Is It Ethical to Swim with Elephants in Thailand?

As an animal lover, one of my all-time favorite bucket list moments was feeding elephants and giving them a mud bath — truly a dream come true!

We chose to book a tour with Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket, Thailand. I felt confident in this experience because Thailand has passed strict elephant protection laws, banning unethical practices like riding, chaining, or forcing elephants to perform tricks.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, check out my 2-Day Itinerary in Thailand to make the most of your visit!

Green Elephant Sanctuary is often rated as one of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket. They rescue elephants, allow them to roam freely, and focus on their well-being. No exploitation — just genuine care.

Booking Info & Price

• Price: Around $100 CAD per person
• How to book: Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Tour Program

Our Elephant Sanctuary Tour Experience

Meet & Greet with the Elephants

We were picked up from our hotel in the afternoon and headed straight to the jungle sanctuary. As we arrived, we were introduced to about eight gentle giants, each with their own story. The guide told us their names, ages, and personalities — some were shyer than others.

Every elephant had a dedicated mahout (elephant caretaker), and you could really feel the bond between them. Fun fact: each mahout lives on-site with their family and devotes their life to caring for their elephant.

We fed the elephants, hugged them, and honestly, it was emotional. They looked happy and at peace.

Mud Spa, Water Bath & XXL Elephant Shower

Next up was the cutest part — the Elephant Mud Spa! We slathered them in mud (apparently full of antioxidants!), which helps protect their skin. After that, we all jumped into a large water pool to rinse off the mud.

And just when you think it can’t get any more magical — we escorted them to the XXL outdoor elephant shower. We helped scrub them down and gave them a little spa treatment. Their skin was glowing!

The Aftermath: Clean Up & Lunch

After the mud bath madness, we used their outdoor bamboo showers, which were clean and refreshing. Then came lunch time — they served a delicious Thai buffet, which was a nice surprise!

They dropped us back off at our hotel after the experience. I left feeling at peace, knowing these elephants were cared for in a loving, ethical environment.

Is This Really an Ethical Elephant Experience?

In Thailand, finding a 100% ethical elephant sanctuary can be difficult — but this felt as close as it gets. There were no signs of abuse, the animals seemed relaxed and well-fed, and the staff truly cared.

It’s an experience I’ll never forget — and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? Thai warriors used elephants instead of horses in battle. It’s kinda sad, but also badass.

Planning a Trip to Thailand?

If you’re heading to Thailand soon (or already been!), I’d love to hear about your elephant experience. Did you visit a different sanctuary? What made it special? Drop a comment or question below — let’s chat!

Until the next adventure, adios!

The post Phuket’s Best Ethical Elephant Experience – No Riding, Just Love appeared first on .

Below is everything I did during my weekend in Phuket, plus a full cost breakdown (in CAD) to help you plan your own trip!

Where I Stayed:

Hotel: Novotel Kata Avista Resort & Spa
Any hotel in the Kata Beach area will do—you’ll be close to restaurants, cafes, and the beach.

How I Got Around:

Bike Rental: $10/day with no insurance from a local shop, highly recommend insurance.
Includes helmet
Make sure you have an International Driver’s License to avoid fines.

Can’t read this now? Pin it for later!

Day 1: Explore Phuket

1. Big Buddha – FREE

One of the most iconic attractions in Phuket. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees—scarves are a lifesaver here.

Pro Tip: You can donate by buying a metal leaf and writing a wish, which gets blessed in a Homa ceremony.

2. Lunch With a View – $5

Spot: Nak-Kerd Seaview Café
After Big Buddha, I stumbled upon on the wya back. The place has a beautiful view of the coast. Perfect place after visiting Big Buddha. I had the calamari—decent, but it’s the view that steals the show.

3. Best Mango Smoothie Ever – $1.50

From the same café—this smoothie deserves its own section. Just pure mango. Sweet, refreshing, and totally addictive. If you dont have multiple mango smoothies per day what the phuket are you doing?

