What we do ?
Who are we ?
Joy Elephant Sanctuary (JES), located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was established with the vision of fostering a bonding relationship between humans, elephants, and nature. Founded as a joint initiative between a Karen Hill Tribe and a group of enthusiastic individuals who wish to see the Elephants being treated with Joy, Love, Care & Respect.
An Observation Learning
Our goal is to create an environment where visitors can learn and understand the lives of elephants through observation. Here, elephants can be themselves, freely expressing their personalities and remarkable intelligence.
The Ethical Environment
Surrounded by forests and flowing rivers, our sanctuary is an ideal habitat for elephants. We ensure the well-being of the Elephants by having year-round food supply & opportunities for visitors to help grow food for them.
Support Local
Activities benefit elephants, locals, and visitors by supporting the community & promoting sustainable farming practices. This also creates job opportunities and provides locals with knowledge for a better quality of life.
Travel With Standard
Jump to our journey
Let’s combine the experience
Get in touch on our instagram
Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and connect with our joyful elephants.
Read and enjoy our stories, covering exciting topics. Learn fascinating elephants facts and their rich history. With many categories to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
Why Elephant Observation is the Best Ethical Choice
When visiting an elephant sanctuary, it’s important to choose experiences that prioritize the elephants’ well-being. Watching elephants in their natural behavior is the most ethical choice. It is better than
Read honest reviews of our Joyful customers
EXCELLENT Based on 167 reviews DT2025-02-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really well looked after Georgina Mitchell2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing experience! The day was great and well organised from beginning to end. We tried to research sanctuaries before booking our trip and we definitely made the right decision coming to Joy Sanctuary. The guides were all lovely and knowledgeable and wanted to make our experience the best it could be. The elephants are well cared for and it was a hands off experience observing the animals. Bamboo rafting afterwards was also so fun and amazing to see more elephants along river! Highly recommended⭐️🌟 Chloë DH2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So blessed and happy to visit Joy Elephant Sanctuary. Ethical experience with well cared for elephants. Top recommendation if visiting Chiang Mai. Jessica Hopkins2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy elephant sanctuary was an amazing experience. They really care for the animals and it is a no touching sanctuary which highlights their respect for the elephants. Well cared for and the tour guides are exceptional! We did a walk through the land to observe the elephants in their habitat and then got to swim in the waterfall where after they fed us a delicious meal followed by crafting a traditional Ya Dom (Thai inhaler). Overall great experience and would recommend. The sanctuary is only 1.5hours ride out of Chiang Mai city. Debra Bouwhuis2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We took the half day afternoon trip and had a great time. The staff are very friendly and helpful, special thanks for the extra help. We enjoyed feeding the elephants, swimming, eating and also the craft. Thank you for a wonderful day Elizabeth Sherlock2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience at the Joy elephant sanctuary! They have great staff who are friendly! The food, the swimming and feeding the elephants was amazing ! Would definitely recommend 🌟 Aurore BILLEBEAU2025-02-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Un grand merci à l'équipe de Joy Elephant, qui nous a fait passer une très belle après-midi auprès de leurs 4 éléphants dans le sanctuaire perdu en plein milieu de la forêt.Pas de contact direct, surtout de l'observation qui captivera grands et petits.Mention spéciale à notre chauffeur qui nous a permis d'arriver à l'heure à l'aéroport (organisation au top!). Grace Tenszen2025-02-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. we searched forever to find an actually ethical sanctuary, and got recommended this one at a cooking class from another couple. I LOVED that the elephants weren’t forced to do anything. When we went there were 4 elephants there, and 1 of them chose not to go on a walk with us and I appreciated how it wasn’t forced. Another one during the walk was loving this mud puddle so we left it behind to keep walking with the other two while she enjoyed the mud. It really felt like we were on the elephants schedule and just observing which I loved. The staff were super knowledgeable and you could tell how much respect and care they had for their elephants. Would definitely recommend! Nik Rakovec2025-02-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great experience and a true sanctuary. No bathing, riding or anything of the kind. The guides were great. Would recommend to everyone!
Have a Question ?
Please feel free to contact us if you need any further information