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.
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.
Visitor Reviews
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.
I visited Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp and it was absolutely wonderful! The elephants are incredibly cute, gentle, and well-trained — all they want is to eat all day. There is no entrance fee, and for just 50 baht you can give them a bucket of food and play with them. The female elephant Tantdao is 30 years old and weighs around 5,000 kg, one of the biggest in all of Thailand. The other female is smaller but also very beautiful. It was an unforgettable experience. 9/10! I also run a travel agency in Peru, based in Cusco — @dopkertravel. If anyone wants to visit Cusco, Peru, or Machu Picchu, I can help you plan your whole trip!
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 😀😀
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)
Find hotels in Pai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
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Nature Life @ PAI
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Pai Walking Street
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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
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.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.