Close-up of an elephant's face looking at the camera, it's holding large leaves in its trunk.

Ending elephant riding tourism Vietnam

A kinder future for Vietnam's elephants

For centuries, elephants have played a significant role in Vietnamese culture. But many are exploited for tourist rides, forced to carry visitors in punishing heat, deprived of rest, and subjected to cruel training.

In partnership with the Vietnamese government and local communities, we’re building a future where they can roam forests, not give rides – and where people thrive through ethical, elephant-friendly livelihoods.

Working together for lasting change

Ending elephant riding in Vietnam isn’t something we can do alone. That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with national park authorities, tourism operators, and elephant guardians to develop compassionate, sustainable solutions.

Asian elephant standing alone among dense green vegetation in a forest.
Two Asian elephants walking side by side through shallow water in a lush forest setting.
Two people shaking hands and exchanging documents in front of a red and green curtain in a meeting room.
Two Asian elephants walking through a green forest, reaching out with their trunks to foliage.

Together, we’re:

  • Helping transition elephants from riding camps to a natural forest environment
  • Training local staff as ethical tourism guides, supporting new income streams
  • Working with the Vietnamese government to establish long-term protection plans

This approach is grounded in respect –for animals, people and culture. And it’s creating change that lasts.

Close-up of an Asian elephant standing in dense green forest foliage.
Asian elephant splashing water and swimming in a forest river, surrounded by greenery.
Two people in green shirts walking behind an Asian elephant in a lush forest environment.
An asian elephant stands in a lush forest throwing soil up from its trunk onto its back.

Progress so far

Thanks to years of collaboration and commitment, we’re seeing real change:

Asian elephant using its trunk to eat leaves from a tree in a lush, green forest.

Elephants Dozens no longer used for riding

Caretaker in green shirt feeding grass to an Asian elephant with large tusks in a forest.

Mahouts Embracing new roles as protectors and educators

Person in outdoor gear gesturing towards two Asian elephants standing in a forest clearing.

Tourists Choosing ethical experiences over exploitation

Ethical elephant tourism: a better way to see wildlife

We run Vietnam’s first ethical elephant tourism program – where elephants are free to roam, forage, and socialise in their natural forest home, and visitors observe them from a respectful distance.

This inspiring alternative to traditional elephant riding tourism is built on compassion, sustainability and community-led change.

Find out more about our Ethical Elephant Tours