Thom's Pai Elephant Camp
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp
3.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Thom's was the first elephant camp in Thailand where visitors could trek, play with them and swim together in the river. Thom grew up with her elephants, played with them as a child, and knows how much fun it is to spend the time with these wonderful animals. Thom's father was also an experienced trainer of young elephants and passed on his knowledge to Thom. Thom's Elephant Camp also offers specialist Mahout Training Courses. It starts with the introduction into elephant care, the verbal and body language to communicate with the elephants, followed by hand on practises. How to ride, play, feed, bath and take care of the elephants. Thom's Elephant Camp also offers beautiful bungalows and accomodation, mineral hot tub and spa retreat, Organic Farming and Mahout Course, sight seeing tours and of course wonderful elephant mountain and river treks.
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 order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
415 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
91
Average
35
Poor
18
Terrible
87
Grace C
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
We saw these elephants whilst passing in Pai, a man with a sharp hook and stick was guiding them and shouting at them. I dread to think what they have done to them to break them in. The elephants looked incredibly sad. Tourists walking beside the elephants, this is not natural for elephants. So incredibly sad to see this is still happening to the poor elephants. Please do not support this place. God help these elephants.
Written February 5, 2020
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.
Cindy C
44 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Nguan, Tutdao and Ot. The 3 fantastic ladies in Thom's. Each with their own characteristics. We totally enjoyed their company, achieving what we were there for. To spend time and feed them.
Elephants in Thom's has their own space and are not chained. When they are led out by the handlers, there are no hooks and no hitting. One would need to go there personally to experience and see for oneself.
There are quite a few different camps along the way so make sure you go to Thom's and experience the way they treat their elephants before making any conclusions.
It is definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Pai!
Elephants in Thom's has their own space and are not chained. When they are led out by the handlers, there are no hooks and no hitting. One would need to go there personally to experience and see for oneself.
There are quite a few different camps along the way so make sure you go to Thom's and experience the way they treat their elephants before making any conclusions.
It is definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Pai!
Written March 6, 2020
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.
rettig1
Evansville, Indiana40 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
My family had an amazing morning with elephants today! Everything about Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp was excellent….the staff, the preserve, the scenery, and the two elephants who were the stars of the morning.
It was great experiencing a few hours of the life of these gentle giants - feedings, exercise walks, foraging, bathing, and play time.
This is not a photo op kind of place per se, it is a true family-owned place for the elephants to live a happy, long life while being cared for by loving handlers and care staff! The farm has been in the family for 4 generations. Lots of great memories can be made here and photographed, but it is not a choreographed day.
The owner Thom was amazing the past 2 months setting this experience up for us, maintaining great communication, and ensuring a great experience we will never forget.
It was great experiencing a few hours of the life of these gentle giants - feedings, exercise walks, foraging, bathing, and play time.
This is not a photo op kind of place per se, it is a true family-owned place for the elephants to live a happy, long life while being cared for by loving handlers and care staff! The farm has been in the family for 4 generations. Lots of great memories can be made here and photographed, but it is not a choreographed day.
The owner Thom was amazing the past 2 months setting this experience up for us, maintaining great communication, and ensuring a great experience we will never forget.
Written January 3, 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.
Abi C
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Very unethical sanctuary. Elephants kept in small pens, with no available water, the guides hit them with sticks.
The elephants had no free will and were dragged away from the river and the field before they wanted to move. They apparently slept on the mountain but there was no evidence of this and we doubted that it was true.
They were bread to be in captivity and they are trying to continue to bread more elephants to keep in this way.
Watch out for Ike, the American man on site, he tried to convince us the elephants were well treated after we had initial doubts and as we continued with the trip it became more and more clear that he was lying.
Do not support this money making business. They do not care about the welfare of the animals .
The elephants had no free will and were dragged away from the river and the field before they wanted to move. They apparently slept on the mountain but there was no evidence of this and we doubted that it was true.
