FAQS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

VISITOR REQUIREMENTS

At BEES our programs vary season to season and changes can occur for various reasons, and also depends on what needs to be done and our program runs on set days and schedules. Pick ups being Monday and Thursday and some Saturdays for Overnight stays and for 3night/4day pick ups are Thursday only.

Day Visits: Please note we do not run a general daily day program. We sometimes allow a single day visit on the days we run our Observation Walk days that run on a Tuesday or Friday, if we are low on bookings, and on occasions some Wednesday’s.

We do not accept Drop in Visits or half day programs. You MUST have a booking in advance. Please do not come to BEES without a Booking Confirmation Email.

NO CONTACT – HAND’S OFF POLICY: The Sanctuary is a place where elephants can finally BE elephants. This is why we have adopted a No Contact – Hands Off Approach on the visitor program. By joining the program you can guarantee that you are respecting these animals and giving them a better life without causing them stress and harm.

This program is not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old. Children must be between the ages of 10 – 17 and must be accompanied by an adult.

TRANSFERS

Pick-up on Day 1 of your program is from hotels inside the old city moat square between 8:30–9:00 AM, unless otherwise advised. If you're staying outside the square, the alternative pick-up point is Wat Chai Siphum. Please book inside the yellow square marked on the map. The old city moat square is North East of the airport and there is a square on the map marking the moat. Please be honest and do not send our driver to pick you up at a hotel if you didn’t stay there. Many hotels do not appreciate non-guests waiting in the foyer or at their entrance, our drivers have been abused before. Please only provide the location of hotels your checking out from that morning or let us know you will go to the meeting point of Wat Chai Siphum Temple. It’s a good idea to eat your breakfast early before your pick-up at around 7.30am, we expect you to be ready and waiting for the transport at 8:30 AM. Please be punctual to avoid delays in picking up everyone on the program, as it is nearly a 3-hour drive to the Sanctuary, with some stops on the way. Your punctuality will help the transportation to collect everyone in good time.

Note: If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking a travel sickness pill at 8:00 AM before the long windy journey to help manage the drive.

ACCOMODATION:

When you visit us, you will stay in one of 7 private Thai Style accommodations onsite on the Sanctuary grounds. Rooms are private or shared dependent on whether your traveling alone or as a group. e.g. Couples/friends stay together.

Each room is local Thai style living Mattress on the floor with bed linen, a fan and mosquito nets. The bathrooms are a shared toilet block, with shower heads and western toilets. There are 2 sinks with Mirrors outside the toilet block.

There is a communal area also known as the ‘Chill Zone’ which is a large balcony where you can relax in down time and maybe able to cuddle some cats if they are around. Breakfast and Dinner is served in the netted dining room downstairs. There is a little ‘gift shop’ area setup and T-Shirts, Hats, Snacks and Beverages are often on sale.

There is a washing machine onsite, you can purchase washing powder sachets in the gift shop.

There is currently no WIFI available at the sanctuary. It is recommended that you purchase a AIS12CALL or TrueMOVE Net Sim Card if you wish to have access to internet during your stay at BEES.

A little tip for light sleepers: Nature can be noisy! You may not be used to the sounds the Sanctuary has to offer so you may want to bring ear plugs or listen to headphones at night, for some city dwellers.

MEALS AND BEVERAGES AT THE SANCTUARY:

Guests enjoy 3 meals per day at the Sanctuary, all meals and drinking water are included in the program fee. You must bring your own water bottle to refill onsite.

All meals are delicious Thai cuisine vegetarian, vegan and meat dishes are available, prepared with love from our dedicated staff. Please be sure to notify of any dietary requirements. We do our best to cater to every ones requirements. If you are gluten free we suggest bringing your own bread and snacks.

Breakfast is Western Style, the staff always prepare one style of egg of a morning e.g. scrambled egg, omelette or boiled eggs. The guests are able to prepare their own Tea, Coffee, Toast and Cereal and fruit of season will be available in the communal area.

Lunch and Dinner is Thai Cuisine, usually rice, noodles, lots of vegetables sometimes.

Although we do have some meat dishes, we always cater for vegetarian and are able to cater for vegan given you provide plenty of notice. It is very important that you make us aware of your dietary requirements as the Sanctuary is located in a very remote area and it can be difficult to obtain certain sauces etc in the local area.

