Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut)
An ethical, no-riding sanctuary for rescued former logging and trekking elephants, where visits are limited to observing and feeding the animals in a chain-free setting.
- Category
- Wildlife & Elephant Sanctuaries
- Entrance fee
- Programme booking, as of 2026 roughly 2,500–3,000 THB per adult; advance booking required — confirm current price
- Hours
- By booked session, typically morning and afternoon slots; closed to walk-ins
- Best time
- Book the morning slot for cooler weather and more active elephants
- Time needed
- Half a day (approx. 3 hours plus transfer)
About Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut)
This is the elephant experience to choose if you care about doing it right. It's a genuine ethical sanctuary for rescued former logging and trekking elephants, and visits are limited to observing and feeding the animals in a chain-free setting. No riding, no bathing circus, no performances, just the animals living out their days.
Because it's a booked programme rather than a drop-in, you need to reserve in advance and it fills a good chunk of your day. That structure is part of what keeps it calm and animal-focused rather than a conveyor belt.
Book the morning slot for cooler weather and more active elephants. And the honest bit worth repeating: steer clear of any Samui operator still offering elephant rides or trekking. Those are exactly the places this sanctuary exists to counter.
Highlights
- Ethical, no-riding sanctuary for rescued elephants
- Chain-free setting focused on observing and feeding
- Former logging and trekking elephants living out their days
- Small booked sessions rather than walk-in crowds
Tips
- Book in advance; there are no walk-ins
- Choose the morning slot for cooler, more active elephants
- Avoid any operator offering elephant rides or trekking
- Many programmes include hotel transfer
How to get there
About 15–20 min by scooter/taxi northwest from Chaweng toward Bophut (many programmes include hotel transfer)