Elephant Sanctuary Tour Pattaya: Feed & Walk Elephants

Elephants here decide whether to join you or stay in the forest.

An ethical elephant sanctuary tour from Pattaya takes you to a 40-acre reserve in Chonburi where you feed, walk alongside, and observe elephants in their natural habitat. The sanctuary's core principle is that elephants are never forced into activities. They're free to approach or leave at will. The experience includes round-trip transport from Pattaya, lunch, bottled water, and a certified English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit ethical elephant sanctuary

• Travel from Pattaya to sanctuary
• Observe elephants in natural habitat
• Walk alongside elephants
• Feed the elephants
• Help care for elephants
• Enjoy lunch at sanctuary
• Return to Pattaya

The experience

The sanctuary at Khao Kheow spans around 40 acres and operates on a simple rule: the elephants control the interaction. You bring food and walk the grounds, but whether an elephant approaches you or stays in the forest is entirely its choice. This setup means you're observing genuine behavior, not a performance. The activity itself lasts about three hours, with the rest of the time split between your hotel pickup in Pattaya and the drive to Chonburi: travel time varies depending on traffic and your exact location in the city.

What you actually do is feed the elephants by hand, walk alongside them through sparse forest, and help with basic care tasks. Bring clothes you don't mind getting wet and dirty, shoes for walking on uneven ground, a towel, and insect spray. The sanctuary provides the elephant food and snacks you'll use, so you're not buying anything extra on arrival. Lunch is served after the activities wrap up, and bottled water is available throughout the day.

The guide speaks English and is certified to lead the group. Pickup happens from your Pattaya hotel in North, Central, or South zones, or at a designated meeting point if you prefer. Because traffic from Pattaya to Chonburi is unpredictable, the operator asks that you don't schedule anything fixed right after the tour ends. The return journey can take longer than expected, especially during peak hours.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer from North, Central, or South Pattaya.
• bottled water.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• elephant food and snacks for feeding.
• insurance.
• lunch served after activities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 11:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want to spend the warmest part of the day with the elephants and have the afternoon free. The afternoon option works better if you prefer a later start or want to explore Pattaya in the morning.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

47 verified traveler reviews

5 ★43

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens if an elephant doesn't want to interact with me at the sanctuary?

The elephants are free to join activities or leave whenever they choose. If an elephant prefers to stay in the forest or move away from the group, that's normal and part of how the sanctuary operates. You'll still observe them and participate in feeding and walking with those that do approach.

How long is the actual time spent with the elephants versus travel?

The activity at the sanctuary itself lasts approximately three hours. The remaining time in your total booking goes to hotel pickup and the drive to Chonburi, which varies depending on traffic and your location in Pattaya, typically between one and two hours each way.

What should I wear and bring for this tour?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and dirty, and bring shoes suitable for walking on sparse forest ground, a towel, and insect spray. The sanctuary provides the elephant food and snacks you'll use, so you don't need to bring those. Lunch is included after activities.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns or injuries?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and it's not wheelchair accessible. Walking through forest terrain and interacting with elephants requires a moderate level of mobility. If you have specific health concerns, contact the operator before booking.

What's included in the price, and what isn't?

Round-trip transport from your Pattaya hotel, a certified English-speaking guide, elephant food and snacks, bottled water, lunch, and insurance are all included. Gratuity for the guide is not mandatory.