Programmes, prices, times, and what each visit includes
Samui Elephant Haven on Koh Samui offers three ways to visit its rescued elephants: a short feeding programme, a three-hour half-day tour, and a full-day volunteer programme. They differ in length, price, what is included, and how much of the elephants’ care visitors take part in. This guide sets out the details of each so visitors can choose the right option before booking a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary thailand.
The Three Programmes at a Glance
| Feeding Programme | Half Day Tour | Full Day Volunteer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes to 1 hour | 3 hours | 09:00 to 16:00 |
| Adult price | 1,000 THB | 3,000 THB | 6,500 THB |
| Children (4 to 11 years) | 500 THB | 1,500 THB | Not listed |
| Children under 4 | Free | Free | Not listed |
| Hotel transfer | Not included | Round trip included | Round trip included |
| Meal | Not included | Vegetarian meal | Vegetarian meals |
| Group limit | Not listed | Not listed | 6 people per day |
Half Day Tour
The half-day tour is the sanctuary’s main programme, and it covers the most ground in a short visit.
Times
- Morning tour: 09:00 to 12:00
- Afternoon tour: 14:00 to 17:00
What the tour includes
- Registration, a safety video, and an introduction to the sanctuary.
- Feeding the elephants with fruit and grass.
- Making nutritious rice balls for the herd.
- A walk through the park to meet each rescued elephant and hear its history.
- Learning about natural Asian elephant behaviour and the different stages of an elephant’s life.
- A vegetarian meal at the end of the tour.
Round-trip hotel transfer and an English-speaking guide are included in the price.
Feeding Programme
The feeding programme suits visitors who want a shorter stop without joining the full tour.
Times
- Morning sessions: 10:00 and 11:00
- Afternoon sessions: 13:00, 15:00, and 16:00
What the programme includes
- Feeding the elephants with fruit and grass.
- Learning how to make rice balls for the elephants.
- Meeting some of the rescued elephants and learning about their behaviour.
An English-speaking guide is included. Hotel transfer is not, so visitors need to arrange their own transport to the sanctuary.
Which Programme Suits Which Visitor
- Families with young children often find the feeding programme the easiest fit, as it is short and hands-on, and children under four join free.
- First-time visitors usually get the most from the half-day tour, which combines feeding, a guided walk, and background on each elephant.
- Travellers wanting hands-on involvement will find the volunteer day the most complete experience of how the elephants are cared for.
- Visitors without their own transport should look at the half-day tour or volunteer day, since both include hotel pickup.
Anyone weighing up a visit to an elephant sanctuary thailand should also check what each option excludes. At this sanctuary, none of the three programmes include riding, bathing, or performances.
Booking and Payment
The sanctuary has issued a fraud warning for tour bookings. It doesn’t accept online payment, and fees are paid in cash on arrival. Visitors should not transfer money to any bank account before their trip, whoever requests it.
Bookings are made through the Samui Elephant Haven website.
