About this experience
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Koh Samui promotes a sustainable and ethical way of caring for elephants. Decked out in a traditional Karen attire, you will encounter these rescued gentle giants and have the opportunity to hand-feed them. Following joyful interactions and memorable photos, continue with a relaxing mud spa session and bathe the elephants in the specially constructed outdoor elephant shower room. Your visit also includes a serving of traditional Thai cuisine.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Hotel pickup
8:00–8:45 AM (morning) / 12:00–12:45 PM (afternoon)A vehicle collects you from your Koh Samui City hotel and transfers you to the sanctuary.
Arrival and welcome
9:00 AM / 1:00 PMSettle in with a snack, tea or coffee, then receive a briefing from your instructor on how to interact safely and respectfully with the elephants.
Elephant interactions
9:30 AM / 1:30 PMDressed in traditional attire, spend time playing, hand-feeding and photographing the elephants in their natural jungle surroundings.
Mud spa and elephant bathing
10:00 AM / 2:00 PMJoin the elephants for a mud spa session, then move to the outdoor shower room to wash them down together.
Traditional Thai meal
11:30 AM / 4:00 PMSit down to a freshly prepared spread of Thai food at the sanctuary before heading back.
Drop-off at your hotel
12:00–12:30 PM / 4:30–5:00 PMA vehicle returns you to your Koh Samui City hotel, marking the end of the programme.
Meeting point
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Pickup is arranged from your Koh Samui City hotel. Confirm your hotel name and room at the time of booking. If you prefer to make your own way, the sanctuary is located in Mae Nam on the north of the island.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting muddy
- A change of clothes or swimwear for the bathing session
- Closed-toe shoes or sandals that can get wet
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Your booking confirmation (mobile is fine)
Know before you go
Good to know
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About your host
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary operates ethical elephant care programmes across Thailand, rescuing working elephants and providing them a natural, humane environment while educating visitors on responsible wildlife tourism.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket or is a mobile voucher accepted?
A mobile voucher is fine. Simply show your booking confirmation on your phone at the sanctuary or to your pickup driver.
Where exactly is the pickup point?
Pickup is from hotels within Koh Samui City. Provide your hotel name when booking and the driver will collect you from the lobby.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Cancellation terms depend on your booking. Check the cancellation policy shown at checkout before confirming your reservation.
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes. Children under 4 are welcome at no charge and can interact with the elephants under parental supervision. Older children are welcome on the standard programme.
Will I get to keep the photos taken by the in-house photographer?
Yes. The sanctuary's photographer covers your entire visit and you receive a download link to the full set of images at no additional cost.
What is the difference between the morning visit, afternoon visit and Feed Me programme?
The morning and afternoon visits follow the same full programme — mud spa, bathing and Thai meal — at different times of day. The Feed Me programme is a more focused option centred on feeding the elephants; check the options at checkout for the specific inclusions.