We are Elephants at Home
Experience the Heart of Thailand at Elephants at Home Sanctuary
Thailand is a truly magical place, rich with culture and natural beauty. To truly appreciate its essence, one must venture beyond the typical tourist paths and immerse themselves in the authentic Thai experience.
At Elephants at Home Sanctuary, we invite you into our homeland and village, where we have lived harmoniously with elephants for generations in the mountains of Chiang Mai. We are Karen Hill Tribe.Proud of our heritage, we are eager to share with you the everyday life that we are fortunate to experience.
Our elephants are not just animals; they are family. We are a sanctuary dedicated to their well-being, having rescued many from less fortunate circumstances. Here, they roam freely, living as they wish in their natural habitat.
On behalf of Elephants At Home sanctuary
We would be delighted to welcome you to our village to spend a day with us and our elephants. Elephants at Home offers a truly ethical, up-close experience with elephants living freely in their natural mountain home, alongside our Karen Hill Tribe community.
There are no hooks, chains, circus tricks, or enclosures — our elephants are free to roam. At Elephants at Home, there are no rides — just a meaningful, personal connection with the elephants. You will spend the day feeding, washing, walking with elephants, and learning how to communicate with them along the way. Enjoy a peaceful walk up the mountain to the waterfall, relax over a delicious lunch, and take time to simply play and bond with these gentle, intelligent giants.
Our Karen Village - Maetoh
Our village, Maetoh (pronounced met-tow), is a small Skaw Karen village located in Bokeo, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is home to approximately 400 people and children or orphan at Victory Children Home are included.Our community has lived here for many generations, surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers. We live a simple and peaceful life, closely connected to nature and our traditions. Many families in the village have cared for elephants for decades, and the bond between our people and the elephants is deeply rooted in our culture. Visitors to Maetoh often find it to be a warm, welcoming place where they can experience authentic Karen hospitality, learn about our way of life, and connect with the elephants in a natural and respectful setting.
About The Karen Hill Tribe
The Karen are one of the largest and most culturally rich indigenous groups in Southeast Asia, with an estimated population of over three million across Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. In Thailand, they are the largest hill tribe, primarily residing in the mountainous regions of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son.
Origins and History
Believed to have originated from Tibet.The Karen people settled in southern and eastern Burma (now Myanmar) as early as the seventh century. In the 1700s, they also began residing in neighboring Thailand (formerly Siam). Today, numerous Karen subgroups inhabit these regions, primarily living in tribal societies governed by chiefs or princes.They are distinct from other ethnic groups in the region and have maintained a unique language and culture.
Language and Dress
The Karen speak a tonal, monosyllabic language, which was romanized by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. Traditional attire varies among sub-groups but often includes handwoven tunics and sarongs made from cotton dyed with natural materials. Married women typically wear colorful garments adorned with intricate patterns and seed embellishments, while unmarried women wear plain white tunics.
Religion and Beliefs
The Karen traditionally practice animism, believing in spirits residing in natural elements like rivers, trees, and mountains. Many also incorporate elements of Buddhism or Christianity into their spiritual practices. Community rituals and festivals, such as the Karen New Year, play a significant role in preserving their cultural heritage.
Relationship with Elephants
The Karen have a long-standing relationship with elephants, historically using them for labor in the forests. They are renowned for their skills as mahouts (elephant handlers), and many of the mahouts working in elephant camps around Chiang Mai are from the Karen hill tribe.
Traditional Lifestyle
Karen villages are typically located in remote, mountainous areas, with homes built on stilts using bamboo and thatch. Their economy is based on subsistence farming, including rice cultivation, and they practice sustainable agricultural methods like crop rotation.
Crafts and Artistry
The Karen are skilled artisans, known for their silversmithing, weaving, and basket-making. Handwoven textiles, often dyed with natural materials, are a significant part of their cultural expression and are produced using traditional back-strap looms.
