RTW Trip Day #64: The Following Giants Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Lanta

1 December 2025

Steps: 6,732

Following Giants, Koh Lanta Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

We had spent some time looking for an ethical elephant experience and Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Lanta kept coming up as the place that truly puts the elephants' wellbeing first.

Ethics around animals is something we think about much more now than we did years ago. Back in 2006 when we were backpacking around the world, we rode elephants without really questioning it, and at the time ethics didn’t really cross our minds.

It has led to some good conversations with the kids about why ethical sanctuaries are important and how much kinder it is to let elephants live more naturally.

Their tagline, “letting elephants lead the way” sums it up perfectly, as instead of riding, bathing with or touching the elephants, you simply walk alongside them - perhaps not as ‘fun’, but it’s a far better experience for the elephants and for us too.

Although it was a lovely sunny day today, there has been a huge amount of rain this past month, and the paths were quite muddy in places. Thankfully, the sanctuary has plenty of wellies available for people to borrow free of charge.

We headed out on foot into the forest and within just a few minutes we came across our first elephant sighting.

It was incredible to walk just a few metres from the elephants and watch them move through the forest freely.

Our guide was excellent and talked us through the background of each elephant as we walked. Many had worked in logging or in riding camps and you could see signs of the hard lives they once had.

Some had injuries to their legs and a few had holes in their ears from the hooks that were used on them before arriving at the sanctuary. Hearing those stories while watching them roam freely made the experience feel even more meaningful.

Each elephant has a mahout close by to make sure they stay at a safe distance from visitors but the mahouts don’t control them. They are simply there to step in if an elephant wanders a little too close.

A fun moment for all of us was watching the elephants head into the water. They rolled around happily and sprayed water into the air which had everyone laughing.

Sowing Grass Seed via Slingshot

As part of the half day tour you also learn how seed balls are made by shaping small mud balls with seeds tucked inside.

We then had a bit of fun firing seed balls deep into the forest using a slingshot. It helps new plants grow and regenerate the forest as the elephants eat a lot, plus the kids loved it (and maybe some adults too)!

Lunch Buffet

Lunch was a buffet, and it was excellent. We started with a huge platter of pineapple and watermelon, then moved on to fried rice, stir fried vegetables, a chicken curry, and some chicken goujons that the kids gobbled up.

Visiting an ethical sanctuary like this felt important. It helped the girls understand how elephants should be treated and why places that allow riding or performances cause harm.

Watching the elephants move calmly and freely made the experience incredibly meaningful, and I would highly recommend anyone visiting Koh Lanta spend time with the wonderful team at Following Giants.

A Relaxed Evening at the Hotel

After the early morning wake up for the elephant sanctuary, in the afternoon we relaxed in the room and around the pool.

The girls have made friends with a girl called Hannah and they spent a few hours playing forts which they loved. They haven’t really had many chances on this trip to just play normally and it was so nice watching them enjoy a simple afternoon playing.

Previous Day #63: A Visit to Koh Lanta Old Town

Next Day #65: Khlong Khong Beach, Koh Lanta

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