They were bread to be in captivity and they are trying to continue to bread more elephants to keep in this way.
Watch out for Ike, the American man on site, he tried to convince us the elephants were well treated after we had initial doubts and as we continued with the trip it became more and more clear that he was lying.
Do not support this money making business. They do not care about the welfare of the animals .
Written July 16, 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.
Joanne M
20 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Were had a wonderful stay for 2 nights at Thoms Elephant c. If you are looking for a ethical elephant sanctuary to support then this is the place.
Everyone was really wonderful here. Our guide Ike educated us in great detail about the lifes of the Elephant's. He is extremely knowledgeable and his bond with them was incredible to witness. This really enhanced our time with this amazing animals. They are really loved and cared for Elephant's.
The staff were wonderful. Ai cooked us breakfast every morning and her breakfast pad tai was the best I have had so far. She is so lovely and kind and was a wonderful host. Thom was great as well and made sure we were happy and comfortable.
The cabin was ok, it was not fancy. The water in the shower comes from the hot springs and was great. Staying in the jungle was exactly what we needed after spending several days in Bangkok and Chaig Mai.
If you are looking for a great authentic Elephant experience then I highly recommend Thoms!
Everyone was really wonderful here. Our guide Ike educated us in great detail about the lifes of the Elephant's. He is extremely knowledgeable and his bond with them was incredible to witness. This really enhanced our time with this amazing animals. They are really loved and cared for Elephant's.
The staff were wonderful. Ai cooked us breakfast every morning and her breakfast pad tai was the best I have had so far. She is so lovely and kind and was a wonderful host. Thom was great as well and made sure we were happy and comfortable.
The cabin was ok, it was not fancy. The water in the shower comes from the hot springs and was great. Staying in the jungle was exactly what we needed after spending several days in Bangkok and Chaig Mai.
If you are looking for a great authentic Elephant experience then I highly recommend Thoms!
Written February 28, 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.
Greens C
Andover, UK6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Great, experience, no riding on them, and when it was time to head to the river, the elephants, let them selves out of the holding area, quite impressive. The guide and his team, gave great information, and the Elephants basically ran the trip, to the river, at their pace. So all in all 5 stars, it’s about the elephants, not customers. Well worth it!
Written November 7, 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.
jeanette B
Laos35 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Thom’s elephant camp is amazing. I stayed 2 days.
The bungelow with hot running water and a bath brig enough for hot tub status.
The bungelow was very clean, beautifully decorated.
The surroundings picturesque, so so peaceful.
The staff are super friendly and try so hard to please.
They have 2 female elephants who must be happy to stay where they are. Both elephants can leave the encloses any time they want as they know how to get out.
The walk with the elephants was amazing so informative.
Learnt a lot and the hot tubs are relaxing.
Sadly the elephant keeper across the road is a bad keeper so 🤞by passers do not judge Thom’s elephants by their standards.
The bungelow with hot running water and a bath brig enough for hot tub status.
The bungelow was very clean, beautifully decorated.
The surroundings picturesque, so so peaceful.
The staff are super friendly and try so hard to please.
They have 2 female elephants who must be happy to stay where they are. Both elephants can leave the encloses any time they want as they know how to get out.
The walk with the elephants was amazing so informative.
Learnt a lot and the hot tubs are relaxing.
Sadly the elephant keeper across the road is a bad keeper so 🤞by passers do not judge Thom’s elephants by their standards.
Written February 21, 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.
Jonas V
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
This was amazing. But foremost is amazing to see that these two lady’s (elephants) are treated like queens.
Some people see other elephants mistreated in the area and give Toms pai elephant a bad review.
Go look for yourself, support them, give a donation. If everyone looked after animals like they do, there wouldn’t be any mistreatment around the world.
Also, thank you Ike, you’re an amazing tourguide. They’re lucky to have you.
I hope to see the lady’s again very soon. 🤍
Some people see other elephants mistreated in the area and give Toms pai elephant a bad review.
