Living Green is a 40-acre no-riding elephant sanctuary in the hills of Chonburi, about 45 minutes from Pattaya. The half-day programme runs twice daily (morning pickup 07:00–08:00, afternoon 11:00–12:00) and includes a local meal, a briefing, hand-feeding, a short walk with the elephants and watching them bathe. Listed from $53.38 (about 1,800 THB) on GetYourGuide, rated 4.8 from 677 reviews as of October 2026.
Tour Highlights
- Feed and walk alongside rescued elephants on forest paths — no riding, no shows
- Local Thai meal and a briefing on each elephant’s story before you meet them
- Watch the elephants bathe in the river (and join them when conditions allow)
- Morning (pickup 07:00–08:00) or afternoon (pickup 11:00–12:00) sessions
- Traditional Mo Hom clothing, equipment and hotel pickup from Pattaya included
Itinerary
- 107:00–08:00Hotel pickup in Pattaya (afternoon session: 11:00–12:00). About 45 minutes by van to the sanctuary.
- 210:00Arrive, change into Mo Hom clothing, local meal and briefing on the elephants’ stories (afternoon session starts 14:00).
- 310:45Hand-feed the elephants and walk with them along the forest paths.
- 412:00Watch the elephants bathe and play in the water; join in if the mahouts allow and the elephants want to.
- 512:45Leave the sanctuary; back at your hotel around 14:30–15:00 (afternoon session: 18:30–19:00).
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Pattaya (transfer option)
- Local meal
- Elephant feeding, forest walk and bathing observation
- Traditional clothing and equipment
- English-speaking guide
Not included
- Personal expenses and tips
- Surcharge of 200 THB for Jomtien / Na Jomtien hotels and 300 THB near Nong Nooch
- Extra charge for large suitcases or pushchairs in the van
Who is this tour best for?
- Families with children over 2 who want elephant contact without riding or shows
- Visitors with half a day free who prefer a shorter trip than the full-day sanctuaries
- Travellers who care that no force is used — the operator states elephants are never made to enter the water
- Photographers: the forest walk and river bathing are the two picture moments
Where to book & compare
| Provider | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GetYourGuide — half day with Pattaya pickup | from $53.38 (~1,800 THB) | Rated 4.8 from 677 reviews, checked 20 October 2026. Morning or afternoon session; shared van. |
| GetYourGuide — meet at the sanctuary | lower, no transfer | Same programme starting 10:00 or 14:00; you arrange your own car (about 45 minutes from Pattaya). |
| Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya (alternative) | from ~2,500 THB | Our other listed ethical option: half day with buffet lunch and transfer; see its page for the comparison. |
| Nong Nooch elephant show | included in 800 THB garden ticket | A show with tricks and rides on offer — not comparable; we recommend the sanctuaries instead. |
Read before you go
Independent guides that cover the practical side of this trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ride the elephants at Living Green?
No. Riding is not allowed and the operator states no force is used; if the elephants do not want to enter the river, bathing is skipped.
How long is the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary trip?
About five hours including transfers: roughly 45 minutes each way from Pattaya and 2.5–3 hours at the sanctuary. Morning sessions return around 14:30–15:00, afternoon sessions around 18:30–19:00.
How much does it cost?
Listed from $53.38 (about 1,800 THB) on GetYourGuide with Pattaya hotel pickup. Jomtien and Na Jomtien pickups add 200 THB; hotels near Nong Nooch add 300 THB.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for the river, sandals, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Traditional Mo Hom clothing is provided for the visit.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes from age 2. It is not suitable for pregnant visitors, people with back problems or anyone with animal allergies.
Living Green or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary — which one?
Both are no-riding sanctuaries near Pattaya with feeding, walking and bathing. Living Green is the shorter, cheaper half-day with a local meal; Elephant Jungle Sanctuary adds a buffet lunch and costs more. Pick on price and the session time that fits your day.
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