Ethical elephants: where to see these giants in Thailand

With awards for its conservation and a hit on TripAdvisor, Elephant Hills is a one-to-three-night wildlife adventure that takes you into the heart of rural Thailand. One of our Far East experts headed into Khao Sok National Park to learn more.

“There’s something about elephants. Ginormous but gentle, full of personality, a strong family connection and eyes that seem to stare deep into your soul. On a recent trip to Thailand, I was lucky enough to delve into the rural side of the country for a three-day jungle adventure in Khao Sok National Park, which I combined with a beach escape in Phuket.

Elephant Hills has won awards for its conservation work and animal welfare. All the elephants here have come from the logging or a darker side of the tourism industry, where they have been worked hard in a captive environment. But at Elephant Hills there is no elephant riding, no performing and no chains. The aim is for them to live out the rest of their days in the huge, free-roaming enclosure where open space and kindness prevail and they can do what they do best – be elephants. The human-elephant interaction is limited to a few hours per day, so you may get to feed them, bathe them or watch them splash around in the mud pools; but after that they are left to their own devices in a stunning national park of deep forest and towering mountain ranges.

To get there, we were picked up from our beach hotel and passed tiny villages and rubber plantations on the way to the jungle camp. During this safari, you stay at two camps – one in the jungle and another floating camp on a lake. The tents are simple, with the luxury of an en-suite bathroom, and the electrics are powered by solar energy at the floating camp, so you feel off-grid. What really stood out for me was walking down the pontoon from my floating tent and seeing kayaks lined up on the dock, so I could venture out onto the lake and explore.

There is a set itinerary that you can opt in and out of. You can canoe along the Sok River with a guide, trek through the jungle in search of gibbons and macaques or explore the inlets of Cheow Lan Lake on a guided canoe safari. Alternatively, you can just relax by the pool at the main camp listening to the sounds of the monkeys in the trees; or, at the lake camp, jump in the water for a swim straight from your tent’s decking.

Elephant Hills works closely with the local community and a school group often comes in to perform at the camp in the evening. If you want to take school supplies such as pens with you, they are very happy to take them and pass them on to the local children. The buffet is cooked fresh on site and the bartenders also know how to make a mean cocktail after a day discovering the jungle. If you love nature and wildlife and want to add something unforgettable to your Thailand holiday, Elephant Hills is an experience you won’t want to miss.”.

The essentials

Who will love an Elephant Hills adventure?

Elephant Hills is a fantastic experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a taste of Thailand’s wild side. It’s ideal for:

•Couples & honeymooners – A jungle stay brings a touch of wild romance to your Thailand escape. Wake up to misty mountain views, paddle across mirror-still lakes and stargaze from your decking, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

•Families – Suitable for children aged 4 and up, the main rainforest camp is great for all ages. The lake camp is better suited to older kids (age 7+ years), as the tents open straight onto the water. There are no family tents, but two adults and two children can share one, while families with teens may prefer two tents for extra space.

•Solo travellers – There’s always a friendly atmosphere at camp and group activities like canoe safaris and jungle treks make it easy to connect with other guests.

Which Elephant Hills tour is best for me?

Choosing the right tour comes down to how many nights you want in the jungle, who you’re travelling with, and whether you want to stay at one or both camps.

•Rainforest Camp – The main camp has a pool-with-a-view, a sociable bar/restaurant and African-style glamping tents.

•Lake Camp – An off-map, solar-powered floating camp on Cheow Lan Lake that you can only reach by boat. No WiFi, limited electricity – just you, the water and the wilderness. See all of the tour options here or talk to us and we’ll recommend the right option for you.

How to get there

Getting to Elephant Hills is easy, with transfers included from many of Thailand’s top beach resorts, as well as Phuket and Surat Thani airports. The closest airport is Surat Thani, around a 2-hour drive away. From Khao Lak or Phuket, the journey takes 2 to 3.5 hours by road, while travelling from Koh Samui takes around 5.5 hours including a ferry crossing. Whether you're coming from the coast or flying in, our travel experts will make sure everything runs smoothly.

The best time to go

Elephant Hills is a year-round destination, with warm days around 25°C. For the driest weather, November to April is your best bet, though the ‘rain’ forest stays true to its name with occasional showers. From May to October, the monsoon season cools the air and turns the scenery even greener, with bursts of rain that come and go. It’s also one of the best times for spotting wildlife, and with fewer visitors around, it feels even more peaceful.

What to pack?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the humid jungle climate, along with long sleeves for extra protection in the evenings. Mosquito repellent is a must, and don’t forget swimwear for lake dips and poolside lounging. For canoeing, bring sturdy sandals that can handle a bit of water.

Good to know

•Jungle trek conditions – The trails from Lake Camp can get muddy and slippery after rain, so non-slip hiking shoes or closed shoes are a good idea.

•Packing for Lake Camp – You’ll leave your suitcase at the main camp and bring only a small bag. This remote camp has limited electricity and no hairdryers, but there are plugs for charging phones.

•Meals – Dinner is a buffet of tasty Thai dishes, while breakfast is western-style.

•Water bottles – Bring a reusable bottle and fill up at the water stations.

•Cash only – Cards aren’t accepted, so bring cash for drinks and souvenirs. Returning with an Elephant Hills T-shirt or cap is a jungle badge of honour.

Beach mode: activated

After the jungle, switch to sea views and soft sands at one of these top beach stays.

· Centara Ao Nang Resort & Spa, Krabi – A laid-back beachfront escape at the quieter end of Ao Nang Beach, with towering jungle-clad cliffs and island-hopping adventures on your doorstep.

· The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – A family-friendly beachfront resort with a dedicated kids’ wing and splash park.

· Marina Phuket Resort – A lush jungle-meets-beach hideaway, steps from Karon’s night markets and golden shore.

The ultimate itinerary

Our Thailand Beaches & Jungle itinerary bookends three days at Elephant Hills with beach time in Khao Lak and Phuket. Wildlife, waterfalls, white sands and street food all in one trip.

Elephants up north: The Bush Camp, Chiang Mai

If your Thailand adventure takes you further north, The Bush Camp Chiang Mai offers a similar ethical elephant experience with breathtaking views and a deep connection to local Karen culture. Like Elephant Hills, there’s no riding or performances – just the chance to observe and interact with elephants in a natural and respectful way. Stay in safari-style tents overlooking the Ping River and experience a different side of Thailand’s wilderness.

This feature was updated on 11th March 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.