Pattaya Ethical Elephant Tour (Living Green Elephant Sanctuary)

A no-riding, no-chains, no-show sanctuary about 45 minutes inland from Pattaya, up in the Chonburi hills. You feed the rescued elephants, walk with them, and help with a mud bath — the ethical version, where the animals aren't performing for anyone. Adult entry is around 2,200฿, and most people book it as a half-day trip from Pattaya with transfers included, which pushes it into the 60-90 USD range. Book ahead; group sizes are kept small on purpose.