Snacks can be purchased onsite from the gift shop, but you will have an opportunity on the way to the sanctuary to pick up a few snacks and throughout the week, usually on Thursday when you visit the local school and go sightseeing. Beer can be purchased in the local town at your own expense, please kindly limit to 1 to 2 cans and only drink in the communal area or in your accommodation after project activities have been completed. We kindly ask that guests do not bring their own alcohol such as spirits onto the Sanctuary. Drunken, obnoxious behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

FITNESS AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

A moderate level of fitness is required to participate to the fullest in this program. There is a lot of hiking involved in observing the elephants, which involves walking through forest and uneven terrain. You may walk up to several kilometers to observe the elephants, often in humid and wet conditions. There maybe construction tasks or food collection tasks that maybe physically demanding. E.g Collecting sand for elephant sleeping areas, cutting grass and corn and transporting it to the truck etc. There are no specific skills or experience required to join the program, but participants must always be willing to work as part of the team and follow project policy and procedure.

PACKING LIST:

  • Enclosed Shoes for hiking that can get wet and dirty (rain boots are the best, we typically have some spare pairs onsite (can’t guarantee a perfect fit and no holes) but you can wear any enclosed shoe as long as you don't mind them getting wet and muddy)

  • We do not provide towels, please pack your own towels and toiletries.

  • Long pants and sleeves are recommended for your visit, and we suggest bringing a couple of changes of clothes in case you decide to take a swim. (Please note: we ask that you do not wear short shorts, miniskirts, bikinis, or tank tops. This is a modest rural Thai community, so we kindly request that you dress respectfully by covering your knees, shoulders, and cleavage.)

  • Bring your own water bottles to refill onsite

  • A Torch as we have frequent power outages

  • Bug spray

  • Sun Cream

  • Rain Jacket

  • MUST HAVE insurance to cover if injury or illness should occur

    *Note regarding luggage: Please travel as lightly as possible to ensure sufficient space for everyone during transportation. When our vehicles are at full capacity, larger luggage may need to be placed in your seating area. To avoid this inconvenience, we kindly ask that you limit the size of your bags. If you are traveling with large suitcases, please consider leaving them in storage at your hotel and bringing lighter luggage for the trip.

VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINES:

To participate in this program you are not required to have vaccinations but it is recommended to be up to date in Typhoid, Hep A and B, Tetanus and Rabies. If you have never had Rabies shots it’s up to you if you would like to get them before your stay with us as you will be working in rural Thailand. Please NOTE: if you get scratched or bitten during your stay you will be required to get the round of shots here (at your own expense) and will need to get the remainder at home if you leave Thailand before you finish the vaccination doses. All our animals are vaccinated against rabies, but you may also be exposed to other animals in the area and we cant guarantee they are up to date with vaccines.

Anti-Malarial Pills: We do not recommend anti-malarial pills while visiting the project, although Malaria is found in Thailand, you are at much higher risk of Dengue Fever. We recommend that you use bug spray, keep well covered up while on project and make sure your mosquito net is well tucked in. The best prevention is protection.

Each Participant that will visit us MUST have Travel Medical Insurance and provide proof of this on arrival at the Sanctuary on the Waiver form.

NO CONTACT – HAND’S OFF POLICY:

In the early days BEES allowed participants to bath the elephants, pat the elephants and hand feed them. We realized over time that this task was to cater for the tourists needs but it is was not necessary for the elephants. These beautiful majestic animals have spent their entire lives catering for humans, often in an abusive and exploitative environment. In order for tourists to have such close contact with the elephants, requires the mahout to have more constraint and less freedom of choice for the elephant. Mahouts at BEES would never ‘force’ the elephants to be around visitors, but the elephants have been so heavily conditioned that often they would just stand there and take the pats and feeding because of the conditioning in their previous lives before joining us at BEES. The Sanctuary is a place where elephants can finally BE elephants. This is why we have adopted the No Contact – Hands Off Approach on the Visitor Program. When you visit us and join the program you can guarantee that you are respecting these animals space in a high welfare environment where their wellbeing comes first and foremost.

BEES is a Sanctuary where humans now work FOR these lucky retired elephants, the roles have been reversed. Elephants can live out their days in peace and dignity with their trusty highly skilled caretakers (mahouts) who provide essential high quality care.

An Adult Asian Elephant on average weighs around 3,000kg, their trunk has over 50,000 muscles and can lift 300kg with ease, so having a no contact – hands off policy is just as crucial to your well-being, the caretakers well-being as it is for the elephants welfare.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY AT BEES:

At our Sanctuary, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and ethical treatment of all individuals, including our staff, visitors, and the animals under our care. To ensure a secure environment, we have implemented a comprehensive Drugs and Alcohol Policy that outlines our zero-tolerance approach towards drug use and emphasizes responsible alcohol consumption. Please find the revised policy below:

1. Illegal Drugs and Psychoactive Substances:

- The possession, use, or distribution of any illegal drugs, including cannabis and all psychoactive substances, is strictly prohibited within the premises of our Sanctuary.

