What is Elephant Peace Project ?
Founded in July 2016 (2559 BE), Elephant Peace Project hopes to make a difference in the sheltering of elephants in Thailand. After a long history of hard labour, war, poaching and abuse in touristic attractions, more and more people are realising the importance of protecting the surviving population of the Thai elephants, which has declined from over 100,000 elephants 100 years ago to a merely 7,000 today.
What we can’t forget in this mission to preserve the Thai elephant population, is the cultural importance of the elephant in Thailand. As a royal symbol, or as the Karen hill tribes see it, as a beloved family member. And the latter one is the approach Elephant Peace Project is taking. We care about the elephants, we care about the traditions and culture of the hill tribes.
And we also care about the people and the local community.
Experiences with Karen people culture
Together, we will change the world.
Elephant Peace Project is about learning the wisdom and knowledge of the Karen indigenous people and is a sustainable ecotourism project. Located approximately 20 kilometres from Chiang Rai city, Northern Thailand. Founded in July 2016 (2559 BE), it is created by the new generation of the Karen indigenous and the elephant owners who are concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand and the cultural heritage of the mahout.
Elephant Peace Project is about having a positive impact on animal sheltering, preservation of traditional culture and supporting in needs for education, health care and proper education hill tribes. The park has a strict no riding policy. We care about the welfare of the elephant, thus riding the animal doesn’t go with our values.
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It was one of the most emotional experiences we had in Thailand. For a long time we was searching for a place to be near the elephants. But we wanted to get sure, that is a good place for the elephants and they are happy. We found it on Dada‘s place. Here we found a wonderful and peaceful place. Dada is from the hilltribe Karen, a tribe which does not rides elephants. They consider elephants as there grandparents and the have the same position in the group like human. This is a very beautiful point of view. We were alone at this place and spend a whole day there. We were feeding the elephant, washing him, walking together, making some natural medizine and learning a lot about elephants and the Karen culture. We enjoyed our stay very much and suggest everyone to do the tour here and not on other places. The money the people take for the elephants and protection there culture. Thank you dada and your family. Corwin and Kathrin
Trainer/Coach
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Fantastic, authentic project. Dada is truly passionate about sharing the customs and traditions of the Karen people, especially their close bond with the elephants with whom they share their lives. She brings you into her world and her enthusiasm for the Karen and the elephants is infectious. You get to feed, bathe and walk with the elephants- this is no elephant show and they do not ride the elephants, but allow you to really live alongside these beautiful creatures for the duration of your stay.
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Absolutely fantastic experience . Out in the hills of north Thailand in the wild , with the some most majestic animals . You are made to feel one of the family and will learn a lot about the elephants and the Karen tribe culture and their way of life . The family welcomed us in to their house and fed us very well . The food was fantastic and so glad to see any fruit and veg that we left was eaten by the elephants .
I’d recommend this experience to anyone. Thank you to dada and her family
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I write as coordinator of an "Avventure nel mondo" group of 16 people from Italy. When I found this wonderful project I instantly fell in love with it! The experience was even better than expected! Dada, the owner, is a lovely person that decided to continue the ancient Karen tradition to breed elephants that has been practiced by her family throughout centuries. She treats elephants with big love and respect. We feeded them, washed them and learned many thing about their life and feelings. The meal that has been of,fered was perfect too. The project helps also the Karen people to live a better life...they were refugees so in general they are not in a so high position in the Thai society. Go to ElephantPeace to help them and elephants and to pass a wonderful day in the jungle!
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Dada is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide (who speaks excellent English) who wants to share the customs and traditions of the Karen people, including their lives with and for their beloved elephants. No elephant riding or elephant shows here, just actively feeding, bathing and caring for these majestic creatures, while dressed in traditional Karen clothing. How much you do is up to you. Be aware that you will walk across rice fields and through a river, so suitable footwear is advised. A highlight of our visit to Thailand.
Half Day
Half Day Program
Spend a half day taking care of the amiable elephants through the traditional Karen way. Learn more about the culture of the hill tribes and how they connect with the elephant, through the history of both the Karen and the Asian elephants.
Full Day
Full Day Program
Enjoy a full day experience with the majestic elephants at our park, taking care of the gentle creatures through the traditional Karen way.
Two Days
Two Days Program
Get more connected with the Asian elephants and Karen culture by spending a night in the jungle. Learn how to be a Karen mahout on the first day and enjoy the nightlife in the jungle around a campfire.
