Review Author: Lucy Dugan

Review Date: 26 Sep 2022

Review Body: If you're looking the real deal, this is it. Any other elephant "sanctuary" or "retirement home" that offers activities where humans interact with the elephants, means the animals must be medicated, which is just another case of abuse. BEES is dedicated to ensuring elephants that have previously been mistreated or exploited can finally rest in peace at this beautiful sanctuary. BEES is the ethical choice here as, while you spend time every day with the elephants, they operate a no-hands policy. That said, you still get to spend quality time with the elephants. Daily activities include: following the elephants on a beautiful walk in the surroundings of the sanctuary, along the river and up into the bush; preparing their food and harvesting the corn, bamboo, papaya, bananas, etc., required for this; cleaning their sleeping quarters; and helping out with other miscellaneous work around the living quarters. They are also very good and sometimes organise little trips to the local waterfall for a swim, the local town of Mae Chaem, or to the Don Inthanon National park to see the highest point in the Thai Kingdom. It's a very fun experience to volunteer here. All the money that tourists who act as volunteers bring goes directly into the maintenance of the project and it is noticeable how they depend on this to continue to save more elephants so please support causes such as this. They explain what goes on behind closed doors and it is pretty eye-opening. They also rescue and heal many stray cats and dogs, so be prepared to cohabitate with other animals. I stayed for the 4-day programme and this was an optimal amount of time, I felt. One of the highlights was simply getting to know the staff and their stories and, as a lone traveller, this made for very pleasant and welcome company. Got, Ngae Ngae, Ten, Em & the boys, Diana, and of course Burm & Emily are all are very lovely people and all very chatty and friendly. Thank you all for opening your doors to us and having me.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Caitie

Review Date: 01 Jun 2025

Review Body: BOOK THIS TRIP! You will have the time of your life supporting a truly ethical sanctuary run by the most wonderful people you have ever met. From the second we were picked up we were treated with so much kindness and spoilt with a trip to an incredible waterfall and picnic lunch. The sanctuary itself is rural but beautiful, hidden among the trees beside the jungle. The staff are phenomenal - Ty was the best group leader ever, she made us smile every time we spoke to her. Ty facilitated the entire experience which included hikes to watch the elephants, observations of their return to the sanctuary at night, preparation of salads, cutting banana trees and more. Expect to get dirty as you immerse yourself in the jungle experience - but you won’t notice because you’ll be having so much fun getting to know the elephants. The evenings were also lovely, playing cards together and singing. We were in a group of 4 which was perfect. The sleeping quarters are rudimentary but comfortable. The food, cooked by La, is outstanding! There were a lot of other surprises I won’t mention, but best of all was the chance to marvel at the elephants who have been given a safe retirement from hard labour and pain. The experience felt personal, as if we were welcomed into the family (the staff are all from the local village). Just book the trip and see for yourself - thank you BEES!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Theo Millington

Review Date: 18 Jun 2025

Review Body: If you’re looking for a genuine, ethical elephant sanctuary experience, BEES is the place to go! We spent 4 days and 3 nights here, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Everything was thoughtfully organised — from transport to and from Chiang Mai, to delicious home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodation. The journey to the sanctuary was broken up with scenic stops at waterfalls and local sites, which made the drive even more enjoyable. During our stay, we made nutritious snacks for the elephants, hiked through the forest alongside them, and even helped harvest corn and banana trees for their feed. What truly made the experience special was the warm, family-like atmosphere. We were welcomed with open arms and had so much fun in the evenings playing games, badminton, and singing songs together. It’s clear that BEES puts the wellbeing of the elephants first, and being a part of that mission was a privilege. Highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone seeking a meaningful and respectful elephant encounter.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Gabriella

Review Date: 08 Jun 2025

Review Body: Oh my gosh what an incredible place 🥹 I spent 3 nights at BEES, and it was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The experience is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The sanctuary really is a sanctuary. I had the most wholesome 4 days with some of the most beautiful people, we were welcomed into their community with open arms. The overwhelming feeling of love is something I don't think I have ever felt before. The people, the dogs (& cats), the food, the community, and of course the three beautiful elephants, all of whom have been rescued. The whole experience was just out of this world 😭🥹 🥰 It was the perfect way to end my travels 💗💗💗

