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Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Samui Elephant Sanctuary
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
**Winners of Best Animal Welfare from the Tourism Authority of Thailand!** **Recognized by leading animal welfare charity World Animal Protection as a Best Practice Elephant Venue** We are very proud to bring the first elephant sanctuary to Koh Samui in Southern Thailand. Set on forest land, we offer a retirement home for elephants who have worked exhausting hours in the logging and tourism industries. Feed, walk with, and observe our gentle giants as they roam, socialise, bathe and enjoy a peaceful life that they so deserve. Join our morning or afternoon program knowing you are supporting ethical elephant tourism and helping to make a difference.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Nadine M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kids over the moon
    Loved this opportunity to see elephants up close and learn about the plight of elephants in Thailand and everything that the centre is doing to rescue them. 8 and 10 year old absolutely loved. A great mix of activities and free time to just chill out amongst the herd.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 October 2023
  • MKF2013
    Wokingham, United Kingdom11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant Experience with amazing staff and amazing elephants
    We (adult family of 4 with 18/21 year olds) had a brilliant time with great staff who were very informative and knowledgeable. We were really surprised with how much time we had feeding the elephants and how close we were able to get to them. The elephants are clearly very well looked after and it was an amazing experience to spend time with them in their own environment. Highly recommended and thanks for the experience.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 October 2023
  • larasim0n
    Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unforgettable magical experience
    This was one of the highlights of my trip to Koh Samui. To see these amazing elephants up close as they do as they please is incredible. The work that the Samui Elephant Sancturary do to look after and rescue these amazing animals is heartwarming to see and though the cost may be more than some other activities on the island, you come away knowing that your ticket price has helped these elephants. It was so much fun feeding them as they take watermelon and bananas from your hands and you feel the end of their trunk! Ill never forget the experience - it was magical.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 October 2023
  • sfbluebeagle
    San Francisco, California2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing!
    What a great experience! A well-run program from beginning to end. Great communication leading up to our reservation. Shuttle was on time and every staff member friendly and helpful. The experience with the elephants and the staff was truly a unique experience. Seven different elephants each with distinct personalities. You can feed and pet each one. I was truly impressed by how they prioritized the comfort of the elephants while offering a dynamic program for the guests. The price is worth every baht and then some.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 November 2023
  • Anastasija
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lifetime experience and a highlight of our trip
    Our visit to Samui Elephant Sanctuary was a lifetime experience, undoubtedly a highlight of our trip. The opportunity to witness elephants in such a well-cared-for environment was truly exceptional. A quick tip for future visitors: generously cover yourself in repellent to fully enjoy the experience.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 November 2023
  • HappyAussieWanderer
    Gold Coast, Australia191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Humbling
    Humbling amazing experience. Informative guides who introduce you to each of the elephants with their stories. Guides make sure we all feel comfortable before letting us get closer to the elephants. Everything is geared around the elephants and safety. Tour includes preparing food for the elephants and feeding each of them. Elephants have free range and control over their interactions - but they obviously love the food and treats. There were a number of small children and it was a joy to watch them grow in confidence and feed the elephants without fear. Lunch included. Return transfers also included. Well worth it.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 November 2023
  • Brooke S
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    MUST DO Activity in Koh Samui!
    The was the best experience we did on our entire honeymoon! From start to finish the way the organize the experience with the elephants is amazing. Getting to make the food for them and then actually be next to them and not have to stand behind a barrier the whole time was so special. We learned all of the elephants, names, history, and ages which made interacting with them so much more fun. We got lots of one on one time to feed the animals and take pictures and we never felt rushed during our time there. We also loved getting to have a delicious lunch after our time with the elephants! It was a yummy surprise. This was a great way to learn about how much we need to protect these precious animals! It was such a fun day and I cannot recommend attending this experience with your friends and family! Cant wait to go back and visit soon!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 December 2023
  • Peter A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Birthday elephant day out!
    The whole team were absolutely amazing, not only very informative and passionate but did absolutely everything they could to make the experience enjoyable. Got everyone involved and a great day out - with some absolutely delicious food for lunch as well! Not only that but they went about and beyond, it was my brothers birthday and they really made it special by making a special cake to feed to the elephants. Absolutely great team, much thanks to Pik, Chai and Sam- as well as everyone else behind the scenes. 100% would recommend!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 December 2023
  • Ellenor H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unbelievable
    If you are thinking of booking an elephant sanctuary tour you have to pick this one! We searched so many and are so lucky we picked here. All of the elephants are rescued. You get the chance to make food for them, feed them and walk around the sanctuary to meet each elephant. The staff are so amazing and tell you all about the elephants lives before arriving at the sanctuary. This is one of the best things we did in koh samui and we couldn’t recommend this tour enough!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 December 2023
  • Londongirl
    Bushey, United Kingdom143 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible place
    This place is incredible. The work that they do is wonderful and I would highly recommend to anyone who cares about elephants. Unlike other elephant attractions on the island, those here are treated with love and respect and this s clear from the moment you arrive. It’s not a cheap day out but it’s incredibly worthwhile and very enjoyable.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 December 2023
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,337 reviews
Excellent
1,245
Very good
57
Average
17
Poor
5
Terrible
13

