VISITOR PROGRAMS
Observe, Don’t Disturb…
Experience the beauty of elephants just being elephants at BEES on one of our Visitor Programs!
BEES Visitor Program is an educational program where visitors can participate in activities that promote elephant & animal welfare, community development and be immersed in local culture. We are pioneers in the hands-off, observation-based approach on our visitor program, where elephant welfare is always at the forefront of everything we do. At our Sanctuary, the roles are reversed—humans now work for the elephants. As a visitor, you will maintain a safe and respectful distance, observing the elephants as they go about their day. Each elephant is cared for by a highly skilled caretaker who provides exceptional care and ensures the elephants safety and welfare.
BEES All-Inclusive Programs
(PRICES START FROM 6,000THB*)
We have two main programs that run on set days each week and activities included vary season to season. We require a minimum of 2 participants for our programs to run. For private groups of 6 or more, such as students groups, work and sports teams etc, we may make customised programs and lengths. Use the enquiry form below to find out more on pricing and availability!
Our 2 day/1 night stay
(runs on Mon-Tues/Thurs-Fri/some Sat-Sun)
Includes Transfers, Accommodation Onsite, Lunch and Dinner Day 1, Breakfast and Lunch Day 2, Drinking water.
BASIC ITINERARY
Day 1 - pick up at 8.30-9am inside the old city, making way to the Sanctuary, afternoon arrival being greeted by the many rescue dogs, see accommodation, safety chat/sign waivers, quick viewing of the elephants. *may go swimming at the local spring in the afternoon*
Day 2 - the highlight - a full day hike through forest, field and stream observing the elephants, approx 4pm head back to Chiang Mai. 7-8pm drop off at hotel in the city.
Our 3 night/4 day stay
(runs Mon-Thurs and Thurs-Sun)
Includes Transfers, Accommodation Onsite, meals and drinking water.
BASIC ITINERARY
Day 1 - pick up at 8.30-9am inside the old city, making way to the Sanctuary, afternoon arrival being greeted by the many rescue dogs, see accommodation, safety chat/sign waivers, quick introduction, preparing food supplements if needed, see the elephants return to the night shelters
Day 2 - the highlight - a full day hike through forest, field and stream observing the elephants
Day 3 - immerse yourself in the sanctuary life helping with whatever needs to be done for the elephants, animals or in the community, a fun filled day for sure
Day 4 - Breakfast onsite & pack up the van, head back to Chiang Mai with lunch on the way. Drop off in the old city at 1-2pm.
WEEK PROGRAM
(Sanctuary and Community Immersion)
(6 nights/7 days - Mon-Sun)
Includes Transfers, Accommodation Onsite, meals and drinking water.
Journey into the heart of rural Thailand for a week you'll never forget. Step off the beaten path and dive into an authentic, ethical experience with elephants, observe not disturb. Perfect for Student Groups, Small travel Groups, Couples and Friends.
BASIC ITINERARY
Day 1 - Pick up at 8.30-9am inside the old city, making way to the Sanctuary, afternoon arrival being greeted by the many rescue dogs, see accommodation, safety chat/sign waivers, quick introduction, preparing food supplements if needed, see the elephants return to the night shelters
Day 2 - The Highlight - a full-day hike through forest, field and stream observing the elephants
Day 3 - ‘Workday’ immerse yourself in the sanctuary life helping with whatever needs to be done for the elephants, animals or in the community, tree planting activities (weather permitting), a fun-filled day for sure!
Day 4 - ‘Community Day’ immerse yourself in the local culture, teach English, visit local restaurant/cafe and sight see in the rural town of Maechaem
Day 5 - ‘Workday’ - Immerse yourself in the sanctuary life helping with whatever needs to be done for the elephants, animals or in the community, tree planting activities (weather permitting).
Day 6 - Another Highlight - full-day hike through forest, field and stream observing the elephants Day 7 - Breakfast onsite and pack up the van, head back to Chiang Mai with lunch on the way. Drop off in the old city at 1-2pm .
NOTES:
Day Schedules for special week-long program may change depending on weather.
Tree planting will only take place in rainy season May - October.
