Elephant Sanctuary: Hidden Forest Reserve in Phuket

Experience the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve in Phuket. Meet and feed rescued elephants, take a scenic walk through the forest, and enjoy a vegetarian meal by the pond.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - On arrival enjoy complimentary refreshments before we watch an informative introduction video. We then meet and feed our elephants before going on a scenic walk through the forest observing and learning about their history, their stories, and their unique personalities. We don’t follow a set route, our elephants…
What's Included
  • Educational introduction video
  • Vegetarian Meal
  • Transportation by air-conditioned van
  • Entrance Ticket
  • Refill Water
  • Hotel Pick up & Drop Off for area in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, and Karon
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Tipping
  • Bathing with elephants
  • Refill Bottle water
Additional Information

Welcome to Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. Our breathtaking elephant sanctuary is nestled in the hills of southern Phuket and is home to four beautiful elephants who are all rescued from the tourism riding industry. They are now able to roam freely, socialise with each other, and play naturally in the ponds, streams and muddy wallows throughout our…

Location
Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(148 Ratings)
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126larsh
Dec 31, 2025
Great experience! - Best experience of our trip so far. Highly recommended! Elephants are treated well and guide are very friendly. Overall very enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L5355ssnicks
Dec 28, 2025
An amazing experience for everyone - Our experience at Hidden Forest Elephant Sanctuary was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, Louise and the team created an experience that felt calm, respectful, and genuinely educational. We were travelling with our two young children (3 and 4), and they were completely captivated from start to finish. What made this experience so special was how natural everything felt. There was no sense of performance or control, just quiet, respectful moments watching the elephants move through their environment, interact with each other, and simply be elephants. It felt far more like a safari than a typical sanctuary visit. As parents, we were initially unsure whether our children might be too young, but the team were incredible with them. They felt safe, involved, and engaged throughout, and days later they’re still talking about “the elephant forest.” The setting itself is peaceful and beautiful, the explanations were clear and thoughtful without being overwhelming, and even the food was a highlight (the spring rolls were fantastic). We don’t leave many reviews, but this is one experience we felt compelled to share. Hidden Forest is doing something truly special, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly, particularly for families looking for an ethical, meaningful way to experience elephants in Thailand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Šimon
Dec 27, 2025
Highlight of our trip - The tour was the highlight of our trip. Everything was explained and in case of questions there was always great staff which answered all of our questions. I highly recomend for everyone who doesnt agree with elephant bathing and riding. It’s a uphill but dont worry at almost every stop there is a water pump where you can get water. Overall highly recommend
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Annettew18
Dec 27, 2025
Great elephant experience - If you are after a true ethical elephant experience this is the one. Elephants are treated well and visitors have a wonderful experience and lunch. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amyhl4220js
Dec 19, 2025
Trip Highlight - Highlight of our trip to Thailand. It was great to see the elephants up close and learn more about them. The guides were very friendly knowledgeable. Families with children had an age appropriate tour at their own pace. All was well planned! Highly recommended!
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T9580mnsaraha
Dec 19, 2025
Wonderful Sanctuary - I did a lot of research from the UK prior to visiting this Sanctuary. I was determined not to feed into anything that was cruel in any way. From the moment we arrived I could tell I has made the right decision. They not only rescue elephants they also have cats, dogs, geese which were rescued and introduced to us. The event is set up in such a structured way that it is peaceful so you can feed, observe and walk with the elephants in stages where the elephants are truly relaxed. Not once did I see any staff member prod or nudge the elephants In the direction they wanted them to be. We simply waited until the elephants wanted to move. All the staff are wonderful. I highly recommend this beautiful place. I am someone who cares deeply about animal welfare and it brought tears to my eyes being able to experience such a truly magical experience. I urge anyone to think very careful before going to just any "ethical" elephant experience. If you are swimming with them, riding them or touching them it's not what they want and a level or control is needed for these types of activities. Today each elephants has a 1:1 carer who knew the individual elephant and clearly had the elephants trust. The vegan meal was absolutely delicious. We watched the elephants swim and play whilst we ate with no need for humans to intervene. It was just beautiful. I wish I was a wealthy person as I wouldve definitely of donated significantly. I did spend a small fortune buying lots of gorgeous things in the gift shop. Highly highly recommended this wonderful Sanctuary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Baris
Nov 27, 2025
An Ethical Haven for Elephants 🐘 - It was a beautiful place. After seeing the poor conditions many elephants are kept in around Thailand, I understood even better how ethical this place is and how much it truly puts the elephants first. From hotel pick-up to drop-off, everything was a perfect experience. Big kisses to Big Mama! 🐘
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Nov 26, 2025
As it should be. - To really appreciate elephants, you must see them in a natural environment being able to choose what and where they go to find food and shelter and friendship.
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Richardhr1762bc
Nov 12, 2025
A Must Visit - Our aftenoon visit was one of the highlights of our holiday, we cannot recommend it enough. Louise and Russell have created a real oasis of learning and calm natural habitat for the elephants. Respectful, fun and fascinating insight into these amazing animals. The food was delicious. Not much else to say other than go and see it for yourself - and when you do tell everyone about it
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Annacg4887en
Nov 28, 2025
Lovely hotel, very, very noisy weddings overlooking the beach! - Staying here at the moment, lovely staff, beautiful location overlooking the sea. The main pool is very near the beach and overlooks the sea. It is is picturesque and serene….except when they have a wedding / event! There’s been an outdoor daytime wedding today (and there are more over the weekend, guess they are a regular occurrence) they’ve played very, very, very, very loud music, there was also an MC shouting make some noise etc. I like music and happy with electronic dance music, even go to nightclubs occasionally, but the sheer volume is ridiculous and spoils the most beautiful spot in the hotel. If this was n the evening it would be OK and It wouldn’t be so bad if the volume was just a little bit lower. I guess they don’t really care because weddings take in so much money but other guests have also paid a lot to enjoy a beautiful atmosphere. I would think twice about coming here again for this reason as I like a bit of peace and quiet when I’m having a relaxing holiday, not an outdoor daytime nightclub.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $99
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).