Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve: Guided Tour + Roundtrip Transport

About this experience

Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve: Guided Tour + Roundtrip Transport is a guided tour at an ethical elephant sanctuary in southern Phuket, co-founded by elephant specialists Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson. The reserve is home to four female elephants rescued from the tourism riding industry, and the programme runs for three and a half hours with a focus on observation and education rather than riding or bathing. It is one of a small number of sanctuaries in Phuket operating on a no-contact, no-riding model. The tour begins with an introduction video covering the elephants' histories and the reserve's approach to welfare. Guests then meet and feed the elephants before walking through the forest to Bamboo Observation Huts, where the animals can be watched moving freely. The route also passes natural ponds and streams where the elephants bathe on their own terms. A local vegan meal, free of dairy, eggs, fish, and oyster sauce, is served while guests continue to observe the herd. Booking covers all entrance fees, a live guide, hotel pickup and drop-off across the Phuket area by air-conditioned minivan, and water refills throughout. Elephant bathing and touching are not included, in keeping with the sanctuary's welfare standards.

Highlights

• Spend 3.5 hours at an ethical, no riding elephant sanctuary
• Meet four rescued female elephants in southern Phuket
• Observe elephants freely with no riding or bathing contact
• Learn elephant welfare facts via an introductory education video
• Roundtrip transport included from your Phuket pick up point
• One of few no contact sanctuaries operating in Phuket

What is included

• All entrance fees
• Live guide
• Guided tour
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Vegan meal (no dairy, eggs, fish, or oyster sauce)
• Water refills

Not included

• Elephant bathing and touching

Before you go

Arrival and timing Your hotel pickup is included, so have your accommodation address and booking confirmation ready the evening before. The full visit runs for 3 hours 30 minutes, so wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking on forest paths. Bring sun protection and any personal items you may need for a half-day outdoors. During your visit The tour begins with an introductory video, so aim to be attentive and settled before it starts. A vegan meal is provided and included in your booking. If you have additional dietary requirements beyond the vegan menu, contact the operator in advance. Water refills are available throughout the visit, so a reusable bottle is worth bringing. Elephant bathing and touching are not part of this experience. Follow your guide's instructions at all times when near the elephants, and keep voices low around the animals. Check with your guide before taking photographs, particularly close to the elephants.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.