Visiting an elephant sanctuary was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya is a sustainable, ethical, eco-tourism project.  The cost to visit about $55 USD and it was more than worth it.   Making this a really easy decision was the fact that I was even picked up right at my hotel and driven straight to the sanctuary.

(The shirtless mud bath picture was included because I “thought” I was in good shape.  Nothing like a picture of yourself shirtless to set you straight on that idea.  I have drastically increased my workout and attention to food and drink consumed just because of this photograph.)

I used this site Elephant Sanctuary to schedule my visit. 

There are four elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.  They are near the following cities:  Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the Island in Koh Samui. While some of the elephant sanctuaries offer elephant rides, the Pattaya sanctuary did not.  Therefore, I will be visiting other sanctuaries.  I want that ride.

While the Pattaya Sanctuary did not offer an elephant ride, you do get to spend a fair amount of washing and cleaning the elephants, which was completely amazing.

While I was disappointed I did not get to ride an elephant, the reality is that unless you are fully acclimated to Thailand weather, there is only so much outdoor activity your body can handle.  I spent a half day with the elephants and found that my body really could not handle more time in the sun.

Your best bet really is to visit more than one elephant sanctuary.  

A quick note regarding riding an elephant.  Below is an email response I got from the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary regarding riding an elephant.  Their response is giving me second thoughts about getting that elephant ride.

Research seems to indicate that most  elephant sanctuaries do not offer a ride.  I suspect this is in large part due to the time involved.

I have found a place that offers a more inclusive and extensive elephant experience, to include over night accommodations.  Visit this site to see the details.   The Thai Elephant Home  This opens to a 2 day package and you can get an idea of what they offer.  The price  is much higher and seems to be around $250 for a two day adventure.  (includes ride)

I am giving myself 1 month to get into shape before doing this adventure.

My research seems to indicate that most of the elephant sanctuaries do not offer an elephant ride.  I suspect this is in large part due to the time involved for the ride.

I have found a place that offers a more inclusive and extensive elephant experience, to include over night accommodations.  Visit this site to see the details.   The Thai Elephant Home This opens to a 2 day package and you can get an idea of what they offer.  The price of course is much higher and seems to be around $250 for a two day adventure.  (includes ride)

I am giving myself a month to get into better shape before I go do this experience.

While there does seem to be an elephant sanctuary in Bangkok, I have not heard much about it.  I think the better and more often visited elephant sanctuaries are away from Bangkok.  

I may be wrong about this and will confirm the information when I spend time in Bangkok.  My information so far seems to indicate that most elephant sanctuaries are nearer Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with one also being on Koh Samui Island.

Rescued elephants.  Most elephants on these sanctuaries seem to be rescued elephants from various places and circumstances.

I have read of some people having bad experiences with elephant sanctuaries.  They must vary depending on who operates them.  My one experience with the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary was outstanding and I am planning on another over night trip for sure.

You can have good and bad experiences in any country.

The island of Koh Samui sounds like a tropical paradise.   One of the Elephant Jungle Sanctuaries is located on this island and the little I have heard of it seems to indicate this is also a great place to visit.

The island also seems to offer a rather different experience than you might get from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket.  I rather like that idea. 

I think spending time on this “resort” island is in my near future.  Of course it is significantly more expensive than a place like Pattaya, but if you have reduced your home country expenses, then this becomes much more affordable.

Dear Michael,