Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut
The Bophut site of Samui Elephant Sanctuary, the island's first ethical elephant sanctuary, where you feed, walk with and watch 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.
Finding your way around Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut
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Two sites, one sanctuary
- Bophut (this page)
- The sanctuary's north-coast site on Taweerat Pakdee Road, Bophut.
- Chaweng Noi
- The second site, on the east coast in Maret, south of Chaweng.
Details
- Phone
- 095 269 8343
Full opening hours
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See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Samui Elephant Sanctuary calls itself the first ethical elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui, and it runs two sites, this one in Bophut on the north coast and a second at Chaweng Noi on the east coast. Both follow the saddle-off model promoted by Asian Elephant Projects. Guests feed the elephants, walk with them and watch them roam, swim and play in the mud, and nobody rides. The Tourism Authority of Thailand gave it its best animal welfare award in 2019 and 2020.
The main visit is a three-hour half day, in the morning or the afternoon, and there's a shorter 1.5-hour encounter for anyone short on time. Groups are small and sessions run to a schedule, which is why the sanctuary asks you to book a slot rather than turn up.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Tours that include Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut.
Tours hereSamui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesDay toursKoh Samui day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesOutdoorsOutdoor and adventure trips in Koh Samui
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
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Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary, 108/52 Taweerat Pakdee Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore activities & tours nearby
All within 1.4 km of Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut.
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CREATIVE AVENTURE EXCURSIONS KOH SAMUI
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.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary ethical?
It follows the saddle-off model promoted by Asian Elephant Projects. Nobody rides, and visitors feed, walk with and watch the elephants. The Tourism Authority of Thailand gave it its best animal welfare award in 2019 and 2020.
How long is a visit to Samui Elephant Sanctuary?
The main program is a three-hour half day, morning or afternoon, and there's a shorter 1.5-hour encounter. Sessions run to a schedule, so book a slot on samuielephantsanctuary.org first.
Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut worth visiting?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut holds a 4.8★ rating from 2,190 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut 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 Sanctuary Bophut?
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 Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut located?
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut is at Samui Elephant Sanctuary, 108/52 Taweerat Pakdee Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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