Rebecca Hassen
U.K.
"Seeing the trust, respect and genuine bond they had built over many years was something I’ll never forget."
One of the highlights of our trip to Thailand was visiting Kanchanaburi, where we were lucky enough to spend the night in a beautiful chalet on the banks of the River Kwai at an elephant sanctuary.
It has always been a dream of mine to see elephants living in a natural, free environment, and this experience didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them in every way.
The elephants spent time interacting with us, allowing us to feed them, watch them paint, and accompany them on walks through the stunning jungle. But what made this place truly special was seeing them free to roam the vast grounds, grazing naturally and cooling off whenever they chose in the River Kwai.
Meeting each elephant’s dedicated mahout was incredibly humbling. Seeing the trust, respect and genuine bond they had built over many years was something I’ll never forget.
I found the whole experience surprisingly emotional. Spending one-to-one time with the beautiful Nook and Kat was an absolute privilege and a memory I’ll treasure forever.
Every member of staff and every guide was warm, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the elephants in their care, making the experience even more special.
If you’re visiting Thailand, I couldn’t recommend this sanctuary more highly. It was an unforgettable experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.