Following Giants Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, Koh Lanta

Following Giants is an elephant sanctuary on Koh Lanta positioned around ethical, observation-based encounters: no riding, no performances and no chains, just time spent with elephants in a natural setting. On an island where elephant riding was once a common tourist activity, that makes it the responsible option to consider if you want to see elephants at all. The Koh Lanta site covers about 18 hectares on a hillside, with winding and sometimes steep paths.

What an ethical elephant visit looks like

1. 1No riding, no shows: genuine sanctuaries do not offer rides, tricks or painting. If a place sells any of those, it is not what it claims to be.
2. 2Observation and a light jungle walk: visits are usually built around walking alongside or watching the elephants in a forest setting, with a guide explaining each animal's history.
3. 3Small groups: fewer visitors means less stress for the elephants and a better experience for you.
4. 4The elephants' welfare: look for adequate space, food and shade, and a clear rescue story rather than elephants kept only to entertain visitors.
5. 5From riding camp to sanctuary: the site was previously a camp offering rides, bathing and direct contact. In 2017 its owner, Charae "Ray" Sangkaow, contacted World Animal Protection, and riding and bathing ended in December 2019. According to the charity, it was the second Thai riding camp to make this transition.
6. 6The elephants: according to the sanctuary, it has rescued 11 elephants on Koh Lanta and 14 in Krabi. World Animal Protection profiles Mae Songkran, a female of around 50 who spent her earlier life in tourism and was rescued in April 2023. Ages given for rescued elephants are estimates.

Planning your visit

The sanctuary is on the east side of Koh Lanta close to Old Town, so it fits naturally into a day that also includes the stilt village and a mangrove trip. Wear light clothes and closed shoes you don't mind getting muddy, and bring sun protection and insect repellent.

A local reseller lists the Half Day Elephant Care programme at 2,750 THB per adult and 1,750 THB per child, with infants free, pickup between 7:00 and 7:50, rubber boots and a vegetarian lunch. The sanctuary also lists a 2-hour programme at 1,800 / 1,000 THB with transfer, to be booked at least 4 hours ahead. Transfers are included only on Koh Lanta Yai, and payment is made on arrival, with a surcharge for card or PayPal.

It is open all year in all weathers. The jungle walk suits children from 3 years old, not toddlers aged 1 to 2; babies can come in a carrier. Umbrellas, ponchos and boots are provided; bring a reusable bottle, socks, a hat and a camera.

Check the details directly with the sanctuary or booking partner: exact opening days, group size, what is included and the current rules for interacting with the animals all change from time to time. If a listing promises that you can ride, bathe or touch the elephants freely, treat that as a red flag. The word "sanctuary" is not a protected label, and riding is not banned in Thailand, so ask whether rides or shows are offered and whether each elephant's history is known.

A no-riding elephant experience on Koh Lanta

Ethical elephant experienceFrom US$118

1 day Coastal hotels (pickup available) 4.7 (8)

Half-Day Jungle Walk with Elephants

• 4.7★ from 8 reviews
• A no-riding, observation-based jungle walk with rescued elephants

Best for: Animal lovers who specifically want a no-riding, ethical format. Always double-check the operator's current animal-welfare policy before booking

Check availability & price

We have not confirmed that this listing is operated by Following Giants. Check the operator name and the no-riding policy on the booking page before you book. Some tours sold as an "elephant camp" visit combined with the mangroves are not observation-only, so read the description of what you will do with the elephants.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated September 2026.