I dropped in here on my way back from Ao Thalane. Purely by chance, I had heard of the sanctuary and read a few reviews. Mostly good reviews, and the odd one when someone criticised the sanctuary. You know the eco warrior type, everything has to be ethical. Yes, good for you, in an ideal world you dont interact with elephants.Go to Africa and this is Mostly true, giant wild and very scary elephants! I've Been there too!But, these elephants have already been domesticated, they were worked by farmers and then became of no use or were just replaced. The elephants here were not bred to be on show. They were basically unwanted and unloved.They are now cared for by Bang, and his amazing team.They have worked hard to get the locals onside with them. It isnt easy! You cannot tell an elephant you can go here but not there. Don't eat the farmers vegetables and crops , just eat the jungle plants. They are smart, but they dont understand boundaries.Somehow, with hard work and patience it is working, local farmers are more tolerant but, damage to crops needs to be compensated to keep the peace. So, the trade off is this, if you are lucky, and the elephants are willing, they will come out of the jungle to meet you...scoff all the bananas you have, then walk with with you back to base. They come because they know you are going to feed them, mud bath them, then cool off in the pool while you give them a scrub and check them over. Its elephants spa day! Who doesn't love a spa! After that they are free to roam back in the jungle and the local surroundings. So, call it unethical if you wish, Bang and his team work hard with the locals and farmers, to allow these beautiful animals some freedom and safety. The local kids come to see them whenever they like. The trade off is, you pay for the most amazing chance to spend a few hours up close and personal with these fabulous giant's. So, if you want to help support these magical majestic giants, get up close and have them win your heart, this is for you. I absolutely loved every second with them. 😍😍😍 🙏🙏