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anetta Brandeisova

Review Date: 01 Nov 2022

Review Body: This place is a heaven for the people and elephants as well. We stayed here as volunteers for 4 nights and we wish we could stay much more. It's really peaceful place where you can get free of stress and noise of city. There is nothing more relaxing than walking in the middle of jungle with this beautiful big creatures. And moreover it makes you double happy when you see how much care and love the elephants received from everyone in the sanctuary :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ash Lehto

Review Date: 07 Nov 2023

Review Body: My partner and I had an absolute blast at BEES! The team was great, the food was delicious, and all the activities were fun and informative. We learned a lot and had experiences we will never forget. Extra points for the fact that this is a hand-off elephant sanctuary that focuses on letting elephants be elephants. If you do one thing in Thailand, visit BEES!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ivonne Suwearma

Review Date: 24 Dec 2023

Review Body: I love everything from the accommodation, lovely staffs, very welcoming and friendly. the programmes were full of insightful information and also great activities to explore how elephants are being taken care of, we helped on diet preps for elephants and also taking care of their habitats. Lovely meals and clean food. Love it.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sophie Cooper

Review Date: 15 Aug 2023

Review Body: A belated review but I had the best time at Bees - Burm, Emily and their entire family were so kind and taught us so much about the elephants. Beautiful experience walking in the jungle and seeing the elephants, and stunning sanctuary. Thank you so so much for what was one the highlights of my Thailand trip. X

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jacob Clements

Review Date: 12 Nov 2023

Review Body: Beautiful people, beautiful animals. A truely unforgettable experience. Felt like home on day one. What are you waiting for, book already!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Emily & Max

Review Date: 01 Jul 2026

Review Body: I dare say this was the highlight of our time in Thailand. We spent 2 days and 1 night at BEES, but we wished it was longer! A lot of research went into selecting this sanctuary to see elephants in an environment where their wellbeing comes before that of tourists. The first day involved a little road trip to the sanctuary. Our driver, Tan, was the best and made many stops along the way to show us all of his favorite spots including waterfalls, viewpoints, a fruit market, and a rice terrace (where we got to attempt planting seedlings!). When we arrived at the sanctuary, we were welcomed by Emily, who shared about the long history of setting up the sanctuary and their vision- which was helpful context to have especially regarding the complexity of elephants in Thailand. I have immense respect and admiration for Emily and Burm dedicating their lives to doing this work. Our on-site guides, Tea and M&M, were extraordinary and so knowledgeable about the elephants, region, and wildlife- and overall just super fun to hang out with! We played cards, sang songs, and chatted throughout the day trekking alongside the elephants. The accommodations were very comfortable too!! Overall, this was a very special experience that we will remember forever. If you’re on the fence about doing it, please take the plunge. We were certainly wishing we could stay another night upon leaving, which would’ve been convenient seeing as I left my phone there (oops, shoutout to M&M for saving me!). We look forward to continuing to support BEES’ hard work in the future and hope to return someday!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Eve Bennett

Review Date: 07 Mar 2025

Review Body: A Truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuary – An Unforgettable Experience Spending two days and a night at this elephant sanctuary was absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for a truly ethical experience—one that focuses on the well-being of the elephants rather than tourist interactions—this is the place to go. Unlike many other places that still allow touching, bathing, or close contact, this sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ natural behaviors and needs. They have been rescued and are now cared for in the best way possible, given space, respect, and the freedom to just be elephants. It was amazing to observe them from a distance, see how they interact with each other, and learn about their individual stories. Beyond the elephants, the people running this sanctuary are wonderful. They are passionate, kind, and deeply committed to their work. As a guest, you’re treated with warmth, great hospitality, and delicious food. Supporting a local business like this one means you’re directly contributing to a future where elephants can live peacefully, without exploitation. If you care about animal welfare and want an experience that aligns with those values, this is the sanctuary to visit. I couldn’t recommend it more!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sara Hollis

