First of all - it was the best day ever! I don’t understand the bad reviews regarding the existence of the sanctuary. It DOES EXIST and Chaweng Noi the second of two Samui Elephant Sanctuaries on Koh Samui, which opened in 2020. They have 7 female elephants at the moment The crew is specialized in the treatment of mistreated elephants from around Thailand, which they bought from riding camps for tourists or used for logging from around the country, where they are tortured. At Samui Sanctuary they are retiring, they have a big and beautiful area in the jungle with a lot of palm trees where they can walk, eat and swim in the pool. They don’t offer riding or swimming because it causes a lot of stress to these empathetic and sensitive animals. You can feed them and touch them. They are really nice and calm. The sanctuary offers a pick up from every location on the island and they also drive you back. They also offer a lunch/dinner as well as water and snacks during the stay. The crew was really nice and you can tell that they care so much about the elephants. Since the Gouvernement doesn’t support projects like this they need to finance themselves through those 3000 baht per person that you have to pay. But every baht is worth the experience. I really recommend the sanctuary so please support this awesome project!

Ignore the low ratings. These are from people who have not done their homework. You need to book in advance. You will be picked up from your hotel/resort etc. When you arrive, you will watch a safety video on elephant etiquette. Then make some elephant food. After, feed some of the elephants. Once that is done, you walk through the park to watch a elephant play/exercise in the pool and also feed some more elephants. Then back to the restaurant for a choice of vegan meals. Do not expect to bathe/wash the elephants here as they do not do it. They wish to keep the elephant's life as natural as possible. There is a photo of a ripped ear done by the previous owners. The yellow markings on the elephants are scars, many from the owner's hook or knife, used if the elephant slows down or other reasons.😟 Although this is the second site, it seems to have had more money spent on it compared to Bophut. They are still building their shelter by the pool, where as Chaweng Noi has plenty of shelters all around. But either site is worth a visit.

DO NOT GO TO THIS LOCATION - this place does not exist as listed here. We took a very treacherous road in a motorbike to the very top of the mountain to find nothing

Currently this place doesn’t exist (by the way that Google maps suggest….) Go to upper farm or try to find another way…

We had an amazing morning at the Chaweng sanctuary, which rehabilitate elephants traumatised after years in the logging/tourism industry. We learnt about Thailand's elephants, helped make their food and fed them and got to walk among them. It was a wonderful experience and would recommend for anyone wanting an 'elephant' experience in Thailand (NO riding).

The Samui Elephant Sanctuary at Bophut was recently re-opened to visitors after the Covid-19. This centre takes care of seven elephants, and is an affiliate of the bigger sanctuary in Chiangmai. It’s a humble experience to know how these mighty creatures were abused by their previous owners but now are being taken care of in their middle/old age. The ticket price ensures that the staff can provide for caring and nurturing these elephants. Visitors are picked up from their hotels, at the center, they first provide a audio visual about the centre and information on elephants, followed by preparing the food and feeding 2 elephants. Later they walk along the sanctuary visiting rest of the elephants. Finally, get to see a couple of them taking bath in the big pond. Visitors can touch and pose for pictures with these awesome animals. Lastly, enjoy the vegetarian food and drop off to the hotel. It’s worth a visit with kids and contribute in the organizations effort for helping rescue more such elephants.

Outstanding Experience - we spent an amazing morning at Samui Elephant Sanctuary and highly recommend you visit. We learned a lot and had some informative experiences: made elephant food, fed some elephants, watched them bathe, touched and took pics with the more trusting elephants and ate a tasty lunch. The staff were truly amazing and the price, 3000B each, supports a great cause!

This is the Chaweng location of „Samui Elephant Sanctuary“. Overall, fantastic experience!! Smooth organization and pick-up directly from the hotel and transfer to this beautiful area (do not go directly without reservation!). We were welcomed by super friendly and knowledgeable guides. First step is a safety video, then preparation of healthy elephant breakfast (incl „elephant sushi“ :-)). Then, feeding the elephants from the platform, followed by an ~1hr walk cross the area with more elephant encounters and feeding. Plenty of time for explanations by the guides with interesting and partly sad stories about the elephants. This is a really sustainable, responsible and educational way of getting closer to the majestic elephants. Was glad that I visited this spot and could support the work!!

Amazing experience. You get to meet every elephant and their rough story before they got rescued by these people,and much more about elephants in general thanks to tour guy who was very funny and positive . Elephants are in beautiful and very big natural area. You can see they are truly happy there living their new ,better life. The amount of care and hard work this sancuary is providing to theese creatures is truly inspiring. Fingers crossed for them to save many more elephants which are currently abused by their owners all over Thailand. 🩶 🐘

Au top, les éléphants ont l'air heureux et c'est l'essentiel ! Le prix qui paraît élevé comprend un aller retour de votre hôtel partout où que vous soyez sur l'île. A voir absolument !

Très beau moment passé avec ces éléphants. C'est beau de les voir sereins et de les voir vivre paisiblement. Le guide raconte le passé de chacun. Il nous apprend également bcp sur cet animal. Je precise que je suis allée en scouter a celui de chaweng et il existe bien (par rapport aux précédents coms)... il faut suivre la direction de "heart shape et elephant care". Le santuaire est juste à 2mn avant ce site. Belle expérience, je recommande!

This sanctuary is amazing! The elephants have an entire jungle to live in, very well treated very nicely. The guide there is passionate and tells you each stories about each elephants. You can tell he cares about them and wants to carry on doing so. You get to make food and feed the elephants who are very very friendly and gentle. Amazing experience! Go there and support them 🐘

Amazing place with amazing people who really love elephants. The guided tour in the jungle was really informative and you get to see the elephants up close in their natural habitat. It’s a must visit. Sidenote: Don’t let a tropical rain let you down, it’s magical in the jungle when it rains

Amazing experience! A nice feeling that the money you pay goes to preserving these beautiful animals. We got to prepare their food and feed the elephants, to walk between them (with the help of their mahouts) and to see them in their own beautiful habitat. We strongly recommend this sanctuary - an example of ecotourism for others to follow!

Très très belle expérience, touchante, boulersante même.

Der einzige Park auf Samui wo die Tiere frei rumlaufen können, werden nicht angekettet oder geritten. Die Betreuer sind einfach dabei. War ein schönes Erlebnis, die Elefanten zu beobachten im Freien.

Fantastic place, they treat the elephants very well. It was a wonderful day! highly recommend

Amazing experience, picked up from hotel and dropped back. Able to make food for elephants + feed to them. Our guide Chai was brilliant. After feeding, able to wonder through elephant sanctuary and able to hear about all the elephants back stories. Post the tour, we’re treated to amazing vegetarian food included in price. Complementary snacks and drinking water available throughout 3 hour tour. Highly recommend!!