Chloe J
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Amazing elephant sanctuary where you can really tell the staff care about the welfare of these beautiful creatures. It was so heartbreaking to hear how they had been treated in a previous life, but are now however living their best lives. Would highly recommend to anyone, totally worth the price, would do it 100 times over if I could!
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maggie M
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We were picked up from the hotel and travelled to the sanctuary by safari jeep, there were six adults in our party and one child. It took about 25 mins to get there from the Buri Rasa hotel, so not too far to go. We were met my Win, our Thai guide, who spoke very good English. First we were shown a short film about the sanctuary and it's aims and whst not to do near an elephant! Then we fed the elephants bananas and were able to stroke their trunks.

All the while Win was telling us about each elephant's sad history, they had been cruelly treated in the logging and tourist industry, some with scars where chains had dug into their ankles and marks where hooks had been inserted to hurt them and make them do things they didn't want to do. Little by little they were becoming less scared and calming down, but it would take time and patience.

Win then took us on a walk through part of the sanctuary, which is very large, where we could see the elephants feeding and swimming. This sanctuary has only been open to the public a few days but I can see it will be well supported by tourists as it is the first ethical sanctuary in Koh Samui and more and more people want to help the elephants and not see them as a "fairground type" tourist attraction.

Well done Win and the lovely people who work there, I will return in a few years time, when, hopefully, the first elephant hospital will have been completed there. It will be for all elephants in Thailand and surrounding countries.

I urge you to visit, your support will help save these beautiful, intelligent creatures.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alan D
Whitley Bay, UK437 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
I really wanted to mark this place down as the pre booked pick up was 1 hour late, due to a vehicle breakdown which was a very poor start. We even considered not going due to this but pushed on anyway and really pleased we did. We went to the newer sanctuary of the two and we were blown away by these amazing creatures, and the love that the handlers and staff have for them. Fantastic experience, a bit pricey but when you find out what it takes to care for these previously neglected beasts, then the entry fee is a small price to pay. Ri, looked after us and could not make enough apologies for the pick up farce, but just wow. Close interaction and hand feeding the elephants was superb and walking amongst them was mind blowing. Please visit and support this amazing effort. Finally being a meat eater, the thought of a vegetarian lunch sent shivers down my spine, but no fear the food was amazing.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. Once again please do accept our apologies for the lateness of our transport due to one of our transport vehicles breaking down. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Megan
Vancouver, Canada25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
This place is truly beautiful in every way. These incredible humans rescue elephants who have been forced to work for 30+ years in the tourism industry where they are beaten, starved and sold for their skin and ivory once they are no longer “useful.”

This sanctuary gives these beautiful animals a place to live out their lives in peace, no chains, no work to do, they are allowed to just BE. The keepers are so dedicated and caring, you can truly feel their love and bond.

Do not pay to ride/feed elephants while you’re visiting Thailand. Don’t even take photos of those elephants as you pass by. Doing this makes those people think that tourists WANT to ride their elephants and you are feeding into the abuse they will endure.

