Your Travel Guide to Thailand
All information & tips to prepare your trip in Thailand
The "Following Giants" project in Koh Lanta is an ethical tourism initiative that focuses on the protection of elephants and respect for their well-being. In this ethical elephant sanctuary in Koh Lanta, you only observe the elephants without ever touching them. You do not feed them, you do not bathe with them, they do not pose for selfies, and you definitely do not ride on their backs. It is one of the most ethical ways to meet domesticated elephants in Thailand.
Located on 15 acres of forested land at the edge of Mu Koh Lanta National Park, this sanctuary formerly operated as a trekking camp where elephants were used for tourist rides with saddles on their backs. Thanks to the awareness of the current generation of owners and collaboration with World Animal Protection, one of the most renowned animal protection organizations in the world, the site has been transformed to adopt an observation-only model. Today, the elephants are free to roam, feed, and bathe in an environment that respects their natural and social needs. Following Giants provides a refuge for elephants rescued from other trekking camps, allowing them to live freely and happily in a stress-free environment.
Visitors can participate in programs of varying durations ranging from two hours to a full day, and even weeks of volunteering. These activities include walking alongside the elephants, learning about their behavior, and participating in reforestation efforts to support the local ecosystem. By visiting Following Giants, you not only get to admire the elephants in Koh Lanta but also contribute to a broader movement for a more ethical approach to animal tourism in Thailand.
To book one of the visit programs at Following Giants or their volunteer weeks, visit their website.
The basic 2-hour program in the park costs 1,800 THB per adult and 1,000 THB per child. This includes pickup from your hotel and return at the end of the tour. It is recommended to book at least one day in advance. Since the number of people per group is limited, I suggest booking further in advance during peak tourist periods in Koh Lanta (December to the end of February).
Note that they also recently opened a Following Giants in Krabi near Ao Nang.
To go visit Following Giants, you can also book one of the tours above.