Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them)
Nestled in the Mae Hi area outside Pai, Thom's Pai Elephant Camp offers an intimate, low-key alternative to large commercial elephant attractions. The camp is home to just two elephants — Ott and Tatdoh — who were inherited by owner Thom through her father and have lived here without chains or performing obligations. The focus is firmly on respectful interaction: visitors can feed, walk alongside, and bathe with the elephants in the river, rather than watching staged shows or riding them under pressure.
The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, which visitors consistently note as one of its defining qualities. Because the camp operates on a small scale, interactions feel personal rather than transactional. A basic eatery is also on site. Visitors are welcome to stop by and observe the elephants free of charge, with paid experiences available for those wanting hands-on time with the animals.
Opening hours run daily from 08:30 to 17:00, so arriving in the morning gives the most time to settle in and engage at a relaxed pace. Those booking a bathing or care experience should check the camp's website at thomelephant.com in advance, as availability may depend on the elephants' daily schedule. Comfortable clothes that can get wet are recommended for the bathing sessions, and bringing fruit as elephant snacks is always appreciated.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them), round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
I visited the elephant camp today and was genuinely impressed. The elephants are treated with real care, patience, and respect. There are no rides, no shows, and no pressure on the animals — just calm interactions, plenty of space, and a wonderfully kind team that truly loves what they do. Some of the negative reviews seem to come from people who only saw the Welcome Area. This part is simply meant for a first, safe introduction — for the protection of both visitors and the elephants. The real experience begins afterwards: walking together, observing them at the river, and watching them bathe. That’s where you see how relaxed the elephants are and how naturally they can live. What impressed me the most is that the elephants sleep freely outside on the hills at night. It’s a clear sign of how much importance is placed on giving them a natural and good life. If you care about ethical and respectful treatment of animals, this place is absolutely worth visiting. A well-deserved 5 stars.
Best elephant camp / sanctuary in Thailand. This camp has 2 elephants (Ott & Tatdoh) who were inherited by Thom through her father. Both beautiful friendly and very happy elephants. No chains, no real time schedule- The tours will run late if the elephants aren't ready to move on 😂 Staff all very hospitable throughout our day & stay. We took tour 3A (Full day + accommodation) which included breakfast both days, lunch and drinks throughout the day. We were recommended a place for food 2 doors down for dinner which was also lovely (and very local good) Can't wait to return to see Ptt & Tatdoh again 😀😀
Went here to see the elephants quick. You can see them for free and feed them in the afternoon. There were only two elephants. I am not really a fan of zoos and paying for animal act or viewing. I hope they get treated right with love and care. And I hope also that they will be the last one to "work" like this and all elephants will be free and can play in the future.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 896 reviews on Google.
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Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them) worth visiting?
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them) holds a 3.7★ rating from 896 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.
What are the opening hours of Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them)?
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them) is typically open 08:30-17:00 — 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 Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them)?
The best months to visit Pai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (hot & hazy).
Where is Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them) located?
Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them) is at Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand, in Pai. Getting around Pai: Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day); Bicycle rental for town.
Location Info
Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand+66 89 851 9066www.thomelephant.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre
Where to stay near Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them)
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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
Love Strawberry Pai
A working strawberry farm and roadside café stop on the Mae Hong Son loop, with mountain views.
Sunset at bamboo bridge
A scenic bamboo walkway over working rice paddies near Pai, built for monks and open daily until 8pm.
Bueng Pai Farm
A serene lakeside farm stay near Pai where exceptionally warm hosts create an unforgettable home-away-from-home.
Pai Zipline
A zipline adventure through Pai's jungle canopy, run by a safety-focused team with a reputation for fun.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Kathu where rescued elephants roam freely and visitors connect with them through feeding and bathing.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
No riding, no tricks: a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Pattaya's jungle offering hands-on feeding, mud baths, and close wildlife encounters.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Where to stay near Thom's Pai Elephant Camp (Course : take care and bathing with them)
Find hotels in Pai 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: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre