Wonderful and humbling - We researched very carefully which “sanctuary” to visit. Hidden Forest came out on top. Firstly, we had realistic expectations. For us, it was about the rescue of these enchanting animals. I have no doubt that the founders of the Hidden Forest would love to “rescue” them all if they could after a discussion with one of the owners that accompanied us on our tour. It was fascinating to learn how they choose their elephants based on character and how well they will fit with the current resident elephants. Heartbreaking decisions made and the reality of business and procuring them. I truly, genuinely appreciate the wonderful home that they have created for these majestic animals. Thank-you🙏🏻 We found the whole experiencing educational and humbling. The difference between African and Asian elephants…and yes ofc you can look this up on wiki…but there is nothing like learning through visualisation and committing to memory. Plenty of vantage points for all to see. Lots of opportunity to get involved with discussions with the four official guides that rotated and circulated. Food prepared was wonderful…and I’m gluten free!! A wonderful morning spent observing. Wassanq was my favourite for her gentleness and comforting nature. And boy…is Princess ever a Diva. The girl was literally modelling at one point. Thank-you all ever so much. Great work and you’re making a difference in the world. 🙏🏻

A wonderful location with wonderful creatures. Totally ethical Elephant Sanctuary. - A wonderful location with wonderful creatures who protected, ethical tourism as it should be. The elephants are all rescued and now live in the forest looked after by the team, they are not forced into anything although they do enjoy bananas. From hotel pick up, time being near the elephants and a great lunch to drop off, a totally wonderful experience.

Elephant rescue sanctuary - Highly recommend this excellent trip, elephants are well cared for and free to roam around. We chose this one to visit because it claims it’s an ethical elephant sanctuary, which it is. We were able to feed the elephants. While having lunch we could watch them bathing in the lake. The guides were friendly and really informative, they were happy to answer questions.

Fabulous experience - We loved our morning visit meeting the elephants. It was interesting to hear the background on how they were rescued and so funny that they each have their own personalities, especially Granny and Princess. Enjoyed feeding them and seeing them throw mud on themselves. All staff were informative and lovely and the lunch was absolutely delicious. This place is a must to visit if you are coming to Phuket.

Ethical Elephant Experience - Attended her with my partner to visit the Elephants. It was a real shame to hear what these animals had been used for in the logging and then latterly, the tourist industries. Beautiful to see them in what is now effectively their retirement home, where they can act naturally, relax and interact with each other as elephants should. It was a great experience to feed them and then just watch them as they go about their day, without the fear of being forced to do anything. Loved hearing the guides say that we all hoped to see the elephants play and swim, but if they don't want to do that, the guides don't make them or force them. 4 of the 8 elephants went for a dip to cool down, whilst the rest wandered around. Guides were very knowledgeable, approachable and funny, and the food was excellent. What I will add is that this place is all about the elephants being relaxed, and not having a lot of interaction with humans. You've to be quiet and respectful around the elephants. If you attend here thinking that you will be patting and cuddling elephants, think again. You're watching them and having as little interaction as possible. I got the impression that a few people with young kids wanted pictures and selfies of the kids cuddling them and holding the elephants trunks. Thankfully that definitely doesn't happen here, as it can be stressful to the elephants. Superb place, and a must see in the area.

The best experience! - The absolute best experience ever!! They care so much about the elephants and the experience couldn’t be faulted!! From start to finish the whole morning tour was perfect, the guides are so accommodating & knowledgeable we just loved it.

Care and compassion at a great pace. - The care and compassion for the elephants is outstanding. Every detail, every message is carefully thought out with the elephants in mind. An excellent pace, great facilities, and lovely staff, not to mention the fabulous lunch too, really mark this trip as a ‘must visit’ place! Great work team!

Fantastic - This was our second visit and it will never get boring. The respect that everyone has for the welfare of the elephants is second to none. Just pure and simply up close to elephants watching them do what an elephant should do. No gimmicks Would highly recommend

Excellent. - The sanctuary was completely ethical The are authentic and at the tour. The elephants welfare comes first. It was an incredible close-up experience of the elephants. The whole experience was touching and beautiful. You have time to see the elephants behave naturally.

Elephants roaming free - A fantastic experience to see these majestic elephants living out a peaceful retirement in the care of The hidden Sanctuary. Lunch above the lagoon was very special as 5 of elephants were cooling-off in the water. They all looded very content.