Review Date: 19 Nov 2019

Review Body: I have been to BEES twice now and cannot recommend it highly enough. Burm and Emily truly care about the work they are doing and volunteering here is being warmly and genuinely welcomed into their lives. The elephants here are retired from other industries, namely tourism and logging. This means that they have been brought to BEES to live out their remaining years as naturally as possible. Their only job is just being elephants. There is no contact with the elephants. No forcing them to pose for pictures, submit to rides, 'bathe' with tourists, nothing. They spend their days roaming in jungle, foraging, and amble to the river if they want a swim to cool down. As a volunteer, you work hard during the days to prepare food for the elephants or do other work that will improve the sanctuary. It is hard work but it feels so rewarding and you better believe you are fed extremely well several times a day to fuel you for it! I would highly recommend BEES to anyone who is wanting to observe elephants living as closely as possible to how they should be.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marta

Review Date: 13 Feb 2026

Review Body: Incredible experience at Burm and Emily’s sanctuary. We were looking for an elephant related organisation to support during our Thailand trip and wanted a strictly hands-off adventure. This was exactly it! The elephants here have been bought off privates who were using them for work (i.e. riding, carrying, logging), and have been given a chance to retire in a peaceful and magical place. They have the freedom to roam around the forest every day, bathe in the river, and eat whatever they want to eat. Burm and Emily are doing fantastic work, not just for the elephants, but also for the countless rescued cats & dogs on their property, as well as for the people of the community. By joining their program you also sponsor and contribute to their work. A massive shoutout has to go to the staff, and especially Thee for being wonderfully professional and knowledgeable. Thank you for the fantastic experience! 🐘💚

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kate L

Review Date: 24 Jan 2023

Review Body: If you want a unique hands off experience watching elephants trek through forest to the river this is a must! Burm and Emily have put their heart and soul into caring for these retired working elephants. The staff are all amazing, ‘Em, Te, Nei Nei, Go, Joy all make your stay extremely comfortable and the food is amazing. Seeing elephants in their natural habitat is what I came to see and BEES delivered in spades. Other activities included tubing down the river, swimming in the fresh water spring pools, visiting the village temple, enjoying a herbal sauna, patting the dogs and cuddling the cats. The best experience in a very relaxed environment. From an overnight stay to volunteering for a week this is an absolute MUST. You will not be disappointed, a truly magical experience. Thank you so very much BEES I will definitely be back. !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Madeline Hackett

Review Date: 22 Sep 2019

Review Body: This is a small sanctuary which is at the forefront of ethical elephant care. Emily and Burm wish to offer these retired elephants who have lived very sad and hard lives often with harsh treatment, a loving home for the rest of their lives. This is life at THEIR pace, free to wander in the forest in the day with their mahouts, and a safe place to rest and return where wonderful fruit and salad treats are waiting for them I cannot recommend BEES highly enough if you want the highest standards of ethical care and respect for elephants and other animals. I have been lucky enough to spend 10 days with them volunteering and even luckier to participate in the rescue of a beautiful elephant who has found heaven on earth for her older years. Please choose BEES. You will not regret it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Vicki Tran

Review Date: 06 Nov 2020

Review Body: I had such an incredible experience during my week stay at BEES. Words cannot describe how amazing all the staff and animals were. They truly care about the elephants, dogs, and cats under their care and it shows. The location is SO beautiful, and the home cooked meals were delicious (includes plant based dishes)! I loved the range of activities we got to do during our stay from jungle walks to watch the elephants, tubing, volunteering at a school, and spending time with the dogs and cats. After traveling to other places in Thailand, Chiang Mai has a special place in my heart. I highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone who wants a great life experience. I look forward to visiting again in the future! <3

