Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Bangkok and Pattaya

Introduction

If you’re looking to spend a meaningful day with elephants in Thailand, this Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour offers an authentic and ethical experience. We love that it emphasizes animal welfare, sustainability, and genuine interactions with these gentle giants. Plus, the chance to explore a lush, natural environment away from busy city streets makes it stand out.

What really draws us in is the personalized approach, with guides who seem passionate and knowledgeable, and the fact that elephants are free to roam and interact at their own pace. The value for money is another plus, as the tour includes food, transportation, and insurance.

A possible consideration is the length of travel time—it’s a longer drive from Bangkok, around 2 hours plus, but many reviewers feel it’s worth every minute. This experience is best suited for travelers craving an educational, hands-on, and ethical encounter with elephants, especially those interested in conservation efforts.

Good To Know

• Ethical focus: The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare with no forced performances or rides.
• Authentic interaction: Feeding, walking alongside, and observing elephants in a natural setting.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and humorous guides, like Lulu and Crazy Man, enhance the experience.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, lunch, snacks, insurance, and a small-group atmosphere.
• Longer travel times: Expect around 2 hours each way, but many find the journey worthwhile.
• Support conservation: Your visit helps promote ethical tourism and elephant rescue work.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour isn’t about riding elephants or watching them perform tricks. Instead, it centers on respectful, behind-the-scenes interaction with rescued elephants living in a spacious, natural environment. The sanctuary is set on a 40-acre (100-rai) property in Chonburi, offering a real escape from urban chaos and a chance to connect with these majestic creatures in a more genuine way.

The guides’ passion and knowledge shine through, with reviews highlighting individuals like Lulu (also called Crazy Man) who are both entertaining and informative. They teach visitors about each elephant’s story, such as rescue histories, and foster a sense of connection that feels personal.

You’ll love that the elephants are not confined by fences in a typical zoo or circus setting. Instead, they’re free to wander, approach, or leave as they wish, which is a key part of the sanctuary’s ethical stance. Feeding them fresh food and snacks, and even walking alongside them, makes for an engaging and memorable experience.

Itinerary Breakdown: What To Expect

Stop 1: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary

Your day begins with a pick-up, either from Bangkok or Pattaya, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey, often around 2 hours from Bangkok, takes you to the lush surroundings of Khao Kheow. Despite the travel time, many travelers note that the scenery en route is often peaceful and scenic, making the drive a relaxed preamble to the day ahead.

Once at the sanctuary, you’ll encounter around 8 elephants, including rescues from circuses or ride operations. The guides, such as Lulu, are praised for their wealth of information and sense of humor, which makes the learning process enjoyable. Expect to hear stories about each elephant’s rescue, their personalities, and how the sanctuary cares for them.

Feeding and Walking with Elephants

The core activity involves feeding the elephants with fresh sugar cane and other snacks, which many reviews describe as a highlight—“You will feel as if one with the elephants”. You’re encouraged to walk alongside and even help give them a quick shower in the pond, which adds a fun, interactive element that many find quite special.

Reviewer comments like “all elephants seem in fantastic health and well-trained” give confidence in the sanctuary’s standards. The animals are not pressured into activities; they choose whether to join or leave, which underlines the sanctuary’s commitment to natural behavior.

Lunch and Additional Activities

After your time with the elephants, a delicious Thai lunch is served. The menu includes Pad Thai and fruit, with many reviewers noting the food’s simplicity but high quality. Some suggest bringing extra snacks if you prefer more variety, but overall, the meal receives praise for being tasty and filling.

Duration and Group Size

Most tours last between 5 to 6 hours, including travel time, and operate in small groups of up to 40 travelers. Many reviews highlight the personalized attention from guides, which helps create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Transport and Logistics

The tour provides pickup from Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok or Pattaya. The transportation is air-conditioned, vital for comfort especially after a long drive. Although some reviewers mention the length of the journey—around 2 hours each way—most agree it’s a minor tradeoff for the enriching experience at the sanctuary.

