It's quite difficult to find a decent, genuinely ethically ran elephant sanctuary these days but after much searching, Joy is the real deal. Hotel pick up was swift and on time and once there the guides were clear and professional. The elephants were not forced to interact with us. They had their designated snack time (they are fed regular meals by their keepers) which we gave them, and we were invited to walk with them afterwards, several metre distance, no touching. Afterwards we could clean off in the sanctuary’s stream, the elephants were not made to come, but they are given free reign to come and go as they please, and they came. It was a wonderful sight. The rafting add on was well worth it, and we were lucky enough to do so in a storm! The torrential rain added to the atmosphere. (I’ll add that the guides ensured that the route was safe first before sending us down!)