Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Situated in Maret on Koh Samui, this sanctuary stands apart from conventional elephant tourism by placing animal welfare at the centre of every visit. The elephants here are rescued from working conditions and live in a naturalistic environment where they are never ridden, bathed on command, or subjected to forced interaction. Visitors observe and engage with these animals entirely on the elephants' own terms, making for a genuinely different kind of encounter.
The experience is calm and educational rather than performance-driven. Knowledgeable guides walk guests through the elephants' individual histories, explain their behaviours, and share the sanctuary's broader conservation mission. Feeding the elephants is a highlight, and the small group format keeps the atmosphere unhurried and personal. All fees go directly toward the ongoing care of the animals, so a visit also functions as a tangible contribution to their rehabilitation.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Samui Elephant Sanctuary, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
It was truly a wonderful experience. It gave our children a chance to understand that although the elephants in the sanctuary are now being cared for and enjoying a peaceful life, many of them spent 40–50 years working hard for humans — carrying logs or giving rides. Personally, I don’t think that should ever have happened. The staff at the sanctuary genuinely care about the elephants. We even prepared food for them by hand — it was a little messy (and slightly gross!), but still a very meaningful experience. Even though the meal provided was vegetarian, the food was absolutely delicious.
Wow what an amazing experience. I would recommend to anyone that wants to see and feed the elephants to come here. The service provided from the company is fantastic and the staff are so friendly. I feel that they look after these elephants so well and the support from people that visit help them so much in providing the care the elephants need 24/7. You are able to take pictures and feed the elephants that are happy to do so and the ones you cannot touch you can just observe from a platform. You also get drinks and snacks when you arrive and then a hot vegetarian lunch was was really tasty. Well done all for your great work in helping these elephants 🥰🐘
Amazing experience feeding and learning about rescued elephants. All costs contribute to helping the sanctuary care for these elephants. I would highly recommend visiting to support their efforts. Our guide was informative and funny. We chose the 1.5hr visit but could’ve stayed longer. The pick up/drop off to your hotel is very helpful.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 496 reviews on Google.
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Samui Elephant Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary worth visiting?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary holds a 4.7★ rating from 496 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Samui Elephant Sanctuary?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 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 Sanctuary located?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary is at Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand+66 95 269 8343www.samuielephantsanctuary.org/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 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
Mr. Ung's Safari
Jeep-based jungle safari tour operator in Bo Put, Koh Samui, covering temples, jungle roads, and rescue elephants.
Heart Shape & Elephant Care Samui
Hands-on elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui offering feeding and bathing experiences in a care-focused setting.
Samui Good Herb Thai cooking class
Hands-on Thai cooking class on Koh Samui featuring a local market visit and hotel pick-up with instructor Jul.
Elephant Rock
A roadside rock formation on Koh Samui's south coast, notable for its elephant-like shape and bay views.
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 Samui Elephant 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