Elephant rides cause spinal damage. Ethical sanctuaries let you walk with, bathe, and feed elephants — but no riding.
If a place offers rides, paintings, or balancing tricks, the elephants are being broken with the 'phajaan' ritual (avoid).
Elephant Nature Park, BEES (Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary), and Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary are well-regarded ethical operations.