Perfect for Student Groups, Gap Year Activities and Team Building Programs.
Customizable for Groups with add ons such as camping, more in-depth community activities.
Week programs may not be available if private groups have booked part or all of the week of interest.
Have your own transport and want to join us for an Observation Walk only?
(Subject to availability, runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
Observation Walk Price: 2,500 THB per Adult 1,800THB per Child (aged 10-17)
Includes Breakfast and Lunch, and Free Parking
What does the day look like: The program starts at 8am (must be at the meeting point on-time as the group will leave to walk at 9am and you need safety chat and breakfast first) You spend the day hiking through forest, field and stream observing the elephants. Picnic lunch in nature. Program Finishes approximately 4-4:30 pm
Meeting point at 8am: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCAYhyW4RRstKsN3A?g_st=ic
Important Notice: To avoid disappointment you must have a booking 2-3 days in advance. Please don’t just show up.
Note: If you are traveling multi - days on the Mae Hong Son Loop, this is the perfect stop to add to the itinerary we are on the route 1088.
Main Activities Include:
Observing the Elephants
in the forest
Preparing the Elephants afternoon treats
Cleaning the Elephants Enclosures
Helping care for all other rescued animals
Other Activities May Include:
Teaching English to local children
Cutting grass or corn for the elephants
Visiting the local Temples
Taking an authentic
Thai Cooking Class
As well as…
Planting trees to conserve the environment (in rainy season)
Planting grass for the elephants (in rainy season)
Visit the local weaving village and support a group of elderly ladies who run a weaving club.
Tube down the river.
Assist in small projects around BEES or in a local area. eg building a shelter, clearing old building materials etc.
There’s a ton of fun to be had at BEES!
What Our Visitors Say:
IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION
VISITOR REQUIREMENTS
Plan your visit to Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)!
Our programs vary season to season, and changes may occur due to adverse weather, elephant health, or local community and sanctuary needs. Because we are located nearly three hours from the Chiang Mai Old City, our programs run on strict schedules to coordinate transport.
Overnight stays pick up inside the old city square on Mondays, Thursdays, and select Saturdays. The 3-night/4-day programs pick up inside the old city square on Mondays and Thursdays, while full-week stays pick up inside the old city square on Mondays and return on Sundays.
All participants must be ready for pickup from 8:30 AM at the designated meeting point or their confirmed hotel location. If you are traveling using a hire car or motorcycle and do not require sanctuary transport, please note this on your enquiry form so we can apply a discount to your booking and provide arrival time details.
We prioritize animal welfare, we enforce a strict No Touch, Hands-Off Policy on the Visitor Program when it comes to the elephants, alongside a mandatory code of respectful conduct for all guests. You must listen to staff directions, follow all policies and procedures, and behave respectfully and responsibly at all times.
Please note: We do not allow drop-ins, half-day programs, or children under the age of 10. All visits require advanced booking, full payment, and a confirmation email before arrival.
Please read through the following information carefully.
TRANSFERS
Our Transport & Location of pick up: We collect guests between 8:30 - 9:00 AM in our silver transport with orange BEES Elephant Foundation signage. We pick up from hotels INSIDE the Old City moat square. If you are staying outside this square or arriving the morning of the program by bus, train, or plane, you will need to arrange to meet the transport at the meeting point of Wat Chai Siphum Temple.
If staying in hotels South of the Square, we may make the exception for your pick up if it is in a convenient location on the transports way out of the city, heading to the Sanctuary.
Please provide hotel details and we can advise.
The 20-Minute Rule: If you are not ready when the transport arrives, the driver may pick up other guests first. Once those pickups are complete, the driver will return to your location. We will attempt to contact you if you cannot be found, but the driver will wait a maximum of 20 minutes before leaving the city without you to avoid disrupting the program for other guests.
Message us via WhatsApp or email immediately if you are running late and in a taxi, grab, tuk tuk to the meeting point.
Due to multiple pickups and at times rainy conditions, minor delays may occur, we will update you if our transport faces major delays.
