This is really awesome if you want to see elephants in Thailand but are opposed to them being "exploited for tourism" or mistreated for profit!

"Elephant's World" in Kanchanaburi Province is an elephant conservation camp that rescues old or sick/injured elephants so they can retire in peace and live out the rest of their years happily and healthily at the camp. It is run by a Thai veterinarian and it has only been established for about a year. You can visit the elephant camp and meet the elephants, help feed them, visit the fields where they grow food for the elephants, bathe with them in the river--really awesome experience, you can sit on the elephants while they dive under the water and play, and use a scrub brush to get them clean!! It is much better than other elephants camps because here your donation goes to help the elephants at the camp and other elephants--it is not profit driven. It is a really great experience because the veterinarian and the rest of the staff truly care about the elephants. He is hoping to establish a set of standards for all elephant camps in Thailand, and helps by going to the surrounding elephant camps and helping to administer elephant first aid, medicine, and health checks.

From Kanchanaburi City, take bus #8170 (about 40 baht) about 35-40 km until you see the Elephant World sign on the left. It is a 5 km walk from the highway. Or hire a taxi from Kanchanaburi, round trip we payed 750 baht, which will take you directly to the camp (much better than walking the 5k in the heat!) You should call before coming, and it is possible to stay overnight or have them pick you up from your hotel in Kanchanaburi. You can also volunteer here.

**It is really easy to get to Kanchanaburi Province--about 2 hours from Thailand, 100 baht first class A/C bus. Kanchanaburi is famous for the River Kwai--you can visit the historic bridge constructed during WWII, a few museums to the war history of the area, take a train trip on the railway, visit Hellfire Pass, and hike the beautiful waterfalls at Erawan or Sai Yok National Parks

This was a truly unforgettable experience in Thailand, and a much better alternative for those wishing to see elephants in Thailand but contribute to their well-being!

Here is the contact info from their brochure:

Elephant's World
Tel: 081-285-6439 or 081-632-2258
elephantsworld@hotmail.com