Instead visit this sanctuary and spend the day up close with elephants who are not stressed, scared and are instead loved and cared for. This was a highlight of our trip and I am truly grateful for all of the staff here at Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MSV1902DU
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019
We visited Samui Elephant Sanctuary in March 2019 and are still impressed by this amazing experience. Before our vacation in Thailand we did not really know about all the brutal things that are happening to this lovely big giants in Thailand and many other places on this planet. After this visit our overall mind-set has changed and during this words the tears are coming back to my eyes.
At the beginning of our visit we were listening to the horrible and sad stories about each of the elephants. We were shocked and also felt ashamed that other humans treated them so badly. After that we had the first encounter with the elephants and everybody was shy at the beginning. But after seeing them smiling and walking around without chains, everybody became happy. In the end nobody of the visitors wanted to leave and instead staying with the elephant, feeding them with banana and touching their trunks.
Me and my fiancé have nothing than deepest respect to you all and hope that you keep fighting for a better life for elephants. Thank you for your dedicated work and please give an extra portion of banana to Cartoon and the others.
We will come back one day!

All the best from Germany
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

marisap1977
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is a must-visit when coming to Samui. Very well organised session with added convenience of hotel-pick up. The team who run this are just fantastic - everyone is warm, friendly, professional, full of life, character and are obviously dedicated to the cause. They make safety of the elephants and of the guests equally important and take so much pride in how they look after these beautiful creatures. A wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal and hear the touching, powerful stories of each of the elephants backgrounds. Can't recommend it enough.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jodie L
London, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Where do I begin? The most amazing experience and day from start to finish! Our tour guide was Win who was so insightful passionate and genuine person (all staff were amazing but we spent more time with win). The elephants were so beautiful and in such a safe and loving home. Learning about there history and how there going to spend their retirement was what it’s all about. Highly recommend. Please support these amazing people and creatures!
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

R365UBP
London, UK174 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
I can’t praise this place enough - I booked at 8pm the night before and they were replying to emails instantly. The website is easy to navigate.

We were picked up from our hotel and driven to the location which was a lovely opportunity to see some of the Island.

A member of staff greeted us at the door and took us to meet 2 of the elephants. She gave us their background history then we made food and got to feed them.

Through this wonderful experience staff took our mobile phones and took over 70 photos and videos of us making food and feeding them. At the end when we made a donation (no pressure to) she gave us 2 printed photographs that she had taken of us. We then got a lift back.

I am reviewing the 1 hour feeding session only - there is an option to bath them and trek with them but this was a great experience for me. Thank you x
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

katerinaemalina
United Kingdom103 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Super place. This is what responsible tourism is all about. We visited with two young children who adored the place and want to go back. It is quite pricey but the money goes directly to the sanctuary so we didn't mind. For 3 hours you get a pick up/drop off, video, short talk, 2x snacks and drinks, get to make the elephants food, feed them then walk round the sanctuary and see the elephants bathing. No riding. No bathing. There are no fancy things here. No shop so don't come expecting a 'touristy' place. We loved it and what they are doing. Very friendly staff. Hopefully people will start to realise that elephants shouldn't be ridden. Good luck to the sanctuary in the future!
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roberta R
London, UK38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
I visited this sanctuary with my friend after doing a LOT of research to establish which sanctuaries are actually ethical as opposed to merely claiming to be. From the minute you walk in, it is clear that these animals are very well taken care of with respect and kindness. The tour itself is excellent with a guide who knows so much information about each elephant and the general animal tourism industry in Thailand. Although it may seem like a large group initially, you are broken into much smaller sub-groups so you do get the opportunity to truly interact with the elephants and learn all about them. Lunch was brilliant also!

Also, our tickets clearly stated that you should dress in a manner which does not offend the local culture (I.e. nothing revealing or short) but it was very obvious that not everybody followed this, which I found quite disrespectful. If you go, just bear this in mind as this comment is on the tickets for a reason!

Would definitely go again, a must see in Samui.

PS, special thanks to our tour guide, Boy, who was so knowledgeable and made our whole experience there today.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting Samui Elephant Sanctuary and supporting our rescued elephants. We truly appreciate your kind review and supporting us to raise awareness of the true plight of asian elephants used in traditional tourism. We hope you can visit us again on your next visit to Koh Samui. Thank you, Wittaya Salangam Founder Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Written 3 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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