Transit Delays: If your morning flight, bus, or train is delayed more than 20 minutes, we cannot wait, and your program fee will be entirely forfeited. We strongly advise arriving in Chiang Mai at least one day before your program starts.
Driver & Hotel Policy
Please be completely honest about your location. Only provide the name of the hotel you are checking out from that morning. Please do not ask for our transport to collect you from a hotel where you are not a guest; our staff have previously faced verbal abuse from hotel management who do not tolerate non-guests in their foyers. If you are not booked into accommodation inside the Old City, please arrange to meet us at Wat Chai Siphum. We may consider other locations if it is logistically feasible and does not cause disruption to the travel route.
Travel Sickness Note
The drive to the sanctuary involves long, winding roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare and take medication beforehand. We recommend taking motion sickness medicine around 8am.
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:
We are thrilled to host you. Our local cooks are amazing and love making delicious meals for guests to enjoy! Guests enjoy freshly prepared meals at the Sanctuary. All meals and drinking water are included in your program fee (Breakfast on start day, Dinner on end day is not included).
Please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle to refill onsite.
Our mission is to provide delicious, nourishing meals that cater to everyone's dietary requirements and preferences. We believe that everyone has the right to choose what they eat without judgment. To support a wide variety of preferences, approximately 80% of our menu is vegetarian and vegan. While we happily use and serve plenty of soy and plant-based protein, we recognize that some guests are unable to eat plant-based protein and/or prefer animal protein due to allergies or dietary preferences. Any meat, if served at all, will be clearly indicated. All meat is locally sourced, and we work hard to ensure it comes from a sustainable and humane source.
We do our absolute best to cater to every individual request. As the Sanctuary is located in a very remote, rural area of Thailand, certain specialty ingredients (like gluten-free sauces or specific vegan sauces) can be difficult to obtain locally.
Make sure to tell us in advance, if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies.
Gluten-Free/Vegan Guests: We are not able to readily access gluten free/vegan bread, we kindly suggest bringing your own bread and snacks for your stay. We recommend stopping into Blue Diamond The Breakfast Club Cm they have a delicious bakery with Gluten Free/Vegan Bread options.
Breakfast (Western Style): Our staff typically prepares an egg dish every morning (such as scrambled, omelette, or boiled) and rice. You can self-prepare your own tea, coffee, toast, and cereal. Fresh, seasonal fruit is always available in the communal area.
Lunch & Dinner (Thai Cuisine): Flavorful, authentic Thai dishes prepared with love by our dedicated staff. Meals typically include rice, noodles, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Please keep in mind that our sanctuary is located in a remote, rural area where accessibility is limited. The local community members are traditionally hunters and gatherers who have lived off the land for generations. During your stay, the staff or community members may proudly offer you a taste of their personally prepared meal or traditional local catch, such as wild fish, crabs ,frogs or insects etc. These gestures are rooted in deep local hospitality, and we ask all guests to accept or decline these cultural offers with kindness, respect, and grace.
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.
WISHLIST:
Traveling to BEES and wondering if there is anything you can bring to support the elephants, animals or our community?
We always appreciate donations that can help in Elephant Care, Animal Care or our Community projects. No matter the amount, it all helps.
Useful donations for the Animals:
Blankets, towels, old clothes (for warmth in winter or for use during our outreach clinics, many guests pack old towels and clothes to use during the program and leave it behind, you can also ask your hotel if they have any old towels or blankets they cant use anymore that could be donated to animals, big blankets and large sleeping bags can be turned into elephant blankets when elephants are poorly)
Cat/Dog Food and Treats (BEES is home to many rescued animals all food donations are greatly appreciated, we also help animals in the community and can pass on to families in need)
Deworming/Tick & Flea medications etc (if you have had a pet pass away and have old medications (can’t travel with more than a few doses) or if you wish to buy in the city and bring with you, Namping Pasusad Animal Pharmacy and Feed stores in Chiang Mai
Swat Off/Fly off ointment (can be used in dogs and elephants to keep flies away from wounds)
Useful Donations for our Community and Sanctuary Staff:
Christmas Gifts (each year we give gifts to the community, sometimes over 100 gifts, as well as have a big raffle and prizes all gifts for all ages are welcome - socks, jackets, gloves are some of the many useful things as well as toys for kids)
Educational supplies for our outreach programs and for local schools in need (writing Books, Pens, Pencils, Textas, Highlighters, Erasers, Sharpeners, Calculators)
Games for Sanctuary staff, Books to help with English etc
VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINES:
Vaccination is not mandatory to participate in this program. However, we strongly recommend ensuring you are up to date on Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Rabies before arriving.
