and take photos laid on their trunks did not look like they were happy to me. Some of the elephants did not want to go into the water, but were pulled into the water by their keepers. Any Elephant Sanctuary where you can bathe with elephants is surely wrong? The elephants can not have fun as they usually would because they know they have to go careful and not hurt the humans. The overall experience here was just upsetting, sold as a haven for rescued elephants, but in reality, a place where they’re told where to walk, what to do, where not to go, to stay still in the water, to allow humans to pet them. I feel totally ashamed for thinking I was visiting a place where elephants are cared for and enjoying their lives. Please, if you want to visit elephant, go to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Elephants are my absolute favourite animals and you could just see the standard of care they received, this is why Elephant Haven was so heart breaking.
Written December 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gretchen A
Midland, TX5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Family
Our family of six visited Elephant Haven overnight. Pros: They are trying to move to a more humane Elephant experience, walking with rather than riding on the backs of Elephants.
Cons: The land space is too small. They move elephants from another property to the Elephant Haven. The other property does not always practice the humane treatment of Elephants.
The additional cost for overnight was an extra meal and what is advertised as "comfortable room at a local resort" but what you get is two people per "hut" with mats on the floor at the Elephant Haven. We were also supposed to visit: " Krasae Cave and the Death Railway" right after lunch on the second day but they took us late in the evening on the first day and all the shops were closed. There's not enough transportation or guides (only one) to help.
Save your money or recognize that the elephants are still being used for tourism, just in a different way.
Written June 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kasey H
Sutherland Shire, Australia81 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Couples
I struggled whether to give this review a 2 or 3 stars, but after re-reading my post I think a 2 is more accurate as an overall experience. My boyfriend and I were so excited to visit this sanctuary after reading all the positive reviews online. I am a huge animal lover and did my research and decided on this one. We were going to stay for the overnight program but opted not to once we were there which I will explain in my review.
At first we thought it was fantastic, you cut up fruit for all the elephants and feed them their rice balls and they looked genuinely happy.
The walk in the jungle consisted of only about 40 minutes and we were told it was due to the recent heavy rains (which we agreed was fair enough). The older blind elephant was left in a small little cage while we went, as apparently his mahout (carer) was away that day, but honestly the cage was small and resembled a prison, and it was isolated. I think that was the first turn off for the day.
My feelings towards the program continued to spiral downwards when it was lunch time and more of the elephants were put into the small pen/cage next to the other smaller blind elephant but not together with her. For me I presumed the elephants would be roaming free the whole time and the property would be fenced off so they couldn't technically escape. Not shoved in small cages while everyone ate.
Can I also mention the little old blind elephant spent the REST OF THE DAY in the small cage, swaying back and forth which was really sad to watch as a person coming to visit a sanctuary. They also mentioned she was 'in a bad mood and being naughty' which chucking her in a small cage doesn't seem like it would be the most obvious choice that she would benefit from it
Swimming in the river and watching the elephants play in the water and mud was a highlight and we really enjoyed how happy the thephants looked then rolling around. The reason we decided not to stay overnight was the fact that noone could seem to answer where the elephants slept at night, we were given 3 different answers and we also found out if you are doing the overnight program you don't even stay on the property, you stay in a nearby hotel, so we made the presumption they are all probably in that little cage and pen overnight.
They are definitely living a better life by not being ridden or used for shows but I can't help but think there is more going on behind the scenes. Therefore I sadly wouldn't reccommend and wouldn't visit again. My boyfriend and I are going to check out another sanctuary in perhaps Chiang Mai to see how it compares.
Written August 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lucydeale
Bangkok, Thailand21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Friends
It's a semi- long review.

Let's get the makes you think twice out of the way-> So there's some mixed reviews about other elephant places nearby with chained elephants and whether at night these six are chained to sleep. Also that despite no riding here it's still a show because the routine for visiting the elephants never changes; i.e. Feeding; walking with them; bathing; etc.

I don't know everything and all the behind the scenes but let me just share my observations. We had a wonderful day. At no point were the elephants chained or poked with bull hooks or any instrument. Also despite this routine I mentioned earlier... elephants eat every day these things and they like to bathe and play in the mud as it helps against insects and the heat... so I think regardless of tourists these elephants would be still doing this. I chose this place as a branch off of Chiang Mai that is closer to Bangkok. I didn't want to endorse anything unethical and I researched many times over the months so we finally booked a day visit. I have to say the elephants chose their own routine. We were never rushing them nor were they prodded into anything. We stayed some time while they swam or drank and when they walked in the forest, they were allowed to go whatever direction they wanted. Of course eventually they meander back to the main path and we carry on but the people working at Elephant Haven showed respect and patience with them. They seemed to have a good bond with the elephants and one worker; Wini was very enthusiastic about them, singing, and encouraging us to observe the elephants and how they are in nature. There is huge roaming areas for the elephant and the only time we heard grunts or the noises of elephants which sounded loud was at bathing time when two elephants were both trying to get into the water at the same spot.
All of the workers/guides and our guide Khun were kind toward the elephants and genuinely seemed to enjoy playing with them in the water and watching them just do whatever they wanted.
The vegetarian lunch was absolutely delicious and the women were very kind.
We were even taken to see the Death Railway as I suspect because our group was so small and we had a bit of time as the elephants were still doing their forest thing, again they were never rushed.

I know sometimes things can appear too good for perhaps show and of course this place makes money by having visitors BUT everyone was very hospitable, the elephants really were left to do as they pleased and yes we followed the routine loosely but even as our day came to an end two elephants started going toward the forest and the workers just shrugged their shoulders with a laugh and said "okay guess we follow them." The money really does seem to go to their care and the idea of bringing more elephants to the sanctuary to enjoy their natural lives and to spread awareness on conservation efforts.
So by makes you think I meant after being told a little about the typical life of performing elephants you think about other animals forced to perform if you hadn't been aware already. When you're seeing these gentle giants and being able to be reasonable but with care by them, it makes you think about just how beautiful they are. We had a great time, were happy to even just observe them, and we had great hosts, we did our research and in person it came off as ethical so I recommend it.
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

eike h
Stuttgart, Germany61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2016 • Friends
We had a wonderful day at the Elephant Haven! The 8 hours were perfect: pick up in a nice mini van fton Kanchanaburi bus stop to go to the park (1h drive), then feeding the elephants, safety instructions, walk in the jungle, lunch and a break. Then walking with the herd of 6 animals to a mud pit & afterwards bathing in the river as amazing highlight. Its worth the money - you will enjoy every minute. The tours guides and mathous are very friendly and attentive. You will have a wondful day!
Bring good shoes for walking in the jungle and a hat - its hot!!
Written March 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Inyga
12 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Friends
Nice experience UNTIL I asked if they let the elephant copulate. The guide said of course! Asked what they do with newborns he answered they sell them to trekking camps.... so they use old elephant to create more animals in captivity.... I was disgusted
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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