Who knew you didn’t have to go to Chiang Mai to see elephants in Thailand? There are actually two of these: the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Treetops Elephant Reserve. They are both ethical areas for aged and injured elephants. Both aim to educate visitors on the lives of elephants and cruel practice of riding them. You’ll get to walk in their natural habitat and get up close to them. Of note, be careful that other places may pretend to be elephant “sanctuaries” but are not. For instance, ones that offer swimming with elephants are not ethical. Do your research and watch out for wording (many names sound the same).
Of note, you need to book weeks in advance!