I Love Elephant Samui
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 prioritises 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.
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Experience hints
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.
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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 – August, 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.
Location Info
57 moo.5 ,T, ตำบล หน้าเมือง Koh Samui, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand+66 99 654 6397www.facebook.com/iloveelephantsamuiVisitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near I Love Elephant Samui
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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
Elephant Village Samui
An ethical elephant sanctuary in central Koh Samui offering hands-on feeding and bathing experiences with retired elephants.
Elephant World Samui
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui's inland highlands, open daily for close encounters.
Samui Elephant Home
No riding, no shows, just feeding and mud with elephants who get to behave like elephants.
Wang Sao Thong Waterfall
A secluded jungle waterfall near Na Mueang, offering natural pools and a short, easy hike inland from Koh Samui's beaches.
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 I Love Elephant Samui
Find hotels in Koh Samui 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
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas