5 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit in Koh Samui

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with elephants while knowing they’re well taken care of, you’re in for a delightful surprise! Samui is home to some fantastic ethical sanctuaries where you can interact with these majestic creatures in a responsible way. So, get excited as we walk you through our top five picks of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Koh Samui.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

First on our list is Samui Elephant Sanctuary – the first ever ethical & award-winning elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui. Their elephant care is inspired by the incredible work of Lek Chailert, a renowned elephant conservationist and the founder of the Save Elephant Foundation and the famed Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

During your tour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the nature and significance of these gentle giants. You’ll have the unique chance to feed the elephants, walk alongside them, and observe their natural behaviours as they forage, socialize, and enjoy splashing around in their specially-designed pool.

The elephants here each have a story, having endured hard lives working long hours in tourism or logging. But now, at Samui Elephant Sanctuary, they embrace more dignified and peaceful existences. The goal of this sanctuary is simple yet profound: to provide a joyful home in nature where the herd can freely express their natural instincts and receive the care and respect they truly deserve. Your visit will not only be a delightful experience but also a chance to contribute to their ongoing care and well-being.

Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary

At Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary, you’ll witness the beautiful bond between elephants and their caretakers. This location offers a hands-on experience where you can learn about these incredible animals while championing ethical practices. Their commitment to the welfare of elephants is guided by the internationally recognized 5 Freedoms for Animals. These principles form the cornerstone of their approach to elephant care, ensuring that their elephants live the best life possible.

You’ll get to feed them, observe their personalities, and even help with their care—all while knowing you’re supporting a sanctuary dedicated to their well-being. It’s a place where both you and the elephants can form connections, making your visit memorable and impactful.

Oh, and a big bonus, one of their current projects is the construction of an elephant clinic. Their aim is to make high-quality medical care available to all elephants in the area.

Samui Elephant Haven

Just a short drive from popular beaches like Chaweng and Bophut, Samui Elephant Haven is a must-visit for elephant enthusiasts. Here, you can observe the elephants in their natural environment. This sanctuary prides itself on providing a place where elephants can live peacefully. They practice a strict hands-off experience and don’t offer any form of riding or bathing with the elephants to ensure they are in the most natural setting as possible. However, you can learn about their stories from dedicated mahouts (caretakers), and you’ll find many of them have been rescued from the abusive logging trekking and entertainment industries.

You can choose from either a half-day tour, a full-day tour, or a feeding program where you can spend the day making rice balls for the elephants to eat. Enjoy watching them splash around and play, and make sure to take lots of photos of these gorgeous giants living their best lives. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for these incredible creatures and memories that will last a lifetime.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui

This award-winning ethical and sustainable eco-tourism sanctuary is dedicated to providing a loving and safe home for elephants that have been rescued from less ethical situations. At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui, you can engage in feeding, bathing, and observing these gentle giants up close. The care given to the elephants is evident, as they are allowed to engage in natural behaviours and live in a safe environment. You’ll learn about their histories and get insights into the challenges they face and the efforts made for their protection and care.

Another thing that stands out about them is that their dedicated Mahouts have undergone professional training in basic veterinary care. This specialized training equips them to carry out daily elephant Physical Examination (P.E.) routines with expertise, treat minor injuries independently, and promptly recognize and accurately report any symptoms of common ailments. You know that the elephants here are truly taken care of.

They are also committed to sustainability, and they have recycling and habitat preservation initiatives in place. Their team also makes an effort to educate visitors about the importance of reusing and recycling materials.

Samui Elephant Home

If you’re looking for a place that prioritizes the well-being of elephants above all else, Samui Elephant Home is the spot for you. This sanctuary fosters a nurturing environment focused on ethical interactions, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face, knowing that you’ve contributed to the conservation of these incredible creatures. Here, you can participate in various activities such as making medicine balls, feeding, and taking photos with the elephants while ensuring that their comfort and happiness remain the top priority.

They even offer a program that teaches you how to heal yourself naturally using different Thai herbs. You walk around the jungle and truly reconnect with nature as you learn about the local flora and fauna. They also offer cooking classes where you learn how to make authentic Thai dishes, and you get to enjoy it right away for lunch.

Be Kind to Animals

Each of these sanctuaries offers a unique and unforgettable experience with elephants. Whether you’re feeding them, bathing them, or simply watching their playful antics, you’re sure to create lasting memories.

Remember, when interacting with elephants, always prioritize their well-being and support ethical sanctuaries that promote conservation and respect for these incredible animals. Your choices can make a real difference in the lives of these gentle giants. So, what are you waiting for? Go see some elephants now!