Welcome
Welcome to the Karen Hilltribe Elephant Sanctuary. Our sanctuary is located at Sobwin Village, Mae Wang district in Chiang Mai province.
For hundreds of years we, the Karen people, have lived and worked with elephants in Thailand. We want to share with you our love and respect for these truly amazing animals and at the same time help protect this endangered species.
At our sanctuary you will have the chance to feed, bathe and give a healthy mud spa to our rescued elephants, in an area of natural beauty just over an hour south of Chiang Mai’s historic old city.
Our Elephants
Our elephants have been rescued from illegal logging camps in Mae Hong Son province, on the border of Myanmar.
In 1989 Thailand banned logging following mass deforestation that eventually led to flash floods and considerable loss of life. Despite the ban, elephants are still used in the illegal logging industry, where they suffer both physical and mental abuse.
Your support enables us to shelter and provide for these wonderful animals at our sanctuary.
Our Programs
No riding, ever. Just time with our elephants — feeding, mud spa and a bath in the river.
What our visitors say
“Unforgettable experience”
A corner of untouched nature where elephants are cared for and pampered while remaining free in their habitat.
“Brilliant half day trip, gorgeous elephants”
We loved our half day at the sanctuary. The elephants were clearly well cared for and we interacted with them respectfully whilst still getting up close and personal. Such an amazing experience that we won’t forget.
“Amazing elephant experience”
Amazing experience, guide was wonderful. The elephant experience was out of this world. The waterfall and bamboo rafting was fun.