Review rating: 5

Review Author: John Chew

Review Date: 10 Nov 2023

Review Body: Had a full day experience at BEES but unfortunately couldn't stay the night. Emily and Burm were so accommodating with it and tried their best to involve us in as much activity as possible. I highly recommend this experience to anyone out there who wants an ethical experience that gives back to its' community. Em and Burm led us into the forest to follow the elephant's trail. The hike didn't feel long at all as they were so engaging and informative throughout. I now have a core memory of enjoying lunch with the elephants in the wild, sitting on a cliff that overlooks the valley of Mae Chaem. If only I had more stars to rate how meaningful this experience was to me.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Stefan Jurczyk

Review Date: 09 Jun 2023

Review Body: I visited bees sanctuary for an overnight stay and am more than thrilled with my experience there. Bum and Emily are very nice hosts who took care of everything. The elephants are treated very well. We prepared food for the elephants on the first afternoon and on the second day we were allowed to accompany them on a breathtaking tour through the jungle. Our two tour guides, Em and Tee, showed us many things in the jungle and were very accommodating and friendly. I've learned a lot. Tee and Bum also taught me a few words of Thai. Thank you for this great experience. I recommend them to everyone! copcunkrap and lagonkrap! Greetings Stefan

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lucía González

Review Date: 06 Nov 2023

Review Body: After some research to find a (real) ethical elephant sanctuary we found BEES, and it was a good choice! We stayed there for one night and I highly recommend it, even though I would have stayed at least three days! Burm, Emily and all the fantastic people working with them are all like a big nice family who really care about elephants, and animals in general. The three elephants are free in nature (with their mahouts) and only come back to eat and sleep. People can not touch them or bath them, but just observe them from some distance.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Katy Hughes

Review Date: 19 Nov 2023

Review Body: We enjoyed everything about our one night at BEES - the only bad thing was that we weren't there longer! Our day walking in the forest with their elephants was just magical and we really loved that it was completely hands off experience. The whole team are lovely but a highlight was listening to Burm talk about his love for Thailand's elephants with such passion. The rooms are comfortable but basic (totally fine with us!) and the food was tasty. Had so much fun being introduced to different games after dinner too.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Itinerary Description: Pick up at 8.30-9am from your hotel inside the old city/moat square of Chiang Mai Take a scenic drive through the mountains, stop at a waterfall, a market and have lunch along the way Arrive at the Sanctuary around 2pm and be greeted by the many rescued cats and dogs See Accommodation and meet at the dining area for safety chat and fill in Waiver Forms. Around 3pm go to prepare supplemental treats for the elephants and place in the enclosure for their return from the forest Watch the elephants return from the forest and enjoy their treats Free time to shower and relax, play with the rescue animals in the communal areas Thai Cuisine Dinner around 6pm Free to play Card Games, Play the Guitar and swing in the hammock before bed

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Observation Walk - Hiking adventure day

Itinerary Description: Wake up with the sounds of Nature in Rural Thailand 8am Breakfast (Western Style - Fruit, Cereals Egg, Toast) Head off on a Full Day Observation Walk to hike through the forest, fields and down the stream Picnic Lunch in Nature Head Back to the Site If weather allows may go for an afternoon refreshing activity. I.e Swim in a spring Thai Cuisine Dinner at 6pm Free to play Card Games, Play the Guitar and swing in the hammock before bed

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Elephant Care And Sanctuary Activities

Itinerary Description: Wake up with the sounds of Nature in Rural Thailand 8am Breakfast (Western Style - Fruit, Cereals Egg, Toast) Morning Activities to Help elephants e.g. Cutting night foods like Corn, Grass or Banana Trees. Fixing Fences, Painting Enclosures, Cementing roads etc Lunch onsite Delicious Thai Meals Afternoon Activities for elephants or the Community e.g. More elephant activities or go sightseeing in the town, possible cafe visit and visit to the local weaving village Thai Cuisine Dinner 6pm

Itinerary Day 4

Itinerary Summary: Final morning in rural Thailand

Itinerary Description: Wake up with the sounds of Nature in Rural Thailand on your final morning 8am Breakfast (Western Style - Fruit, Cereals Egg, Toast) Group Photos and Bye Byes to your new friends human and animals Begin the journey back to the city around 10am Lunch along the way back to Chiang Mai approx 2pm back to Hotel