Thai Elephant Refuge
An ethical elephant sanctuary near Hua Hin where visitors feed, mud-bathe, and connect with rescued elephants.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 09:00–17:00
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
- Phone
- +66 32 458 135
- Website
- www.thaielephantrefuge.org
Full opening hours
Tours that include Thai Elephant Refuge
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Thai Elephant Refuge.
Why go, and how to do it well
Located in Phetchaburi province within easy reach of Hua Hin, Thai Elephant Refuge is a conservation-focused sanctuary dedicated to rescuing elephants from exploitative tourism activities such as trekking. All proceeds from visitor experiences go directly toward the welfare of the animals and the continuation of the refuge's work, making a visit here a meaningful contribution to elephant conservation in Thailand.
Visitors can expect a hands-on, educational experience that goes well beyond observation. Activities include feeding the elephants and applying mud to their skin — a natural form of sun protection — while guides provide context about elephant behavior and the challenges facing rescued animals. The sanctuary operates within a natural environment, and a on-site cafe allows guests to relax and watch wildlife at their own pace. For those wanting a deeper involvement, week-long volunteering placements are available, offering a more immersive look at the day-to-day work of running a refuge.
The sanctuary is open every day of the week from 09:00 to 17:00, making it straightforward to fit into most travel itineraries. Accommodation in eco-lodges is available on site for those wishing to stay overnight, and the refuge offers vegetarian and vegan menu options. Visitors planning to volunteer should note that placements can be arranged through third-party booking agencies, though the sanctuary itself is the operating organization. Lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are strongly advisable given the outdoor nature of all activities.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Thai Elephant Refuge
SponsoredSearch Hua Hin hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Thai Elephant RefugeOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Thai Elephant Refuge
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Thai Elephant Refuge.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Thai Elephant Refuge, round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
They rescue abused animals from the tourism activities like trekking. You can also stay in the eco lodges and spend a beautiful night All the money is for the cause. They have vegetarian menu and vegan. It's a beautiful place and compassionate for the animals to get a second chance in life
I would 1,000,000% recommend this place. Elephants are amazing. You get educated you get to hang out with them. You get to help them by feeding them. You get to help them by putting mud on them. And they just give you such gentle love back.
We stayed a week volunteering at the WTTF sanctuary working with the elephants. We booked through The Might Roar in the UK but this is just a booking agency for the WTTF. The work was hard and hot but rewarding as there were a lot of other volunteers all in the same situation. We made some good friends. If we did it again we would book directly with WTTF.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 37 reviews on Google.
108 Tambon Thamairuak, Amphoe Tha Yang, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76130, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore activities & tours nearby
All within 4.7 km away of Thai Elephant Refuge.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)
A ethical wildlife rescue center near Hua Hin housing elephants, tigers, bears, monkeys, and more.
Hin Lad Waterfall
A natural waterfall tucked into the hills of Phetchaburi, offering a scenic escape from the coast.
Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
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.
Check Operator Safety Records
For adventure activities (zip-lining, bungee jumping, diving), check recent reviews specifically mentioning equipment condition and safety briefings. Thailand's regulation varies — reputable operators will have insurance and certified guides.
Thai Elephant Refuge: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Elephant Refuge worth visiting?
Thai Elephant Refuge holds a 4.8★ rating from 37 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Thai Elephant Refuge?
Thai Elephant Refuge is typically open 09:00-17:00 — 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 Thai Elephant Refuge?
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 Thai Elephant Refuge located?
Thai Elephant Refuge is at 108 Tambon Thamairuak, Amphoe Tha Yang, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76130, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Also popular in Hua Hin
Chomview Seafood
Big shareable seafood plates by the sea at Cha-am, best tackled with four people and a long lunch.
Tham Khao Luang
A limestone cavern where shafts of daylight fall straight onto a golden reclining Buddha.
Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
Pine shade, calm water and mostly Thai families, about as far from the Hua Hin resort strip as you can get.
Market Village Huahin
Air-conditioned, unpretentious and packed with everything from a supermarket to a basement food court.
Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Elephant Sanctuary from Bangkok
Ethical elephant sanctuary day tour from Bangkok with feeding, bathing, and guided conservation experiences.
Pattaya Elephant Village
A show-and-rides attraction with elephants, not a sanctuary, and the animal welfare question is a real one.
Mae Sin Elephant Camp
An elephant camp in Sukhothai's Si Satchanalai District offering hands-on wildlife experiences daily.