Go look for yourself, support them, give a donation. If everyone looked after animals like they do, there wouldn’t be any mistreatment around the world.
Also, thank you Ike, you’re an amazing tourguide. They’re lucky to have you.
I hope to see the lady’s again very soon. 🤍
Written November 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.
Finola
5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
VERY DISAPPOINTED
My room booking was moved to a horrific room in the back of the camp.
I stayed many times over 15 years and was looking forward to staying for a few days with the elephants.
The elephants did not look well and the place is very run down.
I booked another room and felt so sad to see the place especially the elephants in such bad condition.
They even pretended not to know me but one of the mahots ran and gave me a big hug😊
My room booking was moved to a horrific room in the back of the camp.
I stayed many times over 15 years and was looking forward to staying for a few days with the elephants.
The elephants did not look well and the place is very run down.
I booked another room and felt so sad to see the place especially the elephants in such bad condition.
They even pretended not to know me but one of the mahots ran and gave me a big hug😊
Written December 4, 2022
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.
Michyv00
Lower Beechmont, Australia232 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What an awesome experience this was. We did the one hour visit, walking the elephants down to the river. We were picked up from our hotel and driven there and back. We got to feed the elephants before walking beside them to the river. Unfortunately we couldn’t go in as the river was high and dangerous but it was amazing to watch the elephants playing in the river together and to walk with them. Both elephants are beautiful and cheeky and extremely happy. There is no riding or mistreatment of any kind. Anyone who says there is, has obviously not been to the sanctuary and is just a bitter rival. These elephants are loved and cared for, one is pregnant and they are both gentle giants. I highly recommend you put this at the top of your to do list!
Written October 17, 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.
Yoshiko T
1 contribution
I saw a mother elephant and a baby elephant at the entrance in a tiny space. The mother elephant was chained both front legs so close together. She was visibly stressed in a tiny space and she was constantly stamping feet in the same spot. It looks difficult for her to balance with her front feet so closely changed together. Her baby was constantly trying to put the foot outside the fence. Their pen was so small. I asked a lady at the reception and I was told that the mother elephant was chained so that she doesn't hurt the visitors in order to protect her baby. I feel so sorry for these beautiful elephants. We as tourists want to see elephants in nature NOT the ones in chained in a tiny pen! I hope you understand what tourists expect. Please leave those mother and baby elephants in your large safari without chain where they are safe and enjoy the freedom. You will have more tourists to see happy elephants.
PaiThom
Pai23 contributions
Here elephants do not chained.And here do not have" BABY ELEPHANT" Your judgment without trying to find out a bit more information about my camp. You didn’t try to speak to me or to any foreign volunteers, who come to help me and stay here for couple of weeks or longer. How much time have you actually spend here?
SebPau
Pau1 contribution
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galilei9
Brunete, Spain30 contributions
We took a tour for two with the only condition of bathing with an elephant, when we left we were told that it was not possible because the water had gone up, saying that then we went back another day we were deceived telling us that if it could be in another place, it was not so. Can you explain why I lost my time and money? You can do it a thousand times, I come from another part of the planet to do this, please do not play with people, it would have been easy to do it in the afternoon or the next day, thanks in advance. Tour apologies not is sufficient, my money y es, forma example to do it in other placer of my trip.
Juan from Spain.
Samantha 'manta... K
2 contributions
You should be absolutely disgusted with yourselves that you can treat such a gentle giant with such disregard and malice as a way to make yourselves money! I hope someone rescues the poor elephants you are mistreating so badly who deserve so much more than being beaten secretly by you when all the tourists have gone home. Oh and thank you for laughing in my face whilst I had no choice but to cry over you beating your elephants. Disgusting!
PaiThom
Pai23 contributions
How you know my elephant is poor? My family we had elephant for long tome ago. we not make only money. Please just stop riding a horses in your country before you complain another people. Just think about your country. and I'm not rent an elephant and land to do conserving !!! We also had a lot of land with elephant glass and banana, What is a poor think ? If you not ever know my place just come to see not only trusting by the liar people from fake conserving !!! Hope your mind is better than now.
thank you for question
my name is frand, Just tell me if you want to meet me i'll teach you about elephant lift in Thailand !
