Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket

No touching, no chains, no riding. You watch rescued elephants get on with their day, and that's the point.

4.9(1,753)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Mon–Sat 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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
SundayClosed

Is this your business?Feature it

Why go, and how to do it well

If your only rule is that the elephants come first, this Chalong reserve fits. The animals were rescued from logging and entertainment work, and here they move through forest habitat without chains. You watch from a respectful distance rather than bathing or riding, though there's feeding, which brings you closer without turning the elephants into props. Guides walk you between different spots in the forest as the herd shifts around, telling you each animal's history and quirks. Reviewers keep coming back to those stories, and to how much the staff clearly care.

Mornings are the better slot. It's cooler, the elephants are busier, and groups tend to finish with lunch looking over the bathing pools, which several people rate highly on its own. Expect uneven forest ground underfoot, so closed shoes rather than flip-flops, and bring repellent and something for rain. This isn't a photo-op stop you squeeze in between beaches. It's a half-day, and it's better for that.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket

Sponsored

Search Phuket hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Our number one priority was finding a sanctuary that was truly ethical. At the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve, we found exactly what we were looking for. We had such a wonderful experience! From start to finish, everything centred around the elephants’ wellbeing, dignity, and stories. The guides were exceptional. Knowledgeable, respectful, and clearly passionate about their work. Each elephant is treated with genuine love and respect, and it was beautiful to learn the stories and personalities of each one of them. The organisation is outstanding, with safety and welfare for both elephants and guests clearly prioritised at all times. We loved every single minute and would wholeheartedly recommend this sanctuary to anyone wanting to experience elephants in a way that is responsible, respectful, and unforgettable.

It was a wonderful experience to be near the elephants and watch them in a natural habitat. We moved locations so that we could observe them in different places, they eat a lot of food! It was very moving to hear the stories of their lives and to know that now they're in a safe place and can enjoy the remainder of their lives in peace. We went in the morning and finished with a very tasty lunch overlooking the bathing pools. It was a fabulous experience I totally recommend this sanctuary.

We had the most amazing experience here, meeting all of the elephants and learning about their individual backgrounds and personalities. Everyone who worked at the reserve were respectful and cared a lot about the welfare of the animals. We were to feed the elephants from a safe distance, and watched them enjoy their new home after being rescued from terrible situations. When we return to Thailand we will definitely be back!!

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,753 reviews on Google.

38, 1 Soi Nakok, Tambon Chalong, Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More activities & tours nearby

All within 1.8 km of Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket.

Freedom Elephant Reserve Phuket

Freedom Elephant Reserve Phuket

1.5 km away5.0(1,821)
888, Subdistrict อำเภ, 8, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand
Five elephants in a Chalong valley with no riding and no bathing, where 90-minute nature walks follow the herd through forest and grassland.
Phuket Inside Tour Co Ltd.

Phuket Inside Tour Co Ltd.

1.6 km away4.8(112)
35 253 หมู่.3 เจ้าฟ้าตะวันออก Tambon Wichit, เมือง Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
A highly-rated private tour company offering customized half-day and full-day excursions across Phuket's beaches, temples, and viewpoints.
Tiger Muay Thai

Tiger Muay Thai

1.7 km away3.9(523)
7 35 Soi Ta-iad, Tambon Chalong, เมือง
Thailand's biggest training camp, anchor of Phuket's Soi Ta-iad fitness street — Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ and fitness classes for every level, walk-ins welcome.
Phuket Mountain Elephant Care

Phuket Mountain Elephant Care

1.8 km away4.9(983)
55 69 Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Chalong offering hands-on care experiences with rescued elephants in a natural forest setting.

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.

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket worth visiting?

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket holds a 4.9★ rating from 1,753 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Phuket.

What are the opening hours of Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket?

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket 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 Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket?

The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough seas).

Where is Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket located?

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket is at 38, 1 Soi Nakok, Tambon Chalong, Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).

Also popular in Phuket

Patong Social Phuket Restaurant & Hotel - Best Indian & Thai Food

Patong Social Phuket Restaurant & Hotel - Best Indian & Thai Food

4.8(4,474)
Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Two kitchens, Indian and Thai, both taken seriously, and the door stays open until 2am.
Fantastic Phuket

Fantastic Phuket

4.9(631)
2 104, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand
An immersive cultural attraction in Kathu blending Thai history, antiques, and augmented reality technology.
Karon Beach

Karon Beach

4.6(9,257)
Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand
A wide 3 km beach between Patong and Kata, quiet even in high season, with most hotels across the beach road and sand that squeaks underfoot.
Naka Weekend Market

Naka Weekend Market

4.4(11,965)
Thanon Wirat Hong Yok, Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Weekends only, 4pm to 10pm, and the food court at the back is the reason to come.

Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

4.6(2,560)$$$$
119/10 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
No riding and no tricks, just a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Following Giants Krabi / Ao Nang Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Following Giants Krabi / Ao Nang Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

5.0(2,470)
305, Khao Kram, Amphoe Mueang, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand
A no-touch sanctuary on 85 flat acres near Ao Nang, where 14 rescued elephants roam as a herd and visitors only watch.
Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (KES)

Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (KES)

4.8(2,007)
77 ซอย น้ำตกสายรุ้ง Tambon Khuekkhak, Amphoe Takua Pa
No riding, no bathing, no tricks. You walk with the herd and let them set the pace.
Elephantstay

Elephantstay

4.4(674)
74, 1, Tambon Suan Plik, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
An ethical elephant sanctuary near Ayutthaya offering hands-on wildlife experiences focused on conservation.