Observe Elephants Naturally at One of Thailand’s Best Ethical Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
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.
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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 369 reviews Charline Mercier2025-11-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons cherché absolument à faire un sanctuaire éthique, c'est compliqué à trouver... Mais ce fut une excursion incroyable ! Transfert depuis l’hôtel impeccable. Sur place, nous avons reçu de nombreuses informations sur les éléphants. Nous avons pu les nourrir, puis marcher à leurs côtés dans la forêt, au cœur du sanctuaire. Les éléphants évoluent en liberté, nous pouvons les observer de très près, tout ça dans le respect des animaux. Ce sont des éléphants domestiques recueillis, donc déjà habitués à la présence humaine. Après la balade, nous avons partagé un repas puis participé à un atelier pour fabriquer un inhalateur au baume du tigre, une activité vraiment sympa. Le personnel est adorable, rien à redire. Une matinée de rêve ! Libby Randles2025-11-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great time at Joy Elephant Sanctuary. Our group was really small, which made the whole experience feel personal and relaxed. Our guide was amazing, super knowledgeable, funny, and clearly cared a lot about the elephants and their welfare. The walk with the elephants was definitely a highlight, but make sure you wear proper shoes because it can get pretty muddy. We loved learning about each elephant’s story, how they are cared for, and seeing how calm and relaxed they were. It felt as ethical as you can get, and you can really tell the team puts the elephants first. We loved every minute and would absolutely recommend it. Agustin Mazzoleni2025-11-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gran experiencia, los guías muy amables y simpáticos , el santuario bien cuidado y en buenas condiciones Rose2025-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful and most importantly, ethical elephant sanctuary. The elephants are a domestic group who are well loved and incredibly well cared for. They have a lovely patch of land to free roam and enjoy security as part of their family group. There is very little touching of the elephants and no riding or use of whips or sticks to manoeuvre them. We did a day of walking with the elephants, making medicine balls for them and making inhalers. I would 100% recommend this group, as they also work with a local native group to look after the elephants and maintain the sanctuary. Natalia Sánchez2025-11-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tras mirar y mirar diferentes “santuarios” finalmente nos decantamos en ir a joy elephant y estamos súper contentos con la decisión. Nos gustó mucho, no te dejan tocar a los elefantes si no que todo es mediante la observación, puedes acercarte pero siempre desde el respeto y que ellos se sientan cómodos. Tienen mucho espacio y hay una parte de la excursión que es acompañarles por el recinto paseando, fue precioso! Cuando estás en la parte de la cascada, si el elegante decide meterte al agua tú no puedes entrar ya que tienes que respetar su espacio. De verdad que nos encantó. Gracias por la experiencia! toni evans2025-11-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience where they really do care for the elephants we were treated well along with an activity and food, would recommend and do again! Mélina Mc Ardle2025-11-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Je suis mitigée. Ça a été un chouette moment, agréable de pouvoir voir les éléphants et les nourrir. Cependant, le discours d'introduction ressemblait plus à un discours pour tenter de nous convaincre que le sanctuaire était éthique plutôt que de nous donner de l'information sur les éléphants. Le guide semblait vraiment sur la défensive, ça ne donnait pas envie de poser des questions. La description de l'activité indiquait qu'on observerait les éléphants alors qu'ils cherchent de la nourriture dans la jungle, mais ça ressemblait plutôt à une balade prédéfinie, que les animaux sont habitués de répéter à chaque groupe (2-3/ jours?). Ça indiquait aussi que l'on préparerait la nourriture, mais nous avons simplement pris des bananes et des courges pour leur donner alors il n'y avait pas de préparation. Le repas (Pad Thaï) était correct, sans plus. Bref, c'était bien, sans plus. Lauren Stewart2025-11-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing day ! I loved that we cannot get too close to the elephants as I believe this is how it should be. Feeding them was a great experience and the tour guides were great. It was interesting to learn more about the elephants. The temple was beautiful too and it was interesting to learn about the history. Would 100% recommend Sam Wilcox2025-11-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of my favourite days of travelling SE Asia so far. We did our research to find an ethical observatory and this was it. We were collected on the doorstep of our accommodation and taken there. The staff stop off at a 7/11 petrol station to allow anyone who didn’t have time for breakfast to grab a snack. Once there you are educated about the elephants then taken down to feed them. There is buckets of food so you probably get to feed each elephant about 3 times. You the walk them through the jungle staying about 3 metres away. Next you end at the waterfall where you can go for a dip, but it’s pretty cold haha. Then lunch follows, a Pad thai that I had pretty low expectations for, but it was unbelievable, the best one i’ve had yet. There is also complementary teas, coffees and water, and then soft drinks for 30 baht. Finally you make your own Thai inhalers which was a lovely touch and little gift to keep. Everything is such high quality, even down to the cleanliness of the toilets. We actually went here because a friend recommended it and I also would recommend this to anyone reading this.
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