If you have never received a rabies vaccine, the choice to seek pre-exposure shots before traveling to rural Thailand is entirely yours. Please be advised that the local health authorities require anyone scratched or bitten by a known rabies-vector species (such as dogs, cats, monkeys, or bats) to undergo a full post-exposure vaccination schedule at a local clinic or hospital at their own expense. If your stay ends before the schedule is complete, you must finish the remaining doses in your home country.
While all animals residing at our facility are fully vaccinated, we cannot guarantee the vaccination status of other wildlife or stray animals in the area. Because Thailand is a rabies-endemic country, proactive caution and immediate medical treatment following an exposure are highly advised.
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 at the Sanctuary and in the forest, and make sure your mosquito net is well tucked in/closed and screens/doors are kept closed. The best prevention is protection.
Each Participant on our Visitor Program MUST have travel/medical insurance, you are required to sign a waiver on arrival and provide these details.
NO CONTACT – HAND’S OFF POLICY:
In our early days, BEES allowed participants to bathe, pat, and hand-feed the elephants. Over time, we realized that these interactions only served the desires of tourists and were completely unnecessary for the elephants, not to mention posing potential dangers. These majestic animals have spent their entire lives catering to humans, often in abusive and exploitative environments. Allowing visitors to have such close contact requires mahouts to exercise stricter control, stripping the elephants of their freedom of choice. While the caretakers (mahouts) at BEES would never force the elephants to interact with visitors, these animals have been so heavily conditioned by their past lives that they would simply stand and endure the petting and feeding out of habit.
Our sanctuary is a place where elephants can finally just be elephants. This is why, in 2018, we adopted and fully enforced a No Contact – Hands-Off Approach on our visitor program. When you join us, you can rest assured that you are respecting the elephants’ space in a high-welfare environment where their well-being comes first.
At BEES, the roles are reversed: humans now work for the elephants. Here, they can live out their days in peace and dignity alongside dedicated, highly skilled caretakers who provide vital, high-quality care. Because they are captive animals, we must continue to manage them to keep them safe and prevent them from wandering into harm's way.
Safety is a critical factor. An adult Asian elephant weighs an average of 3,000 kg, and their trunk contains over 50,000 muscles capable of lifting 300 kg with ease. Maintaining a hands-off policy is just as crucial for your safety and the caretakers' safety as it is for the elephants' welfare. By giving them space, we ensure a much safer environment for our caretakers to manage these incredible animals.
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 AND PAYMENT POLICY:
To secure your place on the visitor program, please note our current policy:
Advance Bookings: If you are booking months in advance, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required to hold your place via an easy payment link. The remaining balance is due exactly one month prior to your scheduled stay.
Last-Minute Bookings: If your booking is made a month or less before your stay, payment is due in full via an easy payment link at the time of booking.
Payment Due Dates & Confirmation:
Payments must be made by the requested due dates. Your booking is only officially complete once payment is received and a full confirmation has been issued.
Because we operate in a rural area with intermittent internet connectivity, we occasionally experience delays or issues with sending and receiving emails. If you do not hear from us within 72 hours after making your payment, please reach out to us directly to follow up.
Refunds & Re-booking:
All payments (deposits and balances) are strictly non-refundable. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. We offer a re-booking window of one year (365 days) from your original booking date, subject to availability.
More than 72 hours' notice: Any rescheduling request must be made more than 72 hours before your scheduled arrival for your payment to be credited toward a future stay.
Less than 72 hours' notice: Cancellations or change requests made within 72 hours of arrival result in a complete forfeiture of all funds. No credits will be issued, and full payment will be required to book a new stay.