4. Chill Café Vibes – $5–20

Spot: A Blanket & A Pillow Café
A cozy, cute gem near my hotel with bean bags, fans, delicious food, and great photo spots. 10/10 recommend!

5. Afternoon With Elephants

Activity: Mud Spa at Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
This was a life-changing experience! (Check out my full Elephant Sanctuary blog post here for all the details.)

6. Jet Skiing at Kata Beach – $60

Found a local vendor on the beach and rented a jet ski for 45 minutes. Breathtaking adrenaline rush with the best views—worth every dollar.

Day 2: Island Adventure

Banana Beach Island Tour (Ko He) – $100

On Day 2, I headed to Ko He Banana Beach (also known as Coral Island) for a half-day island tour (10am-4pm). We were picked up around 10 AM and spent the day enjoying the beauty of the island, eating tons of Thai food, and participating in fun activities. Some of the highlights were snorkeling, a Thai feast, a clear canoe ride, and a banana boat ride.

Activities I chose:

1. Snorkeling

Just living my best life.

2. Epic Thai Feast

You can tell by my smile this food was a highlight!!! If you love Thai food, this feast will make your day. We were served 10 different dishes, and I can honestly say they were all phenomenal. I would tell you to come to the island tour just for this!

Bonus Treat: You can order dessert and drinks separately at the bar. These deep fried Oreos speak for themselves.

3. Clear Canoe

This was one of the most peaceful activities of the day. The water was so clear, and it was just the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of the island. Even though I didn’t take pictures, the experience itself was priceless.

4. Banana Boat – $20

I can’t believe I was about to pass up on this activity, I’m glad I was pushed to do it. The ADRENALINE that this gives you is surreal! The driver goes slow then FAST as he plays tricks on you while you’re fearing yet anticipating when you’re going to fall off and into the water. So fun!

5. Dinner at Award-Winning Restaurant – $50

Spot: Mom Tri’s Kitchen Seafood
After the island we went to Mom Tri’s Kitchen Seafood for an evening dinner. It is even prettier at night, as you hear the strong waves in the background and see the island illuminated. We ordered drinks and a bunch of appetizers ranging from 300-500 baht each so around $10-20 each. The ambiance is beautiful, peaceful and romantic and the service was top notch. Definitely worth it.

6. Thai Massage – $10–15

You can’t go to Thailand without getting a Thai massage! I wanted to see what all the hype was about. We went to a place not too far from our hotel that didn’t look sketchy—it was a nail salon with a spa upstairs. You have to take off your shoes before entering, and you can choose the type of massage you want. They offer different combos, like foot and back, and you can also choose your level of intensity and how long you want it to be. Since I’d never had a professional massage before, I accidentally chose the intense option—one word: OUCH! It hurt at some points, but I was too scared to tell her to stop HAHA. Don’t be like me, or you’ll be super sore the next day. The foot massage was really good though!

Final Thoughts

Even with just 2 days in Phuket, I got to experience so much—from spiritual sites and scenic meals to island adventures and cultural highlights. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a friend, or as a couple, this itinerary packs a lot in while still leaving room to relax.

The post Quick Phuket Guide: Best 2-Day Itinerary appeared first on .

In fact, the cost of living in Thailand can be as low as $700/month depending on your lifestyle and location. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or digital nomad, you’ll find a place that fits your vibe and your budget.

So if you’re wondering where to settle down, here’s a list of the cheapest to most expensive places to live in Thailand — all with great quality of life, activities, and communities.

Saving Tip: Shop and eat local, venture outside tourist hotspots, learn basic Thai to bargain, and skip trendy overpriced cafes. These hacks can save you a ton of baht!

1. Chiang Rai – Most Affordable City in Thailand

Location: Northern Thailand’s largest city
Best for: Budget travelers, expats seeking peace, solo nomads

Chiang Rai is calm, budget-friendly, and full of charm. It’s known for the stunning White Temple, relaxing local vibes, and low cost of living. If you’re looking for a cheap place to live in Thailand that still has things to explore, this is it.

