Following Giants Krabi

Following Giants Krabi

Why visit?

Following Giants Krabi offers a genuinely observation-led elephant experience in Thailand, where visitors watch elephants in a natural setting rather than riding, bathing or handling them. It's recognized by World Animal Protection as Elephant Friendly and provides a rare opportunity to see elephants behave naturally while supporting an ethical welfare approach that prioritizes the animals' wellbeing over visitor interaction.

About the sanctuary

Following Giants is an observation-led elephant welfare project with a location in Krabi, Thailand. The sanctuary is built around a core principle: elephants should be observed respectfully in a setting that allows natural behaviour, rather than forced to interact with visitors. This approach reflects a growing understanding of elephant needs and the problems associated with riding, bathing and entertainment-focused tourism.

The sanctuary operates as part of the broader Following Giants project and has earned recognition from World Animal Protection as Elephant Friendly, indicating that its practices meet credible welfare standards. This accreditation from an independent, internationally respected organization provides tangible evidence of the sanctuary's commitment to responsible elephant care.

The Krabi location sits within the natural landscape of Krabi Province, in southern Thailand. This setting provides the sanctuary with space for elephants to move and behave more naturally than is typical in many tourist-focused facilities.

The elephant experience

Visits to Following Giants Krabi centre on observing elephants in a natural setting rather than hands-on interaction. Visitors watch elephants engage in their own behaviour—foraging, moving around their environment, and socialising with other elephants—rather than being encouraged to touch, bathe, ride or command them.

This observation-focused approach is what fundamentally sets the sanctuary apart. Instead of being positioned as entertainment participants, visitors take on the role of respectful witnesses to elephant life. This typically allows for more authentic behaviour from the elephants and avoids the stress and physical demand that direct handling creates.

Specific details about visit duration, group sizes, exact activities, meal provision and whether forest walks or other experiences are included are not detailed in the available information. We recommend contacting the sanctuary directly via their website or phone (+66 92 431 6111) to understand exactly what a visit involves, how long it lasts, how many other visitors you'll encounter, and what to expect throughout the day.

Elephant welfare and ethical approach

World Animal Protection accreditation: Following Giants Krabi holds Elephant Friendly status from World Animal Protection, a significant independent assessment. This is one of the most credible welfare endorsements available in elephant tourism, indicating that the sanctuary meets specific, verifiable standards for animal care.

No riding, bathing or entertainment: The sanctuary's core model explicitly excludes activities that stress elephants or prioritize visitor entertainment. There is no mention of elephant rides, bathing sessions, performances or forced interaction. This is a fundamental departure from many elephant attractions in Southeast Asia.

Observation-led approach: By focusing on watching rather than handling, the sanctuary avoids the demand for elephants to tolerate constant human contact, which can cause welfare problems. This approach allows elephants to express natural behaviours and retain autonomy over their interactions.

What is unknown: The available information does not detail how elephants arrived at the sanctuary (for example, whether they were rescued from logging, tourism, entertainment or other industries), the current number of elephants under care, specific details about their living conditions, freedom of movement, feeding, social groupings, or use of control methods such as hooks. These are questions worth asking the sanctuary directly, as transparent answers can further support a full picture of their welfare model.

Who is it best for?

Following Giants Krabi is best suited to visitors who:

• Prioritize elephant welfare and are uncomfortable with riding, bathing or hands-on interaction
• Enjoy wildlife observation and photography, and welcome a more naturalistic, less controlled experience
• Want to support tourism that rewards ethical practices
• Are interested in learning about elephant behaviour and understanding them as individuals rather than attractions to be touched or commanded
• Are comfortable watching from a respectful distance rather than expecting direct physical interaction

It may be less suitable for very young children who may expect hands-on interaction with animals, or for visitors specifically seeking the experience of touching, walking beside or bathing elephants. We recommend confirming age recommendations and suitability for children directly with the sanctuary.

Getting there

Following Giants Krabi is located in Khao Khram, Tha Pom Klong Song Nam, Mueang Krabi District, in Krabi Province, southern Thailand. This is part of the Krabi region, a popular tourist destination known for beaches, islands and limestone scenery.

Krabi is accessible by air (Krabi International Airport), by bus or by car from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. The sanctuary's specific location is within the Krabi district but beyond the main town centre.

Details about how visitors reach the sanctuary—including whether hotel pickups are available, shuttle services provided, distance from Krabi town, or recommended transport methods—are not detailed in the available information. The sanctuary website (https://followinggiants.net/) or direct contact on +66 92 431 6111 will provide transport and access details for your specific visit date.

Visit length and practical information

Specific details about visit duration, daily schedule, group sizes, whether meals or refreshments are included, opening days and times, accessibility, and what to wear or bring are not available in the information provided.

These are important practical details that will affect your decision to visit. We recommend checking the sanctuary's website or contacting them directly at +66 92 431 6111 to confirm:

• How long a typical visit lasts
• What time visits depart and return
• Maximum group sizes
• What activities and learning opportunities are included
• Whether meals, drinks or snacks are provided
• Opening days and times
• Whether the location is accessible for visitors with mobility limitations
• What to wear and bring (e.g. sun protection, appropriate footwear, camera gear)

Booking and prices

Booking information, typical prices, seasonal availability and current schedule are not detailed in the available information. Prices and availability for elephant tourism in Thailand vary by season and current circumstances.

To book a visit and receive current pricing:

• Visit the sanctuary's website: https://followinggiants.net/
• Call: +66 92 431 6111
• Ask about different visit options (if available), current prices, available dates, and what is included in the cost

When contacting the sanctuary, it's helpful to specify your preferred visit date, group size, and any questions about what the experience involves—particularly if you're uncertain whether observation-only formats are suitable for your group.

Good to know

• Accreditation matters: World Animal Protection's Elephant Friendly status is meaningful. It's based on specific assessment criteria rather than self-designation, making it a reliable indicator of the sanctuary's approach.
• What observation-led means: If you're accustomed to elephant attractions where visitors ride, bathe or touch elephants, Following Giants offers a different experience. The reward is seeing more natural elephant behaviour, and knowing your visit doesn't demand unnatural or stressful activities from the animals.
• Photography: If wildlife photography interests you, observation-led settings often provide good opportunities for natural behaviour shots. Confirm whether photography is encouraged and whether there are any restrictions.
• Krabi's other attractions: The Krabi region includes beaches, island trips, caves and climbing. You can visit Following Giants as part of a broader Krabi stay, though plan for travel time from beach resort areas.
• Advance booking: Check whether advance booking is required, particularly during peak season. Some smaller sanctuaries operate on scheduled days or require minimum group sizes.