no there's no fee to look around, but you might want to take a little money to buy a basket of cucumbers to feed the babies. hopefully you can speak to the elephant carers Michelle or Ewa or the staff that supervise the paying lodging guest to get some information and talk about what they do to care for the elephants but sometimes they are busy. try to call ahead or email to arrange a time.

It is not a place to ride. It's a sanctuary to stop people doing just that and exploiting them.

Hi there! I understand your concerns, so hopefully I can put your mind at ease. Is it ethical to ride elephants? Yes, from everything that I have read and experienced, it most certainly is. Elephants can comfortably carry up to 800 pounds on their backs, so the weight of a human is nothing to them. As a matter of fact, the elephant that I rode would push her ears back on my legs to help keep me steady, something that she would definitely not have done if she didn't want me there. The chains do not confine the elephants, but instead merely remind them of where they are supposed to be. Some elephants are on special diets due to health and age limitations, so it's important that they don't eat something that they shouldn't. Also, there are times when elephants need to stay separated, such as when a male is in musk (period of high hormones and aggression), or when they simply don't get along. I saw my elephant actually unscrew her chain to walk around, so believe me, they aren't stopping an elephant that wants to go somewhere! Also, there is no "breaking" the elephants to work with them. The elephants are revered members of the family, and the staff have been known to sleep outside with the elephant when they are sick, oftentimes in dirt and mud, just to stay close to their friend. Buddhists believe that Buddha reincarnated from an elephant, so that the elephant is one step away from man. Elephants are incredibly loved and respected in Thailand. My trip to Elephantstay was truly the best experience of my life thus far, and I cannot wait for my next trip!!!

Yes. Elephantstay will cater for all dietary requirements :)

I would say they are comfortable but not plush. I didn't see any spiders or bugs in the cabins. The cabins are air-conditioned, clean and have comfortable beds with a clothing rack and a small dressing table. You go down 3 stairs to a bathrooms which is attached to the cabin. The sink is outside but the bath is very clean, tile and air conditioned. There is only a shower

As of September 2017, Elephantstay offers a one day elephant program (cost 5,000 baht per person). Please see website for further information. Availability is limited and must be booked in advance.

Hi. Elephantstay now offers a 1 day program. You must book as places are limited. For further information please enquire via email which can be found on the website.