Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary
Set in the quieter Namuang area of Koh Samui, this nature sanctuary offers a responsible alternative to conventional elephant tourism, with a strong focus on animal welfare and conservation. Elephants roam freely in a spacious, naturalistic environment, and the experience consistently draws praise for feeling genuine rather than performative. Staff demonstrate a personal knowledge of each animal's history and background, contributing to an atmosphere that is calm, unhurried, and clearly centred on the animals' wellbeing. The full guided tour is the recommended way to experience the sanctuary. Visitors prepare protein balls and food baskets to feed the elephants directly, then head up a treetop skywalk for up-close feeding with bananas and sugarcane. Lunch is included with the full tour, and English-speaking guides make the program accessible for international visitors. The grounds are consistently described as clean and well maintained. A few practical points to keep in mind before visiting: the sanctuary is located outside Koh Samui's main tourist areas, so arranging private transport or a taxi in advance is advisable. Activities involve water and mud, so wear clothes that can get dirty and bring a spare outfit. The food basket used during the skywalk portion carries a separate charge of around 1,000 THB, so factor this into the overall budget. As current pricing is not listed online, contacting the sanctuary directly before arrival is the most reliable way to confirm availability and book a place on the full tour.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Enjoyed the ability to interact and feed these magnificent creatures. The venue was clean and well maintained with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Presenters had good command of the English language. We were also able to enjoy a buffet lunch which included multiple tasty Thai dishes. I highly recommend visiting while in Ko Samui.
You just have to go and do the full tour with a walking guide and includes lunch. Both, amazing. Get to make their protein balls and then feed them. Then gatther your basket of goodies and head up on the skywalk. Here you can feed the elephants banana's, sugar cane and pandanus leaves. And the highlight, you get to go into their area to pat and take photos of the elephants. They are so knowing, so gentle and just amazing. Then over to have a hot lunch - Penang curry, Pad Thai, rice, spring rolls and fruit. Do yourself a favour and visit. It will not disappoint and you are helping the sanctuary to house the rescued elephants and help others still stuck being exploited. As an added bonus, you can head up the road to the waterfall.
We visited Samui Elephant Kingdom and overall it was a nice place to feed the elephants. However, in my opinion, the price they charge for the basket is quite high for what you get. It’s 1,000 THB per person to feed the elephants, and you don’t even get to be at the same level as them – you feed them from above. It’s a fun experience, but it felt overpriced to us. We also felt a bit rushed. As soon as they handed us the basket, they immediately pushed us to start walking along the route, while we wanted to take things a bit slower and enjoy the moment without being hurried. They do offer drinking water and some snacks, which is nice, and the facilities are clean, including the toilets. The elephant feeding itself doesn’t last more than about 30 minutes, so keep that in mind. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience, but you may consider other places where you can feed the elephants more closely, for a longer time, and with more food included. There is also an option to prepare the food and feed the elephants as part of a longer program, but it costs almost three times more than the standard feeding experience, so just be aware of that before booking.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,341 reviews on Google.
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Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary worth visiting?
Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary holds a 4.7★ rating from 1,341 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary?
Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary 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 Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary?
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 Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary located?
Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary is at 25/11 Moo 2, Namuang, ตำบล หน้าเมือง อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
25/11 Moo 2, Namuang, ตำบล หน้าเมือง อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand094 389 7579www.elephantkingdomsanctuary.com/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
Where to stay near Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary
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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
Na Muang Waterfall 1
An accessible jungle waterfall in Koh Samui's interior, with natural swimming pools and a short forest walk.
Na Muang 2 Waterfall
A rewarding uphill hike through Koh Samui's forested interior leads to a dramatic cascade with natural swimming pools.
Na Mueang viewpoint
A rewarding jungle hike on Koh Samui leading to a scenic viewpoint and natural swimming hole.
Sun Star Viewpoint
A free, well-maintained scenic viewpoint in Na Mueang with sweeping island and ocean views, a small shop, and free parking.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Kathu where rescued elephants roam freely and visitors connect with them through feeding and bathing.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
No riding, no tricks: a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Pattaya's jungle offering hands-on feeding, mud baths, and close wildlife encounters.
Safari World
A sprawling open-zoo and entertainment park combining safari drives, animal shows, and marine attractions.
Where to stay near Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary
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