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Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch

4.9 (148 reviews) Top rated

Activity provider: Discova Thailand

Highlights

  • On arrival enjoy complimentary refreshments before we watch an informative introduction video

Our remarkable elephant sanctuary is set 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 land.

After an introduction video, you will meet and feed our elephants before going on a scenic walk through the forest, stopping at our Bamboo Observation Huts dotted along the way where you can sit quietly as our elephants go about their day. We don’t follow a set route, our elephants are free to roam and forage, and if our elephants stop, we stop! They have had hard lives and they deserve the very best life we can give them. When we reach the pond, watch the elephants frolic, splash, and cover themselves in mud as you enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal freshly cooked and from local ingredients.

Itinerary

1

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 are free to roam and forage, and if our elephants stop, we stop! Relax in our Bamboo Observation Huts as the elephant’s graze, play in the mud or bathe nearby with stunning views of the forest and a view over the valley to Big Buddha. So many fabulous photo and video opportunities! You will end your visit with a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet at our fabulous bamboo salas overlooking the pond as the elephant’s bathe and graze nearby. Your visit directly supports our work to rescue and rehabilitate elephants. Our key focus is to educate and bring awareness to the plight of the Asian Elephant and lead by example with our ethical approach to experiencing elephants.

Included

  • meals
  • transport
  • entrance_fees
  • water
  • hotel_pickup
  • guide

Not Included

  • Tipping
  • Bathing with elephants
  • Refill Bottle water

Meeting point & area

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Good to know

Cancellation

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

Before you go

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries • Not recommended for pregnant travelers • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health • Suitable for all physical fitness levels • Not recommended for postoperative patients • Not suitable for those with severe knee and ankle • The forest trails are not wheelchair accessible • Baby strollers are not allowed; a baby carrier is required for infants

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ethical setup at this sanctuary?
Four rescued elephants from the riding industry now roam freely across the land. You feed them and walk alongside them through the forest, stopping at bamboo observation huts where you sit quietly while they forage.
Is lunch vegetarian?
Yes, the included meal is a vegetarian lunch. Refill water is also provided, and there's a refill station if you bring your own bottle.
Do I follow a fixed trail through the forest?
No, the elephants lead. The guides don't follow a set route; if the elephants stop, the group stops. You end up where they end up, often at a pond where they play.
Which areas have free hotel pickup?
Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata and Karon have free pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned vans as part of the 3.5-hour experience.

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