Following Giants Koh Lanta

Following Giants Koh Lanta

Why visit?

Following Giants Koh Lanta offers a genuinely observation-led elephant experience in Thailand, built on a sanctuary transition away from elephant riding toward ethical wildlife encounters. The sanctuary's World Animal Protection accreditation and commitment to hands-off observation make it a thoughtful choice for travellers seeking meaningful elephant encounters without direct contact or riding. Its jungle location near Koh Lanta's natural attractions provides a peaceful setting for observing elephants behaving naturally in their environment.

About the sanctuary

Following Giants Koh Lanta is an ethical elephant sanctuary located on the island of Koh Lanta in Krabi province, southern Thailand. The sanctuary operates as part of a wider Following Giants operation that represents a significant shift in how elephant tourism is conducted in Thailand—the facility transitioned from offering elephant riding to an observation-only model, reflecting growing recognition of welfare concerns in hands-on elephant tourism.

The sanctuary's setting in the Klong Chak Waterfall Road area places it within or near natural forest environments where elephants have greater space to move and forage. This shift from activity-based tourism (riding, bathing, performances) to observation-based wildlife watching is central to the sanctuary's ethical approach.

The elephants cared for at Following Giants Koh Lanta include rescued and retired animals, though specific details about individual elephant histories, numbers and how many have transitioned from riding tourism or other industries are not detailed in the available information. Visitors should contact the sanctuary directly for current information about the elephants in their care.

The elephant experience

Following Giants Koh Lanta operates an observation-focused visit model. Rather than bathing, feeding or riding elephants, the experience centres on following and watching elephants in their natural environment, allowing them to behave with minimal disruption from visitor activity.

The sanctuary does not permit elephant riding, bathing or direct hands-on contact during visits. This distinguishes it clearly from many other elephant tourism venues in Thailand where these activities remain standard offerings.

Specific details about visit duration, group sizes, daily schedules, whether meals are included, walking distances or other practical elements of a typical visit are not provided in available information. Interested visitors should contact Following Giants directly at +66 84 744 7060 or via their website to understand exactly what observing and following elephants involves in practice, how long visits typically last, and how many people visit together.

Elephant welfare and ethical approach

Following Giants Koh Lanta holds World Animal Protection Elephant Friendly accreditation, which recognises sanctuaries and tourism operations that meet specific welfare standards. This accreditation is awarded to facilities that do not offer elephant riding, bathing, shows or other activities involving direct handling or control through pain or fear-based methods.

The sanctuary's transition from elephant riding tourism to an observation-only model represents a meaningful commitment to reducing animal stress and allowing elephants greater freedom to express natural behaviours. By removing riding and bathing—both activities with documented welfare concerns—the sanctuary aligns with growing evidence that hands-off observation benefits elephant wellbeing.

The observable welfare-positive features of Following Giants Koh Lanta's approach include:

• No elephant riding
• No bathing with visitors or other direct physical contact
• No performances or entertainment-based activities
• Observation-led experience allowing elephants to behave naturally
• Third-party accreditation (World Animal Protection)

Information about chaining policies, use of control tools such as hooks, and the amount of unstructured time elephants spend foraging and socialising freely is not available in the provided sources. These are important welfare indicators that visitors may wish to enquire about directly.

Who is it best for?

Following Giants Koh Lanta suits travellers who prioritise ethical animal welfare and wish to observe elephants without touching, riding or bathing them. It appeals particularly to:

• Wildlife and nature enthusiasts interested in observing elephant behaviour in a more natural setting
• Photographers seeking authentic elephant encounters
• Ethically-minded travellers wanting to avoid hands-on contact activities
• Families with children old enough to appreciate observation-based wildlife experiences
• Visitors to Koh Lanta seeking to combine island time with wildlife experiences

It is less suitable for visitors specifically seeking hands-on activities such as bathing, feeding or close physical interaction with elephants, or those looking for riding experiences.

Information about minimum ages, accessibility requirements or restrictions for visitors with mobility considerations is not currently available. Contact the sanctuary directly to confirm suitability for specific traveller profiles.

Getting there

Following Giants Koh Lanta is located at 265 Moo 5, Klong Chak Waterfall Road, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi Province, Thailand. Koh Lanta is an island destination in southern Thailand, accessible by ferry from the mainland port of Krabi province.

The sanctuary's distance from Krabi Town (the nearest major tourism hub) or from Koh Lanta's accommodation areas is not specified. Visitors typically reach Koh Lanta by flying to Phuket International Airport or Krabi International Airport, then travelling by road and ferry to the island. The sanctuary's location on Klong Chak Waterfall Road suggests it sits within or near one of Koh Lanta's natural attractions.

Whether the sanctuary provides hotel transfers, pickup services from Koh Lanta's main areas, or other transport arrangements is not stated in available information. Contact Following Giants directly at +66 84 744 7060 to confirm transport options and how to arrange transfers from your accommodation.

Visit length and practical information

The duration of visits, typical daily schedules, group sizes, meal arrangements and what visitors should bring or wear are not detailed in available sources. These are important practical details to confirm when booking.

Visitors should contact the sanctuary to understand:

• How long a typical visit lasts
• What time visits begin and end
• How many visitors are taken on each visit
• Whether meals or refreshments are provided
• What clothing and footwear are recommended (particularly for forest walking)
• What to bring (sunscreen, insect repellent, water, camera equipment)
• Whether visits operate year-round or seasonally

Booking and prices

Following Giants Koh Lanta can be contacted directly at:

• Phone: +66 84 744 7060
• Website: https://followinggiants.net/

Specific pricing, available visit options, advance-booking requirements and current operating schedules should be confirmed directly with the sanctuary, as these details change and are not available through publicly accessible sources. When booking, confirm:

• Available visit dates and times
• Exact cost per person (and whether group discounts apply)
• What is included in the price (guide, meals, transport)
• Whether advance payment or deposit is required
• Cancellation or weather-related postponement policies
• Whether hotel pickup is available and at what cost

Good to know

Weather and seasons: Koh Lanta's climate is tropical. The southwest monsoon season (May to October) brings heavier rainfall; the best visiting season is typically November to April. Confirm operating schedules with the sanctuary, as visits may be affected by seasonal weather.

Island logistics: Koh Lanta is quieter and less developed than nearby Phuket or Phi Phi Islands, with a slower pace. Plan transport from mainland Krabi or other starting points in advance. Ferry schedules vary seasonally.

What makes this different: Following Giants Koh Lanta's transition to observation-only tourism represents a meaningful ethical shift. Many elephant tourism venues in Thailand still offer riding, bathing and shows; this sanctuary's commitment to removing these practices and achieving third-party accreditation sets it apart.

Further research: Visitors concerned about elephant welfare should familiarise themselves with World Animal Protection's Elephant Friendly criteria and read the sanctuary's own detailed information about how elephants behave during visits, how many have been rescued from tourism, and specific welfare policies. Contact the sanctuary directly with any welfare-related questions.