You’re sitting on a speedboat, the salt spray hitting your face, and the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay are rising up like something out of a movie. You’re headed to Koh Yao Yai. Most people come here for the quiet, the "Old Thailand" vibe that Phuket lost decades ago. But lately, there’s one specific thing on everyone’s itinerary: Koh Yao elephant care.
It sounds perfect, right? Rescued elephants, no riding, just you and a gentle giant in the mud. But honestly, elephant tourism in Thailand is a minefield. One person tells you it’s a sanctuary; another says it’s just a "saddle-off" business. I’ve spent a lot of time looking into how these places actually run, especially since the 2026 World Animal Protection report dropped earlier this week, and the reality is... well, it’s complicated.
Is Koh Yao Elephant Care actually ethical?
Let’s get the big question out of the way first. When you look at Koh Yao Elephant Care (and its neighbor Koh Yao Elephant Beach), you aren't seeing the traditional "trekking" camps with heavy wooden chairs. That’s a win. They’ve moved toward the "care" model—feeding, mud spas, and bathing.
But here’s the thing. Even "no-riding" camps are under fire in 2026.
The latest data from Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach shows that nearly 70% of captive elephants in Thailand still live in "poor" conditions. Why? Because elephants don't actually need humans to scrub them. In the wild, they bathe themselves. When 50 tourists a day are scrubbing an elephant, that elephant isn't "playing." It’s working. It’s on a schedule.
If you go to Koh Yao Elephant Care, you’ll meet elephants like Bai Bua and Sao Noi. They are beautiful. They were brought over from Phuket to live in a quieter environment. The mahouts (the handlers) are local guys, and for many of these elephants, this island life is a massive step up from their previous lives in logging or heavy trekking.
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What a day there actually looks like
You’ll usually start with a welcome drink—lavender tea is the go-to—and a briefing. They talk about the history of the Asian elephant. You’ll learn that an adult elephant eats about 200kg of food a day. That is a lot of bananas.
The itinerary usually follows a set path:
- Making Vitamin Balls: You’ll mix rice, salt, tamarind, and charcoal. It’s messy. It’s fun. The elephants love it because, basically, it’s a giant snack.
- The Mud Spa: This is the big photo op. You slather mud on their skin. The guide will tell you it protects them from bugs and sun. This is true.
- Sea Bathing: You walk down to the water. This is where Koh Yao is unique. Unlike the muddy ponds in Chiang Mai, here you are often in the actual ocean.
The views are insane. Laem Haad Beach—that famous white sand spit that disappears at high tide—is right nearby. Most tours bundle the elephant experience with a trip to this beach.
The "Touch" vs. "No-Touch" Debate
There is a growing movement in Thailand toward "observation-only" sanctuaries. Places like the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or some of the high-end camps in Khao Sok are leading this. They argue that if you can touch the elephant, it has been "broken" to be compliant.
Koh Yao Elephant Care is very much a "hands-on" place. You will touch them. You will get wet.
If your goal is to see elephants living 100% naturally, this isn't it. These elephants are domesticated. They are used to people. For some travelers, that’s exactly what they want—a close connection. For others, it feels a bit too much like a performance. You have to decide where your own line is.
Honestly? It’s a middle ground. It’s better than the camps where elephants are chained all day or forced to do circus tricks. But it’s not a wild safari.
Getting there without getting lost
Getting to Koh Yao Yai is half the adventure. If you’re coming from Phuket, you head to Bang Rong Pier or Ao Po Grand Marina.
- Speedboat: Takes about 30 minutes. Costs around 300-400 THB.
- Longtail Boat: More "authentic," way slower, and you might get soaked if the wind picks up.
- On the Island: You’ll need a sidecar taxi or a rented scooter. The roads are quiet, but watch out for the occasional buffalo crossing the street.
Many people stay at the Santhiya Resort. If you do, they have their own "Elephant Care" packages that include city tours, rubber tapping demos, and even rice transplanting. It’s a very "cultural immersion" kind of day.
What it costs (and where the money goes)
Expect to pay around 2,500 to 4,200 THB depending on the package. This usually covers your transfers, lunch (usually a solid Pad Thai), and the activities.
Is it expensive? Yeah, kinda. But remember that 200kg of food I mentioned? Feeding an elephant is a financial nightmare. When tourism dried up a few years back, many of these animals literally faced starvation. Your ticket price is essentially a grocery bill for a giant.
A few tips for the road
Don't wear your favorite white linen shirt. You will get mud on it. You will get elephant spit on it. Most places provide "uniforms"—usually loose blue shirts—but bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes anyway.
Also, be a quiet observer. Even though these elephants are used to humans, loud noises and sudden movements can stress them out. Listen to your mahout. They know the elephant’s "mood" better than anyone.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning to book a visit to Koh Yao Elephant Care, here is how to do it responsibly:
- Check Recent Reviews: Look for mentions of "bullhooks." In 2026, most ethical places have phased these out or use them only as a hidden safety measure, but any visible use or aggressive behavior is a massive red flag.
- Book Directly or via Local Resorts: Avoid the massive tour aggregators if you can. Booking through your guesthouse on Koh Yao Yai ensures more of the money stays with the local community.
- Combine your trip: Don't just do the elephants. Spend the afternoon at Laem Haad Beach or visit a local rubber plantation. It rounds out the experience and supports the island's broader economy.
- Ask the hard questions: When you arrive, ask where the elephants sleep at night. Are they chained? Do they have space to roam? A transparent facility will be happy to show you or explain their setup.
- Manage your expectations: Go in knowing this is a managed environment. Enjoy the beauty of the animals, but stay mindful of the fact that they are captive. Your presence should be as low-stress for them as possible.