Ultimate Guide to The Best Elephant Tours from Bangkok

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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are planning a trip to Thailand and looking for the best elephant tours from Bangkok, then keep reading! 

Bangkok is a bustling city with lots to see. After visiting the city’s highlights such as the Grand Palace, Chinatown, and the vibrant street markets, take a day trip from Bangkok to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. 

This article includes everything you need to know before you book an elephant tour from Bangkok. I’ll cover the cost, the duration of the day trip, what to expect, how to book an elephant tour from Bangkok, and more. 

Unlike Chiang Mai where there are plenty of ethical elephant sanctuaries, they are fewer and far between in and around Bangkok. You’ll have to make this visit to the elephant sanctuary an entire day trip because you will be going to either Kanchanaburi or Pattaya. 

In this guide, I’ll provide a curated list of the four best elephant tours from Bangkok. I’m only including tours that I am 100% sure are ethical. I’ve visited Elephants World from Bangkok myself, and it was an incredible experience and the animals were very well taken care of.  

Looking for more Thailand guides?

• The Perfect 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary
• The Best 4 Days in Phuket Itinerary
• All you Need to Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park

Keep reading to discover the best elephant tours from Bangkok!

A Complete Guide to The Best Elephant Tours from Bangkok 

Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Tours from Bangkok

It’s important to know what to expect during your day trip so I’ve included many common questions surrounding elephant tours from Bangkok. After we talk about these, I’ll get into my list of the best tours to book! 

Is Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary Ethical? 

It depends. Tourist needs to do their research when visiting elephant sanctuaries in Thailand (like reading this post!). Unfortunately, there are unethical sanctuaries in the country and you should avoid these. 

A true ethical elephant sanctuary should not condone elephant riding or any type of elephant “show.” These ethical sanctuaries have facilities that prioritize the well-being and conservation of the elephants over tourist entertainment. 

Can Tourists Ride Elephants in Thailand?

Unfortunately, yes. It’s not illegal, but you should not ride elephants in Thailand. These animals are typically drugged, chained up, and not given the appropriate space or proper care that they need. When choosing an elephant tour, make sure they do not condone riding the animals. 

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

The Pattern Bangkok Hotel | If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Bangkok, the Pattern Hotel is excellent. It’s in a great location and their rooms are extremely affordable. They even have a nice cafe on the main floor. Book the Pattern Bangkok Hotel here. 

Hotel Muse | This is one of Bangkok’s finest boutique hotels. It’s near the BTS Chidlom station and close to many malls, restaurants, and cafes. Book Hotel Muse here. 

Search for additional hotels in Bangkok here.

How Long are The Elephant Tours from Bangkok?

The tours range from 8 hours to 12 hours, but depending on traffic this could be longer. Because you can’t see elephants in Bangkok (and you shouldn’t, there is no room for them in the city), you’ll have to drive a couple of hours out to either Pattaya or Kanchanaburi to visit an elephant sanctuary. 

Allocate a full day in your Bangkok itinerary to do this day trip.  

How Much Do The Tours Cost? 

The Elephant tours from Bangkok range from about 85 to 190 USD. Some tours include only a visit to the elephant sanctuary and others include additional activities. 

What is Included in The Cost? 

It depends on which tour you book but most tours will include round-trip transportation, your entry ticket to the elephant sanctuary, and a guided tour. Some will also include other activities around the area such as a visit to Erawan Falls or a floating market. 

Planning a trip to Bangkok? Check out my 5 days in Bangkok itinerary for first-time travelers! 

What Should I Wear on an Elephant Tour from Bangkok? 

It will most likely be hot and possibly rainy. So wear something comfy and bring along a rain jacket. Athletic shorts and a top will be perfectly fine. I also suggest wearing sandals you don’t mind getting wet because you may be in the water or near water with the elephants.  

The Top 4 Elephant Tours from Bangkok 

Now that we’ve covered all of the FAQs about elephant tours from Bangkok, let’s talk about which tour to choose! 

As I mentioned above, there aren’t a ton of Elephant tours from Bangkok because there just aren’t that many sanctuaries in the area. However, I’ve listed four great tour options at different price points that include unique additional activities. 

Again, I have researched to ensure that these are all ethical elephant sanctuaries. Below, you’ll find a summary of the different tour options, including the price, duration, what’s included, and more. 

1 | The Best Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Falls Tour | ✨My Top Pick! ✨

Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour

Price: 180 USD

Duration: 12 hours 

Rating: 4.9 stars 

On this tour you’ll visit Elephants World and Erawan National Park. It includes hotel pick up and drop off in Bangkok, lunch, and your entrance fees.

I lived in Thailand for 3 months and have visited ethical elephant sanctuaries in both Chiang Mai and outside of Bangkok. Elephants World was the sanctuary I visited from Bangkok and I can confidently say they treat their animals wonderfully. That’s why this tour is my top pick! 

I also love this tour because it includes a visit to Erawan Waterfalls. This is a beautiful national park and 7 tier waterfall. It was one of my favorite day trips while I was living in Bangkok and I highly recommend a visit! 

2 | The Best Bang for Your Buck! 

From Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary and Kanchanaburi Tour 

Price: 84.57 USD

Duration: 10 hours 

Rating: 4.8 stars 

This tour is one of the more affordable elephant tours from Bangkok. This also includes a visit to Elephants World in Kanchanaburi, round-trip transportation, and lunch. You will also visit the Bridge on the River Kwai and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. 

3 | The Best Elephant Sanctuary in Pattaya

From Bangkok: Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip 

Price: 124.72 USD

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.8 stars

If you’d like to go to Pattaya, this is the best elephant tour to choose from. This elephant tour from Bangkok includes a visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya. You’ll get three hours with these lovely elephants. 

4 |  An Educational Elephant Tour from Bangkok

From Bangkok: Wildlife Rescue and Elephant Rescue Tour

Price: 141.86 USD

Duration: 12 hours

Rating: 5 stars 

This tour includes round trip transportation, lunch, refreshments, and a visit the the Wildlife Rescue Center and Elephant Refuge. You’ll hear about these rescued animals’ stories and learn why they are living in the center. As well as learn about the conservation issues that elephants face and how they are exploited by tourist attractions.  

Note: I recommend checking the current price on the tour’s website in case they are running any promotions.

And that’s a wrap on the best elephant tours from Bangkok! I hope you found this guide helpful and chose a tour that was right for you! If you have any questions about traveling to Thailand, comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

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