Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingFour hours at Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary — observe mahouts and elephants, learn to prepare herbal snacks for the elephants, and enjoy local market visits.
This four-hour tour at Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary offers an authentic insight into the bond between elephants and their mahouts. You won't participate in bathing or feeding the elephants, which enhances their safety and well-being. Instead, you'll watch mahouts interact with the elephants, learning about their communication and trust-building methods while observing the animals at home in their natural surroundings.
A visit to local markets allows you to purchase food for the elephants and create herbal vitamin snack balls. The tour gives you close-up chances to take photographs and appreciate these magnificent creatures, ensuring a deep appreciation for their care and the techniques used by their caretakers.
Reviews
The experience was outstanding, and our guide Tony was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed feeding the elephants and observing their playful antics in the river. We also picked and sampled wild fruit before swimming in a waterfall. To cap off the day, we prepared and enjoyed a delightful Thai meal. The staff were exceedingly friendly and accommodating. I wholeheartedly recommend this!
The previous reviews are accurate. We received this experience as a gift, chosen by our daughter. Learning about the elephants' welfare and observing them in their natural habitat was enlightening. It's clear they are not meant to perform, as they were rescued from those conditions, and washing them isn't a natural interaction. Tony, our guide, was exceptional — attentive, caring, and knowledgeable throughout our visit. We had the chance to feed and walk with the elephants and even watch them enjoy a bath in the river, which was truly humbling. We visited a local farm where we cut banana leaves, picked coconuts for their milk, collected items found only in supermarkets back home, and were taken to a beautiful waterfall. Tony also demonstrated how to extract rubber from trees, which was fascinating. Additionally, we participated in a Thai cooking class that exceeded our expectations, as the head chef prepared four different dishes for us to learn. No request was too much trouble. We are immensely grateful to the entire staff, who made us feel like royalty and contributed to a memorable day that has made our holiday truly special.
This experience was truly enchanting. I enjoyed preparing food and feeding the animals bananas, but my favorite moment was watching their funny interactions while they bathed. Tony was an excellent guide, and we had a wonderful day.
We had a remarkable time interacting with the elephants—preparing their food, feeding them, walking alongside them, and even giving them a bath in the river. We also ventured into the jungle to gather more bananas and sugar cane for them. The entire experience felt surreal, and the staff was incredibly kind and welcoming. Our three kids were thrilled throughout! We also got to learn how to prepare Pad Thai. The team was very accommodating with our younger children, making it a truly enjoyable outing for everyone. I highly recommend this trip; just a tip—don't forget to bring bug spray and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
I booked this experience just two days in advance and requested hotel pickup. The driver was early, and we picked up two other couples along the way. Upon arrival, we were greeted with water bottles and introduced to our guide, Mike. We fed the elephants bananas and sugar cane, then prepared some ingredients for their diet, which we stuffed into banana skins. We also enjoyed a walk through the forest alongside the elephants, capturing plenty of photos. Mike was not only informative about the elephants but also shared interesting details about the rubber trees. Our time with him was incredibly enjoyable. The highlight was watching the elephant play in the river, clearly having a great time. This sanctuary offers an amazing opportunity to see elephants up close, having been rescued from logging and tourism. A big thank you to Mike and the team for providing one of the best experiences I've ever had. I highly recommend this to anyone.
The visit was outstanding. Arriving at 8 o'clock, we fed the elephants, walked with them, and bathed them. We even chopped down banana trees for extra food. Afterward, we treated them to a feast and then prepared chicken pad Thai for lunch. It was a truly amazing experience. Be sure to apply plenty of mosquito repellent and bring a change of clothes for the tree chopping. The facility is well-managed, and the animals receive excellent care. All our questions were addressed. I suggest that the sanctuary consider offering visitors the chance to sponsor an elephant, which could significantly aid in their efforts.
My experience was very disappointing. We were eager to attend but couldn't make it because of severe storms and flooding that rendered the roads impassable. The water level even reached into our rental car, and we saw abandoned vehicles and motorbikes on the roadside. Since Khao Lak was two hours away from our hotel, we decided to turn back for safety. Though I was beyond the 24-hour refund window, I expected some understanding from the tour company given our circumstances and thought a 50% refund would be reasonable. However, they claimed they couldn’t refund the $400 since they had arranged a pick-up, which contradicted their initial message stating they couldn't pick us up due to the distance. While I understand the no-refund policy within 24 hours, I hoped the tour company would recognize our efforts to get there despite the severe weather. I feel a partial refund was justified, as they provided no service for our booking. I’ve heard great things about the experience, but I wouldn't consider rebooking this event again.
Fourteen days after our visit, I feel compelled to express how this experience truly transformed my life. I've wanted to visit an elephant sanctuary for years, but it never felt like the right moment until now. Through my research, I discovered Khao Lak sanctuary, and I can’t express how grateful I am for that. The experience was perfectly guided and structured, far exceeding my expectations. The sanctuary staff has created something remarkable. The elephants were incredible, and the spacious environment made us feel welcome from the very start. I want to give special thanks to Win, our guide, whose compassion and wisdom made the day unforgettable. He is a real treasure, and I hope everyone who visits Khao Lak has the chance to benefit from his insights and love for both people and animals. Additionally, it was my birthday on the day of our visit, and the staff surprised me with a wonderful cake, completely complimentary. My boyfriend also left his wallet, which contained all of his important documents and cash, at the sanctuary. Win ensured that it was returned to our hotel after the tour, reaffirming my faith in humanity and making my birthday just that much more special. The warmth I felt from the kind-hearted Tai people and Khao Lak sanctuary will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're contemplating whether to book a tour, I urge you—don’t hesitate. This experience is the most loving gift you can give yourself, and I promise you won’t regret it.
This sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing truly happy elephants. The staff is very attentive, with a special mention for Aom's care for the animals. I highly recommend it.
I had a fantastic experience on this tour. The staff were very friendly, and the guide provided a wealth of information. I managed to complete the tour in flip flops, but wearing trainers would have definitely made it easier.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting Khao Lak?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.