Our story
A family story about elephants, community, and a different kind of tourism.
24
Years operating in Mae Taeng
9
Experiences available
395
Google reviews · 4.9★
25+
Rai of forest habitat
Our Story
Tony was hardworking and determined from a young age. He saved money through years of dedicated work.
In 2001, Tony encountered an elephant that had been forced into hard labor and suffered regular abuse. As someone who had always loved elephants, he was deeply affected by what he saw. Unable to walk away, he used his life savings to buy the elephant's freedom.
He cared for her, fed her, and most importantly, gave her something she had never truly known before — freedom.
That was the beginning of Doi Lom.
Over the years, Tony continued rescuing and helping elephants whenever he could. Today, rescued elephants live freely across more than 25 rai of mountain forest, surrounded by nature and cared for with respect.
Yet the principle at Doi Lom has never changed:
The elephants decide.
"The elephants are the real hosts here. We're just the people who take care of the place for them."
Our Mission
Three guiding principles behind every decision at Doi Lom since day one.
No riding
Under any circumstances
No chains
Day or night
No force
No harm or coercion of any kind
Natural habitat
Elephants roam freely across a protected 25-rai forest reserve
Family-run
Managed by Tony and the local team
Natural diet only
Forest fruits and sugarcane grown on-site
Rescue first
Every elephant here has been rescued from exploitation
Our Journey
The first elephant was rescued from a trekking camp in Chiang Mai.
After the first official inspection, Doi Lom was established and opened.
More elephants gradually joined the sanctuary over time.
24 years on, many elephants have finally been given the chance to live as elephants. The sanctuary is now expanding its forest corridors to reconnect more natural habitat.
Credentials & trust
Independent verification, real guest reviews, and 24 years of experience.
TAT Licensed
License No. 23/03633. Audited annually since 2009.
4.9★ · 395 reviews
Every Google review from a real guest. We never deleted one.
24 years operating
Family-owned since 2002. No investors, no corporate backing.
Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
Tony lives here. Tourism funds local livelihoods directly.
Sabine Fensie
"🌿 An unforgettable day! 🌿 We had an amazing day with the elephants, beautiful animals that are treated with the utmost respect. It was such a touching and enriching experience — you can really feel the love and care they receive. A huge thank you to the whole team, who were absolutely wonderful from start to finish: welcoming, smiling, passionate, and attentive. I would definitely recommend this activity! 🐘💚"
7 months ago · Google
Sanne Renée
"Doi Lom Elephant Sanctuary is an amazing place. The elephants there came from the tribes up north and are now being cared for here. We prepared their medicine, fed them, walked with them, and bathed them. The caretakers are super friendly and gentle with the elephants and nothing is forced. The experience genuinely feels like you're assisting the caretakers in what they do on the daily for the elephants! It's small scaled which makes the experience intimate and personal, but also ensures all three elephants are taken care of properly. I absolutely loved this place and would recommend it to anyone! 🐘💞"
8 months ago · Google
Jasmin
"We have chosen this sanctuary because we wanted to visit a small and — most important — an ethical one. We enjoyed our time there very much. There are 3 elderly elephants and it seems the sanctuary takes good care of them. Just watching the elephants from such a close distance is simply impressing. We did not observe any rude behavior of the staff with the elephants. They also have a really nice dog who joined us most of the time :-)"
6 months ago · Google
