Elephants' Home and Nature
Nestled in the Saiyok district of Kanchanaburi, this small sanctuary is home to rescued elephants, including animals previously kept in circuses, offering visitors a chance to connect with these animals in a relaxed, unhurried setting. With typically few or no other tourists present at any given time, the experience feels personal and unhurried — guides like Nina, mentioned by name in visitor accounts, are noted for their genuine passion and knowledge about the elephants in their care.
Visitors can choose from hands-on experiences such as bareback riding and bathing with the elephants in the water, with recent visitors citing a price of 1,200 baht per person for a combined ride and bath session. Walk-ins are welcomed without prior booking, and families with children have found it particularly well-suited for groups. The owners are consistently described as honest and approachable, and the elephants' welfare is clearly central to how the sanctuary operates.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Elephants' Home and Nature, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Our family of 6 turned up unannounced, were the only visitors there and were immediately looked after. We opted for the bareback ride and elephant bath at 1200B per person, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The people who said this was the highlight of their trip weren’t wrong - it is possibly the highlight of the decade! If I could offer more than 5 stars I would! Thanks Ice and team!
Lovely place with super nice, honest owners. The elephants have a great life here and were all rescued. It's also very affordable. We came with no booking, which was no problem at all. We could decide what to do with them. It starts at only 100 bath, for feeding a basket of fruits to an elephant. Also, the bathing was a lot of fun. They were open to answer any questions we had and were truly honest. Many "sanctuaries" force elephants to do tricks even if they don't want and lie to you (for example about letting them walk free in the night.) Here, this is not the case. Overall, it was a great experience and i recommend this place to everyone who wants direct contact with elephants in the most ethical way possible.
located about 2.5 hours from Bangkok, after close review of other similar elephant experiences both me and my wife decided it was worth the extra effort to go out of our way and visit this beautiful place. The atmosphere is incredible you will not be any closer to rural Thai living than this, the owner took her time and explained step by step how the elephant's here are all rescued and how well they are treated here. All the animals here including the dogs are well kept and clearly happy. I wish I could come back more often.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 131 reviews on Google.
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Elephants' Home and Nature: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephants' Home and Nature worth visiting?
Elephants' Home and Nature holds a 4.7★ rating from 131 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Elephants' Home and Nature?
Elephants' Home and Nature is typically open 07:00-17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Elephants' Home and Nature?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is Elephants' Home and Nature located?
Elephants' Home and Nature is at 339 moo.10, lumsum, saiyok, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
339 moo.10, lumsum, saiyok, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand095 598 2908www.elephanthome-nature.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Elephants' Home and Nature
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Sanctuary kanchanaburi
A wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi's Sai Yok district offering intimate nature-based experiences in lush surroundings.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
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Safari World
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Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Elephants' Home and Nature
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river