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I Love Elephant Samui

A genuine elephant rescue sanctuary on Koh Samui offering ethical, hands-on experiences with four rescued elephants.

4.8(640)
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Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 10:00–16:00

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
Monday10:00–16:00
Tuesday10:00–16:00
Wednesday10:00–16:00
Thursday10:00–16:00
Friday10:00–16:00
Saturday10:00–16:00
Sunday10:00–16:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Tucked away on Koh Samui near a local temple, this non-profit sanctuary is home to four rescued elephants, including animals saved from the commercial tourism industry. The focus here is firmly on welfare over spectacle — there is no elephant riding, and the environment prioritizes the animals' wellbeing above all else. A resident vet is part of the operation, reinforcing the sanctuary's genuine commitment to care rather than performance.

Visitors can expect an intimate, working sanctuary atmosphere with small groups and hands-on feeding programs for both the adult elephants and younger ones. Staff are knowledgeable and passionate, offering real insight into each elephant's background, personality, and needs. The setting is open and natural, with muddy terrain and water play forming part of the authentic experience. It is a noticeably different environment from larger commercial elephant camps on the island.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of I Love Elephant Samui, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After I Love Elephant Samui, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Very good experience. We tried to reach Elephant Kingdom, but they didn’t respond, and we found « I Love Elephant » by chance while visiting the temple next to it. It’s a real sanctuary with a vet taking care of all the elephants. We could feed them and give showers to baby elephants or older elephants. Very good experience, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. It can also work without a reservation. I hope the elephants are happy, but it looks like they are. As a side note, don’t go somewhere you can mount them. It’s not good for them. Do the right thing.

Don’t miss out on this Sanctuary!! AMAZING 4 Rescued Elephants in a big open area. Feeding Program was so much fun. You learn, you contribute and you have FUN along the way. Thanks a lot for the Volunteers working there, they are doing extraordinary job. Make sure to write them a message before visiting.

A fantastic experience if you want to see elephants whilst in Thailand. We googled a lot around ethics - and this place seems to fit the bill in terms of no riding, but you get to feed them and see them close up, as well as wash them down (if you opt for it).

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 640 reviews on Google.

57 moo.5 ,T, ตำบล หน้าเมือง Koh Samui, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Book Popular Activities Online

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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.

I Love Elephant Samui: Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Love Elephant Samui worth visiting?

I Love Elephant Samui holds a 4.8★ rating from 640 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.

What are the opening hours of I Love Elephant Samui?

I Love Elephant Samui is typically open 10:00–16:00 — 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 I Love Elephant Samui?

The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – September, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).

Where is I Love Elephant Samui located?

I Love Elephant Samui is at 57 moo.5 ,T, ตำบล หน้าเมือง Koh Samui, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.

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