Secure Payments & Bank Verification:
We process all transactions securely through HitPay, a leading international payment gateway. HitPay requires rigorous corporate, legal, and identity verification for all merchants before they can operate. You can rest assured that our organization has successfully completed this vetting process, and your financial data is fully protected.
Please Note: Because this is an international transaction, your bank’s security protocol or fraud prevention system may temporarily flag or pause the payment. As an added safety measure depending on your bank, you may need to complete a 3D Secure verification (such as entering a one-time SMS pass-code) or briefly contact your bank to authorize the transaction before it can proceed.
FAQS
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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.
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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.
Daytime Exploring 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) guide them to safe foraging sites, monitor their diet, ensure they get good exercise, and keep them safe.
Nighttime Security 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, safety and well-being.
Safe Management is fundamental to caring for these huge animals.
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.
Our responsibility is to provide them with safety, security, and compassionate care. We also have a responsibility to keep our Caretakers (mahouts), their families, our community and visitors safe.
Some elephants who retire to BEES arrive with a history of aggression, deep psychological trauma, or severe medical conditions. When deemed necessary, they may require a safety tether (chain) for their own protection, this measure is implemented strictly under the following conditions:
Nighttime Safety: For the elephants safety and well-being, to prevent an elephant from escaping and wandering into harm's way, if they are at risk of breaking through the shelter barrier/have a history of escape at night during rest hours.
Acclimatization: As a temporary intervention while a new elephant adjusts to their unfamiliar environment.
Medical & Transport: To safely administer vital medical treatments, during transport, or during emergency evacuations during natural disasters.
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
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BEES operates a no-touch, observation-based tourism model designed to prioritize elephant welfare and natural behavior over visitor interaction. Visitors must maintain a safe and respectful distance from the elephants, protecting the elephants space and allowing them to freely express their natural behaviors.
Guests venture into the forest to observe the elephants two to three times per week, always guided by our highly skilled team. We enforce a strict hands-off policy within the visitor program, this means no touching the elephants, period.
If an elephant approaches during an observation hike, our guides will instantly assess the situation to ensure everyone's safety. For example, if it is unsafe to move away or if there is a risk of startling the animal, visitors may be instructed to remain calm and completely still as the elephant passes. Our motto is "observe, don't disturb," as we want to encourage our elephants to live as naturally as possible.
All visitors are strictly required to adhere to all sanctuary policies, procedures, and guide instructions at all times. Failure to comply with these regulations presents an immediate safety risk to yourself, our staff, the local community, and the animals under our care. BEES reserves the right to immediately terminate your program participation and remove you from the sanctuary premises, without a refund, if your actions compromise safety or create a hazard.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Thank you for your interest in partnering with us and/or offering your skills. While we appreciate your desire to support our mission, BEES does not offer collaborations, complimentary visits, or free entry to bloggers, influencers, content creators, or travelers wishing to provide labour in exchange for food and board.
To ensure the sustainability of our mission and complete fairness to all guests on our programs, every guest is required to pay the standard program fee. This policy directly funds the high-quality care our elephants receive and ensures we can provide fair, sustainable wages to our highly skilled team of caretakers.
We thank you for your understanding and would be delighted to welcome you to the sanctuary as a standard guest.
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Yes, we need advanced notice to arrange with the local cake maker, options are limited. (No dairy free cakes available) It typically costs around 500-800baht depending on the size, flavor and if you want a special message etc.
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We have been contacted before with similar ideas. i.e. My partner adores elephants, I think BEES would be the perfect place to do something special. Can you help me with a marriage proposal?
We love helping people celebrate special moments! If you are planning a surprise proposal during our your time at BEES, our team is happy to assist with basic, low-impact coordination that keeps our animals and other guests safe. We can help you pre-set basic elements like custom vinyl signs (at a small cost) at a scenic vantage point along the trail or have a staff member discreetly film the moment on your phone or theirs. To ensure the elephants go about their day entirely uninterrupted, we strictly prohibit drones, confetti cannons, loud music, popping champagne corks, or any forced animal positioning. Please contact our team well in advance so we can help you coordinate the special moment.