Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary — Local services in Siem Reap

We partook in the morning session. We were picked up at 8am from our hotel. The mini bus was full with us in it. Great! We thought only 11 of us with 3 elephants. We arrived at the sanctuary at 9am. We were told they were waiting for another 50 guests to arrive. They had 60 guests for 3 elephants. While waiting, they informed us that they couldn’t accommodate for everyone to make food for the elephants because there was too many guests. All guests agreed (somewhat) that the kids on tour should get the food mixing experience. We waited 45 minutes for everyone to arrive. There was only a brief 5 minute introduction on the three elephants age and what they were used for. There was no future mission plan in place except that us coming helps to buy more elephants. When we were guided to the food station, most adults rushed to grab bananas and it was a mad rush. Obviously with 20 guests per elephant everyone wanted to be first. My kids were lucky to get a bowl to mix elephant feed together but no mention of really what the feed does or helps with. The wait to feed an elephant was 20 minutes. Some people lingered so they are in every picture we took. The elephants had a 10 minute mud bath. Just as I was about to hop in, they moved the elephants on so we missed that experience. Thankfully, my husband and my son got to wash an elephant in the river which was the highlight. Afterwards we had a fruit platter but the area where we ate was so crowded it was not an enjoyable end to the experience In the end, I had more interaction with the kitten they have then the elephants. I suggest that you limit the guest for a better experience. Your competitor was sold out till January so I understand you were capitalising on tourist wanting this experience but my children getting pushed and shoved was not was I...

What an incredible visit! This facility is relatively new, but you can tell a ton of thought and care went into everything.

Both of the elephants are former working elephants - one was used for logging and another for tourist rides. They both have scars from their old "careers," but are both profoundly gentle and calm. We felt safe despite being free-contact - but wow, are they big! It was powerful to learn about the behavioral change the elephants both went through as they settled into their new lives at the sanctuary - no more yelling, no more bullhooks, just patience and positive reinforcement.

Get ready to get muddy. The facilities were perfect for visiting giant muddy animals and being able to be in their world - this is not for you if you cannot get down to earth. The cold showers, hoses, and refreshments were perfect after wallowing in the mud pits with the big ladies.

Staff was incredible as well! The road directly preceding the elephant sanctuary is a bumpy adventure, but isn't that what we're all in Cambodia for? The handlers here really care, and that's what matters most. It's easy to see that a lot of love (and veterinary care, and husbandry knowledge, and money) has been put into the elephants and...

AMAZING EXPERIENCE! We did the morning tour and it was the most magical experience ever. BumBum, GiGi and Homi were the three rescued elephants at the sanctuary and they were so magnificent and beautiful. The female tour guide was sooo sweet and had tons of knowledge about the elephants, history of Cambodia and much more. You can truly see how cared and loved for these animals are. Their handlers are so affectionate towards them and really do provide great care. Once an elephant was over the activity we were doing such as feeding or bathing, the workers allowed the elephants to simply leave on their own accord. The handlers didn't force them to do anything they didn’t want to do, they were simply just living their best life. Highly recommend this sanctuary out of all the ones I have been too. It was just truly so special. Everyone who works there are special too for loving and caring for these...