10 Reasons Elephant Rides in Thailand Aren’t Worth It

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and wondering if elephant rides are a good idea? You’ve come to the right place!

More and more travelers are choosing to skip these attractions, keeping the well-being of these amazing animals in mind.

Before you get swayed by local hustlers to visit a so-called “sanctuary” around Chiang Mai, make sure to check out our list.

We’ve gathered 10 reasons why riding an elephant in Thailand absolutely shouldn’t be on your to-do list in this beautiful country.

Are you ready to find out why you should steer clear of elephant rides? Let’s dive in!

1. Elephants Aren’t Meant for Elephant Rides

Contrary to what many people think, elephants aren’t meant to carry tourists all day!

Riding these gentle giants can seriously harm their spines and cause a bunch of other health problems.

You see, an elephant’s spine has sharp, bony bumps that aren’t designed to support heavy weights.

Plus, to make it easier for people to ride, they often put uncomfortable metal saddles (called “howdahs”) on their backs.

These saddles can rub against their skin, creating painful blisters and scrapes that might lead to nasty infections.

2. Baby Elephants Suffer from the Harsh Phajaan Practice

The taming ritual for elephants, known as phajaan, is a sad reality that has been around in Thailand for centuries, and it’s a major reason to reconsider riding elephants.

In this harsh process, baby elephants are forcibly taken from their mothers, locked in tiny cages, and subjected to torture until they become obedient.

While not every elephant camp resorts to these inhumane methods, there are still places in Thailand where this brutal practice continues.

That’s why, for the well-being of these incredible creatures, it’s wise to avoid activities like elephant rides.

3. Mahouts Use Cruel Methods to Control Elephants

Another important reason to skip elephant rides is the brutal methods used to discipline these animals. We saw this firsthand at a pseudo-camp during our trip to Chiang Mai.

One moment that stuck with us was when a poor baby elephant was “brought into line” with a sharp metal hook. It was heartbreaking to witness.

Unfortunately, such practices are still common, and it’s difficult to know if the elephant you plan to ride has been treated similarly.

Many caretakers, known as mahouts, often rely on these tools to control the elephants during rides with tourists. Sadly, they sometimes resort to even more cruel methods, like electric shocks.

4. Animals for Elephants Rides are Often Transported Illegally

Another important reason to leave elephant rides off your to-do list is the sad reality surrounding these animals’ lives.

The cruel practices associated with the tourism industry are significantly contributing to the endangerment of Asian elephants, placing them on the endangered species list.

Did you know that many elephants end up in tourist camps in Thailand illegally? They are often brought in from neighboring Burma or other countries, where they once roamed free.

It’s a heartbreaking but unfortunately very real situation.

5. Elephants Are Often Kept in Terrible Conditions

Unfortunately, many elephant camps (or pseudo-sanctuaries) keep these animals in tragic conditions.

After spending the entire day giving rides to hundreds of tourists, elephants are chained and locked in cramped cages.

There’s no room for them to move around, which is essential for their well-being.

What’s more, it’s common for these elephants to be dehydrated or not receive enough food. Even the food they do get is often of poor quality.

6. Elephants in Camps are Forced to Work Beyond Their Limits

Often in camps, elephants are not only kept in horrific conditions but are also forced to do grueling work that exceeds their limits.

Believe it or not, in some places, elephants “work” up to 14 hours a day, 7 days a week!

It’s no surprise that such strain takes a toll on their health-long hours carrying tourists lead to numerous infections and injuries.

The dreadful living conditions and overexploitation often result in premature deaths for these animals.

This is yet another crucial reason to steer clear of the dubious “attraction” of elephant rides in Thailand.

7. Elephants Are Social Animals and Experience Loneliness

Another important reason to avoid elephant rides is their need for companionship.

Like humans, elephants are incredibly social and require interaction with others to thrive.

