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Hutsadin Elephant Foundation

An ethical elephant sanctuary near Hua Hin where visitors walk, feed, and bathe rescued elephants.

4.2(916)
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Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 09:00–16:00

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday09:00–16:00
Tuesday09:00–16:00
Wednesday09:00–16:00
Thursday09:00–16:00
Friday09:00–16:00
Saturday09:00–16:00
Sunday09:00–16:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

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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.

176 ซอย หมู่บ้านพลัมมีเรียหัวหิน Tambon Hin Lek Fai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

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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 November – 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: October (wettest month).

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 (green, along Phetkasem Road to Khao Takiab); Motorbike taxis.

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