- This zero-drug tolerance policy extends to all individuals associated with our organization, including staff, visitors, and program participants.

- Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the program or termination of employment, and appropriate legal action may be pursued.

2. Alcohol Consumption:

- While we understand that moderate alcohol consumption may be a personal choice, we prioritize the safety of everyone involved, including the animals in our care.

- Excessive alcohol consumption is not permitted on the premises, as it may impair judgment, pose risks, and compromise the welfare of the animals.

- If you wish to consume alcohol, it is acceptable to have a beer with dinner, provided it is done responsibly and within limits.

- However, during the day when we are in close proximity to the elephants, consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited to ensure optimal safety and animal welfare.

3. Conduct and Accountability:

- Individuals are expected to maintain professionalism, respect, and appropriate behavior at all times while participating in our programs.

- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during program hours is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from the program.

- Any disruption caused by an individual due to drugs or alcohol will be considered a violation of our policy and may lead to disciplinary measures.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this Drugs and Alcohol Policy. By ensuring a drug free and responsible environment, we can create a safe and compassionate space for both humans and animals at our Sanctuary.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

As of May 1st, 2024, all payments to secure a place on the visitor program must be made in full, one month before the scheduled booking with us.

Once payments are made, they are considered non-refundable. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Therefore, we offer a re-booking period of one year from the original booking date. During this period, guests may re-book their stay for another date within the year, subject to availability.

Please note that any changes to the booking/re-scheduling must be made more than 72 hours before the booking, and the stay must occur within the same year as the original booking.

Thank you for your understanding. 

OTHER FAQS

  • All bookings are accepted via the website only. Whats App is for urgent last minute updates or changes and basic information. For details on availability or to book please kindly fill out the booking request form below.

    Please do not just show up to our site without a booking as it is highly likely you will be turned away. We prioritize our all inclusive Overnight stay and 3night/4day programs. For safety and the well-being of our animals, we limit our numbers and do not accept guest arrivals outside our scheduled times. Please be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

    (Note: We require a minimum of 2 people for our programs to run, if you are an individual and there are no others booked on the dates of your interest, we will not be able to run the program. We will advise you at the time of receiving your request) 

    We may run the Observation Walk on a Tuesday, some Wednesdays and Friday if we have not yet reached capacity and you have your own transportation. Please contact us should you wish to enquire about this option.

    Please do not just show up, you must book and pay to secure the place.

  • We strive to answer emails as promptly as possible.

    However, please note that due to high volume of enquiries, commitments in the field (animal care) and occasional connectivity issues, it may take us up to 48-72 hours to respond and longer if you contact on the weekends. If you haven’t heard back from us after a few days, please feel free to reach out again and give us a nudge. Please be sure to send booking enquiries a few days or weeks in advance, we may not be able to respond to a last minute booking in time.

  • Daytime

    During the day, the elephants roam freely in the sanctuary, foraging on over 100 species of plants throughout 300+ acres of forest, field and along the stream. Their dedicated caretakers (mahouts) monitor their diet, ensure they get good exercise, and keep them safe.

    Nighttime 

    We have designed spacious, secure night enclosures for our elephants, each featuring a sheltered area, a water trough, and dirt / sand mounds where they can comfortably lie down if they chose. Our goal is to ensure the highest possible welfare for each elephant. Since every elephant is a unique individual, we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs, always working to prioritize their comfort and well-being.

    Hands Off Policy and Safety around the Elephants

    Guests go out into the forest to observe the elephants 2-3 times a week, staying at a safe distance. We maintain a strict hands-off policy on the visitor program, and if an elephant approaches during an observation hike, we assess the situation to ensure safety. I.e. If it’s not safe to move away and there is a risk of spooking elephants you may be directed to remain calm and stay completely still as elephants move past. Our motto is to observe, don’t disturb. We want to encourage our elephants to behave as naturally as possible. 

    Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) is a compassionate and effective approach to elephant management and should be introduced early on into the elephants introduction to the Sanctuary. PRT focuses on building trust and cooperation between elephants and their caregivers. Through PRT, elephants are encouraged to voluntarily participate in their own care—such as presenting their feet for inspection, opening their mouths for dental checks, or entering medical chutes—by rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or other positive stimuli. This method eliminates the need for force or fear-based techniques, instead fostering confidence, choice, and mutual respect. Consistent, gentle training not only enhances safety for both elephants and staff but also contributes to the elephants’ overall psychological well-being and quality of life.

    • Are chains ever used at the sanctuary?

