ETHICS & FAQ

The "rainy season" also called "green season" is characterized by short showers followed by bright sunshine. This period, from June to November depending on the region, is magnificent: nature flourishes and the rice fields come back to life. It is of course less annoying in the mountains of the North than when you plan sunbathing on the beach or going out to sea in the South, but it will not spoil your vacation, except in the case of exceptional climatic events, which are difficult to plan in view of the current disruption.

Burning is a thousand-year-old tradition that mainly affects the North of Thailand from February to April. The impact on travelers is limited to a less clear view and it is no more risky to stay in Thailand at this time than in a polluted city. In any case, it would be a shame to miss out on the beauties of the North for this. Burning is problematic for those who, like us, live there year-round and in the long term.

At La Maison, we offer a 45-minute video in French (subtitled in English) before each meeting with the Elephants. This is a subject that is close to our hearts enough to have devoted part of our lives and our savings to it during the Covid crisis. This video informs you about their way of life, the care to be given to them and the ethical realities on the ground. The erroneous information circulating on the internet, provided by people who are undoubtedly well-intentioned but who unfortunately do not have the skills or experience required to express themselves on such a subject, plunges many travelers into confusion, dissuading them from going to meet the elephants for fear of doing wrong, which is understandable. But this deprives the elephants and their keepers of essential resources. Elephants are a complex environmental and cultural subject that requires time and humility and that cannot be summarized in a few lines on the internet. If you want to know more about this vast subject, you are welcome, you will leave with concrete answers and a probably different perspective, in any case more informed on this question . The sanctuary you will visit is that of Bobbie's family (see "Our Story), where you will meet Mae Poi, Mae Teaw, Taeng Mo and Jasmine, our 4 princesses with big ears and share with them their moments of life between care, food, swimming, laughter and tenderness.

Wherever you go, go with a light heart. The most important thing is to support elephants and those who dedicate their lives to them.

Look for small, family-run sanctuaries where visitors are limited and elephants live in their natural habitat, such as the jungle and rivers of the North. Trust your intuition to choose a respectful sanctuary.

You can support elephants and local communities by visiting ethical sanctuaries, making donations, or participating in sponsorship programs. At La Maison, we offer several options to help, such as bringing supplies with you to your visit or donating to fund concrete projects.