China-Laos transboundary areas are crucial for biodiversity conservation. Understanding the habitat distribution and changes of transboundary species is essential for fostering cooperation and maintaining biodiversity. This study analyzed the habitat patterns and changes of Asian elephants in the transboundary area between Mengla, Yunnan province, and northern Laos from 1985 to 2020 using MaxEnt and HSI models and evaluated the effectiveness of transboundary conservation areas based on the habitat suitability of Asian elephants. The results showed that: (1) Asian elephant habitat in the study area accounted for approximately 85%, primarily distributed in the east and west sides, with the central region located in the China-Laos transboundary conservation area; the habitat area decreased by 2.4% from 1985 to 2020, with the most significant decline of 4.51% occurring in the optimal habitats; (2) In 1985 and 2020, the spatial distribution of hot and cold spots remained similar, with each accounting for about 20%, and hot spots were mainly concentrated in low altitude areas. (3) 90% of Asian elephants' habitat was protected within the China-Laos transboundary conservation area, with about half being suitable habitats; from 1985 to 2020, the suitable habitat area for Asian elephants within the China-Laos transboundary conservation area increased by 251.26 km². Additionally, a large number of suitable habitats are located in the western area outside the transboundary conservation area, although some transboundary passages were less suitable. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate suitable habitats on the west side of the China-Laos transboundary conservation area into the management plan, transboundary passages should be repaired in areas where suitability has decreased, and potential passages should be further developed in high-suitability areas. The research results can provide a reference for Asian elephant protection and management in the China-Laos transboundary areas.