Notably, feedback about the travel time and van comfort suggests that a small fan or water bottle might make the return trip more pleasant during hotter months. The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it convenient for travelers to continue with their plans afterward.

Pricing and Value

At $55.09 per person, this tour offers good value considering all inclusions: transport, lunch, snacks, insurance, and a guided experience. It’s a fraction of the cost of many other wildlife interactions in Thailand, but with a clear focus on ethical and sustainable tourism.

The reviews consistently mention that the experience feels genuine, with many travelers expressing feeling good about supporting a rescue-focused sanctuary rather than profit-driven rides or performances. The personal stories of elephants and the hands-on approach make it more than just a sightseeing tour.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

Many reviewers emphasize the personalized interactions—feeding the elephants, walking with them, and watching them in their natural habitat—which tend to be memorable and meaningful. For instance, one reviewer mentions “getting close and feeding the elephants” as a highlight, while another notes how “the guides are passionate and treat the elephants like family.”

Seeing elephants relax and be themselves—at times splashing in the pond or simply wandering—adds to the authenticity. Several reviews also point out that the sanctuary is set in a coconut plantation, which provides a peaceful, rural backdrop that enhances the connection with nature.

Special Mentions from Reviewers

• Lulu (Crazy Man) is celebrated for his humor, warmth, and knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational.
• The opportunity to learn each elephant’s rescue story adds depth to the visit.
• Many mention how the elephants are well taken care of and appear unstressed, which reinforces the sanctuary’s commitment.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Expect a longer trip from Bangkok—around 2 hours—so plan accordingly.
• Bring water, insect repellent, and waterproof clothing if you’re visiting during rainy or hot seasons.
• The small group size ensures you get personal attention, but it’s good to arrive on time for pickup.
• The lunch menu is simple but tasty; if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider bringing some snacks.
• Tip the guides if you feel they enhanced your experience—many reviews mention their friendliness and expertise.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but check if you’re comfortable with outdoor activities and walking.

The Sum Up

This Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour strikes a genuine balance between fun, education, and ethical responsibility. It’s ideal for those wanting to support elephant rescue efforts while having an up-close interaction that’s both respectful and memorable. The guides’ passion, the animals’ well-being, and the natural setting make it a worthwhile choice, especially if you’re willing to endure a bit of travel from Bangkok.

While the journey might be longer than some expect, many find the experience deeply rewarding—and an excellent way to see elephants in a setting that truly prioritizes their welfare. The lunch, snacks, and small-group environment make it feel personal and authentic, and the stories you’ll hear about each rescue are genuinely touching.

If you’re looking for an experience that is more than just sightseeing, offers meaningful interactions, and supports conservation efforts, this tour could be a highlight of your Thailand trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok or Pattaya, with pickup and drop-off included.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 5 to 6 hours, including travel time. The drive from Bangkok is approximately 2 hours each way.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guided tour with an English-speaking guide, snacks and food for the elephants, insurance, bottled water, and lunch after the activities.

Can I feed and walk with the elephants?
Absolutely. Feeding the elephants and walking alongside them are core parts of the tour, and many reviewers describe these moments as the most memorable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families, find it suitable. The outdoor nature and gentle activity make it family-friendly, but always check if your children are comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

Are the elephants in good health?
According to reviews, the elephants are in excellent condition, well cared for, and free to roam, reflecting the sanctuary’s commitment to animal welfare.

What should I bring?
Bring water, insect repellent, waterproof clothing if needed, and perhaps a small fan for the return trip. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

What if it rains?
This experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to rain, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s best to check the weather forecast beforehand.

Final Thoughts

The Living Green Elephant Sanctuary tour offers a rare chance to get close to elephants in a way that’s respectful and educational. It’s perfect for animal lovers, conservation-minded travelers, and anyone craving a genuine Thai experience that supports ethically run wildlife rescue projects. Despite the travel time, many reviewers agree that it’s an investment in a meaningful, heartwarming adventure that will stay with you long after the day ends.