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!

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.
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 .
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!
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.
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. 🤍
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😊
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.

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Thom'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



Thom's Pai Elephant Camp Information

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