Unfortunately, in many camps, they spend most of their day isolated from other elephants. After “working,” they are often kept in solitary confinement, which greatly impacts their mental health.

Let’s not forget that elephants feel pain and suffering just like we do!

8. Tourists Overfeed Elephants, Harming Their Health

Another important aspect we witnessed is how tourists “reward” elephants.

In pseudo-camps, you often have the option to feed elephants sugar cane or bananas for an extra fee.

The problem is that these elephants receive way more of these unhealthy treats than they actually need, from every visitor who rides them.

The diet of elephants is crucial for their health, and these high-sugar snacks, given in excess, only work against their well-being.

9. Elephants Are Left to Perish in the Jungle Due to Age or Illness

Unfortunately, we often hear about this cruel practice. Elephants that are too old or sick to work and make money are simply abandoned.

These animals end up in the jungle, where they have no chance of surviving because they’ve been accustomed to life in a camp and being fed by humans from a young age.

This clearly shows the great harm caused to these animals by the painful ritual of “taming.”

10. Elephant Rides Aren’t Worth the Cost

Lastly, though perhaps a bit less significant, is the high cost of elephant rides.

In Thailand, you can end up paying as much as 1500 baht per person for a ride, often including taking pictures and feeding the elephants (which is quite shocking!).

When you compare this to the affordable and delicious street food available for just a few baht, or even basic accommodation, the price seems pretty steep.

And trust us, the joy of this experience is truly minimal (if not nonexistent).

What Are the Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand?

Great news! Sustainable eco-tourism is really taking off in Thailand, which means it’s super easy to find authentic elephant sanctuaries that are becoming more popular.

At these wonderful places, you can step into the role of a volunteer and create a special bond with these amazing animals.

Each visitor gets matched with a specific elephant, and, with the help of friendly staff, you’ll assist in daily activities like feeding them and giving them a nice bath in the river.

If you’re in the Chiang Mai area, don’t miss the chance to visit these fantastic elephant sanctuaries:

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is a unique place, established in the 1990s, located about 60 km (37 miles) from Chiang Mai. It serves as a refuge for many suffering elephants from all over Thailand.

In the park, these magnificent animals have the chance to interact and play in their natural habitat, including the nearby river.

Visitors can choose to go on a day trip, spend the night, or participate in a week-long volunteer program.

This is a fantastic opportunity to actively contribute to improving the lives of elephants while also forming a genuine bond with these incredible creatures.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an eco-tourism project that started in 2014 through the efforts of mountain tribe members and the local community.

Its goal is to improve the well-being of elephants in Thailand.

The sanctuary operates in four locations, including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui, offering various visit packages, both full-day and overnight.

During their visit, guests have the opportunity to feed, bathe, and play with the elephants.

It’s a fantastic chance to connect with these amazing animals and learn more about Thai culture and the stunning nature that surrounds them.

Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary

Birm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary (BEES) is a unique place that was established in 2011 by passionateindividuals, Emily and Birm.

Their mission is to care for the well-being of animals, which is reflected in the sanctuary’s operations.

The sanctuary prides itself on allowing its elephants to simply “be” elephants, free from exploitation and abuse.

It offers a responsible and ethical program designed to give back to the elephants after years of working for humans.

During a week-long stay, volunteers have the chance to observe the elephants in the forest, prepare treats for them, and care for other rescued animals.

10 Reasons Elephant Rides in Thailand Aren’t Worth It: Summary

Elephant rides in Thailand are a popular attraction, but sadly, many tourists still go for them.

Instead of opting for elephant rides, why not check out sanctuaries that really focus on helping these amazing animals instead of hurting them?

These sanctuaries let you see elephants in their natural environment, making sure they get the care and support they truly need.

It might take a little extra effort, but choosing this option can really make a positive impact on the lives of these beautiful creatures!

We hope the reasons shared above have convinced you to skip elephant rides.

If so, please share this article with your friends so they don’t make the same mistake!

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