    As a high-welfare facility, our goal is to give elephants the freedom to live naturally as possible while ensuring safety for both elephants and people. 

    The sad reality is that elephants simply do not belong in captivity. However, because they have been raised by humans, and due to the loss of natural habitats and the high risks associated with returning them to the wild, we must continue to provide them with safety and security in human care.

    Some elephants that retire to BEES, particularly those with a history of aggression, psychological challenges, or medical conditions, may require the use of a safety tether (chain) for their own protection. If needed, it is used only at night and solely as a short-term measure while they adjust to a new environment or during necessary medical treatments. 

    In general Chains in Elephant-Friendly Facilities maybe used for:

    • Medical care: To safely manage medical procedures or limit movements when the elephants have an injury requiring restricted movement to promote healing. 

    • Social management: To prevent fights or manage social dynamics between elephants.

    • Nighttime safety: To keep elephants from escaping, wandering into dangerous areas, coming into harms way or causing harm. 

    • Behavioral needs: To ensure elephants with past trauma don’t harm themselves or others. Management of elephants when they have high testosterone. 

    • Transportation or Emergency Relocation: In the event of an elephant being moved on transportation and needing to secure the elephant for safe transportation. In the event of Natural Disasters Fires/Floods/EarthQuakes/Landslides etc where the elephant needs to be moved in an emergency and tethered in a safe location. 

    We believe in transparency when it comes to safe management practices, as this is essential to maintaining the highest welfare standards for elephants. Unfortunately, widespread misinformation in the media has made many facilities hesitant to openly discuss these at times - necessary practices, fearing misjudgment or unfair criticism. 

    As a high-welfare facility advocating for elephants, we remain committed to educating the public about the realities of elephant care and management in captivity, promoting understanding and trust through honesty and openness. 

  • The Sanctuary is home to many rescued cats and dogs, and this is their kingdom. If you are allergic to or have a phobia of cats or dogs, this program is not suitable. All animals are vaccinated against rabies, but be aware that rabies is present in the country, and authorities will recommend post-exposure treatment if bitten or scratched. Animals may behave unpredictably due to their past experiences, so always approach with caution.

  • A significant part of this program involves hiking. Please ensure you’re physically able to participate. If you're asthmatic, bring your inhaler; if you are at risk of anaphylaxis due to insect bites/stings, bring your EpiPen. If you are not physically fit please do not join the program.

  • We do not run a general day program and focus on our all inclusive overnight stays. We may sometimes allow guests who have their own transportation and are traveling through our area of Mae Chaem to join on an Observation walk if we are low on bookings, this can only be booked a few days in advance and only goes 2-3 times a week.

    We may run the Observation Walk on a Tuesday, some Wednesdays and Friday if we have not yet reached capacity and you have your own transportation. Please contact us should you wish to enquire about this option.

    Please do not just show up, you must book and pay to secure the place.

  • We do not accept under 10 years of age. All children aged 10-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult guardian. The program is not recommended for over 60 years of age, however if you feel physically fit for this problem and are used to hiking on uneven terrain we will.

  • BEES accepts payments via an easy payment system called HitPay. A link will be issued to you at the time of being accepted for the program. Please note there are Service Fees that are applied once you enter your card/payment details into the system.

    We understand that the payment fee can be frustrating — unfortunately, all secure payment systems do come with fees. We’ve chosen this method because it allows us to efficiently track payments and reduce the risk of issues like lost transactions, hidden bank charges, or delayed confirmations.

    If you do not make payment via the easy payment link by the requested time, your booking is not yet completed. You must receive a full confirmation email after payment is made in order to guarantee the place. All bookings are secured by full payments a month ahead or upfront if it’s a last minute booking. If booking many months out, a 20% Non-Refundable deposit will be required to hold the place with the remainder to be paid a month before the stay. 

    For streamlined processing, bookings are secured via easy card payments only. We’re unable to accept bank transfers or cash payments due to past challenges, including difficulties in tracking and last-minute cancellations that affected our operations.

  • All payments are non-refundable. We understand that unforseen circumstances may arise. Therefore, we offer a re-booking period of one year from the original booking date. In order to be eligible for the program fee to be carried over as a credit for 1 year you must notify any changes/cancellations/reschedule more than 72 hours before the booking date via WhatsApp or email. The stay must occur within 365 days (1 year) of the original booking.

  • We appreciate your interest in partnering with us; however, we do not offer collaborations, complimentary visits, or free entry to bloggers, influencers, or content creators. All guests are required to pay the standard admission fee. This policy ensures fairness and helps us maintain the high-quality experience that every visitor enjoys. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you as a valued guest.