What we do ?
Who are we ?
Joy Elephant Sanctuary (JES), located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to creating a respectful and meaningful connection between humans, elephants, and nature. Founded as a joint initiative between a Karen Hill Tribe community and a group of individuals passionate about elephant welfare, the sanctuary provides a peaceful space where elephants are 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.
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Why Do Elephants Look Like They Are Cry? (Elephant’s Natural Tears)
Find out why elephants look like they are crying and experience ethical elephant observation at Joy Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
Read honest reviews of our Joyful customers
EXCELLENT Based on 279 reviews LUIGI Candia2025-08-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica da consigliare a chiunque, guide e operatori del santuario gentili e ospitali, rispetto massimo per gli elefanti, il prezzo magari un po' più alto potrebbe scoraggiarvi ma datemi retta vale ogni singolo centesimo speso. Un solo consiglio (e datemi retta) portate un cambio e soprattutto usate scarpe chiuse e da trekking perché altrimenti sono guai!!! Heather Cathcart2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We researched many elephant sanctuaries before coming to Chiang Mai to ensure we chose an ethical one, and Joy Elephants truly lived up to our hopes. The elephants are treated with great care and have a vast jungle area to roam freely. The team took time to explain the elephants’ histories and how to interact with them ethically. We enjoyed a beautiful hike alongside the elephants through their natural jungle habitat—it was amazing to see them in such a peaceful environment. Feeding the elephants and watching them play together was a highlight. All the staff were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend Joy Elephants to anyone looking for a genuinely ethical sanctuary. Tina B.2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Die Tour ist sehr weiterzuempfehlen! Den Elefanten geht es gut, sie werden zu nichts gezwungen, man darf sie füttern, ansonsten läuft man mit ihnen ein Stück im Wald spazieren. Anschließend baden am Wasserfall. Das anschließende Essen war toll und als kleines DIY am Ende haben wir noch Gewürze für ein Riechfläschchen gemörsert, was wir mitnehmen durften. Der Zusammenhang hat sich mir nicht ganz erschlossen, fand ich aber toll 🤗 Alessandro Cecconi2025-08-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. È possibile prenotare un tour per vedere gli elefanti. L'agenzia ti viene a prendere all'hotel e ti porta al santuario dove sono presenti 5 elefanti. Ti spiegano il motivo per cui sono lì e come comportarsi e poi ti fanno prendere confidenza con gli elefanti dandogli degli snack (banane e zucca). Dopodiché seguirai gli elefanti nella jungla nella loro morning routine di cui hanno bisogno per cibarsi e camminare. Starai a due passi osservandoli nel loro habitat naturale. Alla fine della passeggiata proseguirete per il sentiero per arrivare al fiume e alla cascata dove sarà anche possibile fare il bagno. Se gli elefanti vorranno saranno lì con voi, essendo un santuario etico non saranno costretti a fare niente e non faranno il bagno con voi forzatamente. Successivamente sarà offerto il pranzo e vi sarà fatto fare anche il vostro yadom personale con erbe, mortaio e pestello. È possibile inoltre prenotare la seconda parte del tour al doi inthanon. Purtroppo quando sono andato io era brutto tempo quindi la vista non era un granché e il trekking è stato annullato perché troppo pericoloso. Però siamo stati portati in un piccolo villaggio ad assaggiareilt caffè prodotto in quelle piantagioni e il tè fatto con le bucce del caffè stesso. Ultima tappa una bellissima ed enorme cascata. Personale super cordiale e preparato, molto simpatica la guida. Consigliatissimi se cercate un santuario davvero etico Jack Duffy2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Most amazing ethical experience. It felt as close to seeing elephants in the wild as you can get. Daniel Crooksmay2025-08-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team and experience şeyma karataş2025-08-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had joined their Elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting full day tour, our driver Big and our guide Jay were so nice. Definitely recommend 😊 Els De Busscher2025-07-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heel aangename ervaring!
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