Ethical elephant tours Vietnam
Experience elephants the kind way
At Yok Don National Park in Vietnam, something remarkable is happening.
Elephants once forced to carry tourists now roam free, supported by a pioneering program that places animal welfare, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism at its heart.
What makes our program ethical?
Unlike traditional tourism, our approach puts the elephants’ needs first. There are no rides, no tricks, and no contact with visitors. Just elephants living as nature intended:
- Roaming freely through forests
- Bathing in rivers and mud
- Socialising with other elephants
- Choosing how they spend each day
Visitors join experienced guides at a respectful distance, learning about each elephant’s story while witnessing them in their natural habitat.
‘You’re walking through the forest and suddenly see this big grey thing and think, "what is that?" and then you realise it’s an elephant and everyone stops and goes silent.’
Working with communities, not against them
We collaborate with local mahouts – elephant caregivers – many of whom come from generations of families who relied on elephant riding for income. Through our program, they’ve become conservation guides, educators and champions of ethical tourism.
By supporting their transition, we help build a future where communities thrive alongside wildlife.
‘It makes me proud to show the elephants being free. I feel I’m giving something back to them now.’
Help us put an end to animal cruelty
Animals are being captured and exploited every day. Animals Asia has helped thousands, but there is always another animal in need of our help. Please donate today.
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