Samui Elephant Sanctuary

📍 Location of Samui Elephant Sanctuary 🚘 Directions to Samui Elephant Sanctuary

About Samui Elephant Sanctuary

The Samui Elephant Sanctuary in Southern Thailand is a haven for elephants who have spent their lives working in the logging and tourism industries. This sanctuary, the first of its kind in Koh Samui, is set on forest land and provides a retirement home for these gentle giants. Visitors can feed, walk with, and observe the elephants as they roam, socialise, bathe, and enjoy the peaceful life they so deserve. The sanctuary has been recognised by leading animal welfare charity World Animal Protection as a Best Practice Elephant Venue and has won the Best Animal Welfare award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Despite a rocky start due to a vehicle breakdown, visitors have found their experience at the sanctuary to be nothing short of amazing. The sanctuary staff, particularly a guide named Ri, have been praised for their dedication and love for the elephants. Visitors have the opportunity to interact closely with the elephants, hand-feeding them and walking amongst them, an experience described as mind-blowing. The sanctuary may seem a bit pricey, but once visitors learn about the care and effort it takes to look after these previously neglected animals, they find the entry fee to be a small price to pay. Even the vegetarian lunch, which might initially seem unappealing to meat-eaters, has been lauded as amazing.

The sanctuary is home to beautiful elephants who are now in a safe and loving environment. Visitors can learn about the elephants' histories and how they will spend their retirement. The staff, including a guide named Win, are passionate and genuine, providing insightful information about the elephants and the sanctuary. The sanctuary is highly recommended for those who wish to support these amazing creatures and the people who care for them.

The sanctuary is the only true elephant sanctuary in Samui, where visitors can't ride, swim or interfere with the elephants. Visitors are picked up from their hotels and travel to the sanctuary by safari jeep. Upon arrival, they are shown a short film about the sanctuary and its aims. They then have the opportunity to feed the elephants bananas and stroke their trunks while learning about each elephant's sad history. The sanctuary is large, allowing visitors to see the elephants feeding and swimming. The sanctuary is relatively new but is expected to be well supported by tourists who wish to help the elephants rather than see them as a tourist attraction. Plans are in place for an elephant hospital to be built at the sanctuary, which will serve elephants in Thailand and surrounding countries.

The sanctuary is described as beautiful in every way. The staff rescue elephants who have been forced to work for many years in the tourism industry, where they have been beaten, starved, and sold for their skin and ivory. At the sanctuary, these elephants are allowed to live out their lives in peace, with no chains or work to do. The keepers are dedicated and caring, and their love for the elephants is palpable. Visitors are urged not to support the riding or feeding of elephants in other parts of Thailand, as this contributes to the abuse of these animals. Instead, they are encouraged to visit the sanctuary and spend the day with elephants who are loved and cared for.

The sanctuary is a must-visit when coming to Samui. It is well organised, with the added convenience of hotel pick-up. The team running the sanctuary is warm, friendly, professional, and dedicated to the cause. They prioritise the safety of the elephants and guests equally and take pride in how they care for the elephants. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the elephants and hear their powerful stories.

Visitors have praised the sanctuary for its easy booking process and the opportunity to see parts of the island during the drive to the location. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a staff member and introduced to the elephants. They learn about the elephants' backgrounds and have the opportunity to make and feed them food. Staff members take photos and videos of visitors during their experience, and printed photographs are given as a keepsake. There is no pressure to make a donation, but it is appreciated.

Visitors who have been to the sanctuary have been deeply moved by their experience. They have learned about the brutal treatment of elephants in Thailand and other parts of the world, which has changed their mindset. The sight of the elephants smiling and walking around without chains has brought joy to visitors. The sanctuary staff have been commended for their dedicated work and their fight for a better life for elephants. Visitors from all over the world have expressed their intention to return to the sanctuary and continue supporting its cause.