Elena M
4 contributions
HelllOOOO!!! How r u?
i m Elena, from Argentine!! I love animals ...i don t eat meat for 20 years because of that reason jehej not vegan...
I d like to know if u look for volonteers ....i m in Pai now and i can change mynplans in relation with your answer...
Yesterday...i read about your camp so...i decide to apply for...
Thksssss a lotttt for ur answerrrr...i really appreciate it!!!
Thksss for ur time and attention and i also...work with cats abandoned in my country...
Tell me also...because in another way...i go to Myanmar for my visa...
I only have one wk...here!!!
Have a wonderfullll day, maravilloso, mooi, belle journee...
I work with tourism so i can...kind of manage with languages also... Jehej
Thkssssss, merci, grazie, gracias, obrigadooo,,dankeee, dank je wellll!!!
PaiThom
Pai23 contributions
Hello Natascha,
Are you mistake something our Elephant were not chain on the leg but we make a stable for them. You just past by them and not come to touch or play with them how do you know they are not treat well ? My Elephant camp only 3 elephants and they stay at the camp at day , at night they live on the moutain. Do you still think is bad condition ? Please don't thinking by yourself and make the other people get mistake.
Keep clam and come to play with elephant :)
Frand
Gabby Lopez
2 contributions
I'm disgusted to see the answer by Thom's Elephant Tours. Only because they are not chained up it does not mean they are NOT mistreated. Riding an elephant is unethical to them physically, you should know this! An elephant's spinal cord is curvy & not meant to endure heavy loads, this causes long term effects to their backs. Also - I was there just 2 days ago, your elephants were playing tricks like in a circus. To make an elephant DO this you need to BREAK their spirit by subjecting them to years of torture which can include starvation, whipping, bashing, stabbing them with those hooks your handlers carry and not until the elephant is submissive does it do what the handler commands.
These elephants are not rescued, they are not retired, they are not FREE during the day to roam they way they should. The fact that you are letting people ride them is ANIMAL CRUELTY.
PaiThom
Pai23 contributions
Hello Anne,
We would like to appologize for the bad day you had with us and want to tell you that we are really sorry for your messed up day after all :( It was a very busy day for us and we unfortunately didnt have enough people helping us that day, so we messed some things up and we are very sorry. We hope you still enjoyed the rest of your stay in Pai and your vacation.
Greetings from Pai Elephant Camp Tours
iikkaaiittiimm
Taipei, Taiwan
Hi,
1.Which day can we go to there.(Feb/8 to Feb/13)
2.Two adult and two children,how much is the ticket cost? How long will it take?
3.Free hotel shuttle service.
4.Do you have one night two days trip,can you give us introduction,how much is it?(including eat and accommodation)
5.What do we need to prepare?
PaiThom
Pai23 contributions
You can see tour and Price in my website and you can also book on my Website.
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Claim your listingThom's Pai Elephant Camp - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thom's Pai Elephant Camp
- Thom's Pai Elephant Camp is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Thom's Pai Elephant Camp:
- (0.02 mi) Thom's Pai Elephant Camp Homestay
- (0.07 mi) Aroma Pai Spa Resort
- (0.11 mi) Prawdao Resort
- (0.11 mi) Pai Do See Resort
- (0.21 mi) Pai Hotsprings Spa Resort
- Restaurants near Thom's Pai Elephant Camp:
- (0.15 mi) Pai Hotspring Spa Resort Restaurant
- (3.20 mi) Cafecito
- (2.90 mi) Earth Tone
- (3.54 mi) Om Garden Cafe
- (3.64 mi) Two Sisters Restaurant
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp Information
Excellent Reviews | 184 |
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Very Good Reviews | 91 |
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp Photos | 308 |