Deep in the emerald hills of Northern Thailand, nestled within a lush box canyon just outside Chiang Rai, lies Tatvani Elephant Sanctuary, one of the region’s elephant havens.
This protected wilderness is home to a small family of Asian elephants who live freely, safely, and with dignity—far from the noise and exploitation of traditional tourism.
Created in collaboration with the Karen Hill Tribe, whose generations-long relationship with elephants is rooted in mutual respect, the project offers an ethical, immersive way to witness elephants in their natural rhythm. Here, they are not pets. They are not props. They are family.
These gentle giants roam unrestrained for over 95 per cent of their day, exploring bamboo thickets, riverbanks, and shaded forest paths.
They are never ridden, never chained, and every interaction with Tatvani guests is entirely on their terms.
Visitors may have the rare chance to walk alongside them, help with feeding, or simply observe quietly as the elephants socialise, forage, or enjoy a dust bath in the afternoon sun.
Each elephant is part of the endangered Asian elephant species.
Once numbering over 100,000 in Thailand at the turn of the 20th century, their population has plummeted to just 3,000 to 4,000 today, with only around half living in the wild.
This refuge is a small but meaningful response to that crisis—protecting elephants not only through ethical care but also by empowering the Karen community to continue their stewardship with pride.
Conservation here is both cultural and practical. In one delightful twist of circular sustainability, elephant dung is collected, transformed into organic fertiliser, and sold in Thailand—supporting eco-agriculture and providing additional income to local caretakers.
By visiting, guests directly support these conservation efforts. Every stay contributes to the well-being of the elephants, fair wages for their carers, and the continuation of a deeply respectful tradition.
“Watching an elephant choose to come up to you with curiosity and calm is humbling beyond words,” shared one recent guest. “It is not about touching them. It is about seeing them for who they are—intelligent, emotional, and completely unforgettable.” -TradeArabia News Service