Hutsadin Elephant Foundation
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation is a small, non-profit elephant sanctuary located just outside Hua Hin, dedicated to the rescue and care of elephants in a setting where animal welfare comes first. Home to a handful of resident elephants, the foundation offers visitors a genuinely ethical alternative to exploitative elephant tourism — there is no riding, and the focus is firmly on respectful, meaningful interaction with these animals.
Visitors can expect an intimate, unhurried experience guided by knowledgeable and attentive staff. The most popular activity is the walking and feeding package, which allows guests to accompany the elephants through their natural surroundings and hand-feed them directly. Bathing sessions are also available. The sanctuary is small by design, which keeps group sizes manageable and the atmosphere calm — a far cry from the overcrowded commercial elephant camps found elsewhere in Thailand. Reviewers frequently describe the experience as moving and memorable, with staff praised for their genuine care toward the animals.
The foundation is open every day from 09:00 to 16:00, making it easy to incorporate into a day trip from Hua Hin. The walking and feeding experience is priced at around 800 THB per person. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website at hutsadin.org before arrival for the latest activity options, availability, and any booking requirements, as capacity is limited given the sanctuary's small scale. Comfortable, clothes that can get wet are advisable if joining a bathing session.
Book tours & tickets in Hua Hin
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Hutsadin Elephant Foundation — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Hutsadin Elephant Foundation, round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A great and ethical elephant sanctuary. They have 4 elephants and the activities you can do with them are awesome. No riding thankfully. But to walk, feed and bathe the elephants is a fantastic experience. It is slightly on the touristy side as they will offer you multiple opportunities to buy trinkets or donate, so bring extra cash and don't be stingy. The operation is efficient, easy to understand and fun. If you choose the walking activity (which I highly recommend) you'll have multiple opportunities to get photos. If you decide to view the temple on site, be sure to dress appropriately as it IS a working temple.
An absolutely unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the well-being of the elephants is the top priority here. The staff are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met—their passion for these gentle giants is contagious and they took the time to explain each elephant's history with so much heart. Being able to observe these creatures in such a peaceful, ethical environment was a highlight of my trip. If you’re looking for a truly meaningful experience, this is it!
Amazing experience… I finding it hard to understand the reviews that say its cruel.. this is as ethical as possible animals are treated very well big clean area for them staff genuinely care for them… all non profit we really enjoyed the whole experience
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 916 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Hua Hin
Hua Hin Night Market
Grilled seafood, roti and souvenir stalls on a closed street, best hit after 7pm when everything's up.
Cicada Market
A weekend-only night market where the crafts are actually made by the people selling them.
Wat Huay Mongkol
A 12-metre monk in park-like grounds, best seen in the morning before the sun turns it into a silhouette.
Rajabhakti Park
Seven giant bronze kings on a vast concrete parade ground, free to enter, with almost no shade.
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hutsadin Elephant Foundation worth visiting?
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation holds a 4.2★ rating from 916 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Hutsadin Elephant Foundation?
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation is typically open 09:00-16:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Hutsadin Elephant Foundation?
The best months to visit Hua Hin are March – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: September – November (rainy season).
Where is Hutsadin Elephant Foundation located?
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation is at 176 ซอย หมู่บ้านพลัมมีเรียหัวหิน Tambon Hin Lek Fai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Location Info
176 ซอย หมู่บ้านพลัมมีเรียหัวหิน Tambon Hin Lek Fai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand+66 32 827 098www.hutsadin.org/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available
Where to stay near Hutsadin Elephant Foundation
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Mommy Cook Kitchen
A charming restaurant and bar near Black Mountain with atmospheric decor and Thai cooking experiences.
HuaHin Adventure Tour
A tour agency offering nature and cultural excursions around Hua Hin, including national park and hill tribe tours.
Sitjaopho Muay Thai
The famous twins' gym in Hua Hin — a humble camp with a worldwide cult reputation for producing beautiful, technical Muay Thai.
huahin view
A quiet, walled residential development near Black Mountain Golf Course, offering fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Hutsadin Elephant Foundation
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available