Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve - Sanctuary in Phuket — Attraction in Chalong

The most perfect and peaceful day with the elephants in their natural environment.

We visited the recently opened (November 2023) and ethical Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve on 12 July for the most amazing of experiences.

As most tourists coming to Thailand we were keen to meet the elephants and had looked at various companies and trips that allowed you feed, play, clean and swim with the elephants but decided to go for a more ethical (and probably even more) special trip with the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve and we were so glad we did.

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand and they are held in high regard but are also a commodity and can be (mis)used on a daily basis.

We were picked up from our hotel as transport was included in price. On arrival at the reserve, the facilities and staff were amazing. We were greeted with a warm welcome from Louise, Russell and their team of guides and mahouts. It is a professional and very well organised facility and trip.

We were given refreshments before being given the history of the reserve, why they are different to the others and then learned a bit about their 6 elephants.

It was a small group of visitors and intimate experience with these gentle mammals.

They have rescued all the elephants from different sites and have brought them to live out the remainder of their lives in peaceful tranquility and are working to rehabilitate them into a small interactive group.

It was absolutely heartbreaking to learn the suffering that these majestic giants go through during their life in captivity, being forced to work entertaining tourists.

The hidden and often barbaric treatment, lack of social interaction with other elephants can truly break their spirit. The activities they do with tourists also put them under constant stress and can have potential health implications to for those who choose to bathe and swim with them.

ELEPHANT FACT: when an elephant goes into water it tends to cause them to release their bowels…enjoy your swim!

As soon as the talk was over we were off into the jungle to meet and feed the 6 elephants with whom we were to spend our day.

We fed them sugar cane as they stood a few feet from us at all times supported by the mahouts who look after each elephant like family.

You do not touch the elephants at any point but they will take food out of your hands and are within a few feet of you at all times and are totally relaxed and the setting is tranquil.

We walked up into the jungle with the elephants and at each stop the elephants mingled around us in a relaxed environment, eating and exploring as they walked. The guides are constantly teaching you about elephants, their behaviours and how they are looked after. We learned so much and now have a completely different understanding about Asian elephants.

The best part of the trip was stopping for an amazing Thai lunch prepared by the Mahouts wives and children at a restaurant surrounding a giant jungle pool where the elephants joined us to play in and out of the water.

I don’t know if it was the heavy rain in the morning or the extra sugar cane that the elephants ate that day but they were full of energy and were playing in the water, throwing logs and mud around, which was amazing to see.

We descended back through the jungle and had the opportunity to buy some locally sourced souvenirs to remember our time and all the money from sales is used to help contribute to the everyday running costs of the sanctuary.

If you are coming to Phuket and want to see the elephants I cannot recommend this sanctuary enough for a once in a lifetime experience.

TOP TIP: bring a water bottle to refill throughout your walk and wear bug spray (you can buy in the shop before you head out if you forget it).

Thank you to everyone at the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. We will be back to support this fantastic reserve and cannot thank the team for an experience we will...

A Truly Ethical Elephant Experience at Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve

If you're seeking an ethical and unforgettable elephant encounter in Thailand, look no further than the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. This sanctuary stands apart by prioritizing the well-being of its elephants above all else. Here, you won't find elephant rides or bathing sessions, but rather a respectful observation of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

I recently had the privilege of visiting this remarkable reserve, and it was an experience that touched my heart. The elephants live in a way that honors their intrinsic needs. Each elephant has a dedicated mahout, fostering a deep, familial bond that is unique and special.

As an amputee with mobility challenges, I was concerned about navigating the terrain. However, the reserve went above and beyond to ensure my inclusion. They arranged a 4x4 vehicle, allowing me to easily meet up with the group at different feeding stations. This thoughtful accommodation made the experience accessible and enjoyable.

The knowledgeable guides shared fascinating insights into the individual personalities and quirks of the elephants. From Grandma, the independent matriarch, to the playful youngsters like Boss Lady and Princess, each elephant has a distinct character. It was heartwarming to witness their social dynamics and learn about their unique stories.

What struck me most was the reserve's commitment to ethical treatment. The elephants are fed by hand, with minimal contact, ensuring their comfort and safety. The guides explained the harmful practices of other sanctuaries that offer elephant rides, causing spinal damage, or allow excessive human interaction for profit. They also shared the heartbreaking history of elephants used in the logging industry, highlighting the scars they carry from past abuse.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Louis, the co-founder, whose passion for elephant conservation was truly inspiring. We enjoyed a delicious Thai lunch while observing the elephants in their natural surroundings. It was a truly magical moment to witness these gentle giants in their element.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, I urge you to visit the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. Support their cause and be part of the solution. Even if you have mobility issues, they will ensure you can participate fully. This is an experience you...

This was honestly the highlight of my trip to Thailand. The staff were so friendly and knowledgable, it felt like a really personal, peaceful and in-depth experience walking around and spending time with the elephants just being themselves. Unlike other big group tours which can feel a bit chaotic, this was 4hrs of peace which is how you want to feel around elephants! It started with a hotel pickup, background video, feeding the elephants sugar cane and bananas and then going on a light trek . At each point we would walk for 5-10mins, then stop, fill up out water bottles, chat and observe and then move to the next viewing point. Again unlike big group tours, all the guides walked along with us telling us about the elephants, the sanctuary and conservation efforts along the way. You could tell they really cared about the 4 beautiful rescue elephants in their care, with plans for 4 more on the way soon! My favourite part? A delicious authentic Thai lunch while watching the elephants play and bathe and be happy!

Things to know: it’s about 3-4hrs long it’s an outdoor activity in humid weather: dress appropriately for an active morning/afternoon, wear sunscreen and bug spray (although they will provide as needed), wear comfortable shoes and a hat, bring water (which you can refill or buy one of their reusable metal bottles on arrival) it’s a light walk broken into little sections but steep up a hill (views are worth it!) wear runners/hiking sandals, not great for young kids or elderly/people carrying an injury. However someone on our tour had a rolled ankle and they drove them to the top water pool. they run 2x tours a day: morning or avo, we did the morning session and the elephants get a good rest in between there are bathrooms at the start/end and top of trek. there is water along the way just give them a call if you need anything! We didn’t get our booking confirmation email and it was quickly sorted out. the park is run by a private owner: these are his elephants purchased to rescue. Supported by volunteers from all over the work, and the elephants are cared for by their lifelong keepers.

It’s such a lovely place - please go! You won’t regret it! Such a beautiful and intimate experience that didn’t feel forced or...