• Elephant care program at the Bangkok Elephant Park

    • Bangkok Elephant Park is a purpose-built, ethically sound elephant rescue and rehabilitation center located on fertile, rural land in Bangkok's eastern Nong Chok district. It was established to end the exploitation of elephants in forced labor and riding camps and serves as a peaceful retirement home where rescued elephants can live a natural life, while also educating visitors about conservation.

    The park is designed so that riding and demonstrations are strictly prohibited. Instead, visitors actively participate in animal care amidst a picturesque landscape of jungle, open pastures, and natural mud pools.

    What to expect (Typical program flow)

    Information session: Upon arrival, the guides explain the individual rescue stories of the resident elephants, the differences between Asian and African species, and safety rules for respectful interaction.

    Workshop for making cultural souvenirs: Visitors take part in a unique cultural break to make a traditional, handmade Thai herbal inhaler (Ya Dom) as a souvenir.

    Feeding and care routine: You feed the elephants fresh fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and cucumbers at close range. Afterwards, you help to crush nutritious ingredients and form them into special vitamin balls for elephants.

    Jungle walk & observation: Guests walk alongside the elephants at a respectful distance as they roam freely in the jungle, eating native plants and interacting with each other.

    Mud bath & river bathing: An absolute highlight where you get into the natural pools to cover your animals' skin with protective mud and then brush and scrub them clean in the water.

    Amenities & Catering: After the programs are completed, you will have time to shower and change (towels and uniforms will be provided), followed by an authentic traditional Thai lunch buffet.

    Duration: Half-day morning programs (approx. 7:00 am – 1:00 pm) and afternoon programs (approx. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm) as well as full-day packages are offered.

    Getting there: The accommodation is located approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Bangkok city center. Booking options are available with or without hotel transfers (round trip).

    Photography: Photographers from the animal shelter take professional photos of your interactions throughout the day and upload them online for free download.

    Highlights

  • Educational briefing: Informative background lectures on the topic of elephant conservation and the individual rescue stories of the elephants.
  • Ethical interaction: A strict ban on horseback riding in a protected area that focuses exclusively on feeding, observing, and caring for rescued elephants.
  • Mud bath & bathing: A hands-on activity where you rub the elephants with protective mud and help them scrub themselves clean in the river.
  • Traditional Workshop: A unique cultural break where you can make your own traditional Thai herbal inhaler to take home.
  • Location in Bangkok: Situated in the rural district of Nong Chok, it offers an authentic jungle experience without having to leave the city limits.

    • What to expect

    Location

    Opening hours

    Collection time: 7:00 - 7:30 am.