Popular Activities:

• White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
• Night Bazaar
• Buddhist Temples & Pagodas
• Hidden waterfalls
• Long Neck Village tours

Pros:
Very affordable living
Safe with low crime rates
Decent healthcare
Authentic Thai culture

Cons:
Fewer entertainment options
Rainy season gets very wet
Some air pollution in certain seasons

Monthly Cost of Living: $700–$1,000

2. Chiang Mai – Best for Digital Nomads & Nature Lovers

Location: Mountainous Northern Thailand
Best for: Yoga lovers, long-term nomads, solo travelers

Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular digital nomad cities in Thailand thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, growing expat community, and natural beauty. It’s more lively than Chiang Rai, but still way more affordable than the islands or capital.

Popular Activities:

• Exploring ancient temples
• Visiting elephant sanctuaries
• Hiking and countryside tours
• Café hopping and coworking spaces

Pros:
Affordable condos & rentals
Great weather and green spaces
Vibrant yet peaceful city life
Tons of expats & creative energy

Cons:
Public transport is limited
Gets busy during tourist season
Prices are rising slowly

Monthly Cost of Living: $850–$1,500

3. Pattaya – Best for Young Travelers & Entertainment

Location: Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand
Best for: Party-goers, fun-seekers, budget couples

Pattaya blends beachside living with big-city vibes. Known for its nightlife and proximity to Bangkok, it’s ideal if you want energy, convenience, and decent prices.

Popular Activities:

• Big Buddha Temple
• Island hopping & water parks
• Malls, museums, night shows
• Cabaret bars & nightlife
• Pattaya’s hidden quiet beaches

Pros:
Lots to do within walking distance
Growing public transport
Close to Bangkok for weekend trips

Cons:
High prostitution rates
Hot and humid weather year-round
Crowded during high season

Monthly Cost of Living: $900–$1,900

4. Phuket – Best for Couples & Island Vibes

Location: Andaman Sea (Thailand’s largest island)
Best for: Remote workers, romantic getaways, nature lovers

Phuket offers a mix of luxury and laid-back island life. It’s pricier than Chiang Mai, but the beaches, scuba diving, and sunsets make it worth it for many expats and couples.

Popular Activities:

• Scuba diving and beach hopping
• Big Buddha viewpoint
• Spa retreats and luxury resorts
• Lively street food markets

Pros:
Very safe and tourist-friendly
Romantic scenery and great beaches
English widely spoken
Balanced pace of life

Cons:
Not walkable; limited public transport
Tourist scams and overcharging
Loud insects (yes, the cicadas are real)

Monthly Cost of Living: $1,000–$2,000

5. Bangkok – Best for Urban Life & Career Opportunities

Location: Central Thailand – Capital city
Best for: Young professionals, entrepreneurs, solo travelers

If you love fast-paced city life, Bangkok is the best city to live in Thailand. With world-class healthcare, modern transport, and endless nightlife, it offers everything — at a surprisingly decent price.

Popular Activities:

• Rooftop bars & fine dining
• Palace tours and golden temples
• Huge malls and coworking spaces
• Iconic nightlife & music scene

Pros:
Advanced BTS/MRT train system
Great healthcare and hospitals
Tons of work, business, and social opportunities
International food and shopping

Cons:
Heavy traffic
Pollution and noise
Can feel overwhelming

Monthly Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,500

Final Thoughts

From peaceful mountains to buzzing cities and island getaways, Thailand has something for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re after affordability, adventure, or comfort, this list gives you a starting point to find the best fit.

Looking for luxury in Thailand instead?
Check out:

• 5 Luxury Pool Resorts in Ubud with Epic Jungle Views
• Natya Resort Ubud: Best Luxury Bali Honeymoon Resort

Have questions or your own Thailand tips? Drop them in the comments!

Until next time,
Adios! <3

The post Best Places to Live in Thailand (From Cheapest to Priciest) appeared first on .