10 Things to Know Before Visiting Elephant Hills

You’ll stay in luxury safari tents with queen beds and private terraces while meeting rescued elephants who roam chain-free across 440 acres in Thailand’s ancient Khao Sok National Park. The eco-lodge sits just two hours from Phuket, offering 2-day or 4-day packages with all meals, guided jungle treks, canoeing, and ethical elephant encounters where you can feed them but never ride. Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes and mosquito repellent for your rainforest adventure, and discover what makes this experience truly special.

Location and Getting There From Popular Beach Destinations

Before you pack your bags for an elephant adventure, you’ll want to know that Elephant Hills sits right in the heart of Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand. You can easily reach this amazing rainforest camp from popular beach destinations nearby.

If you’re staying in Phuket, it’s just a two-hour drive away. Khao Lak is even closer at 29 miles, making it perfect for families wanting a quick trip. Krabi sits 62 miles away, also about two hours by car. You can also arrange transfers from Koh Samui ferry, giving you flexibility in your island hopping plans.

The best part? All transfers are included in your tour package, so you won’t pay extra transportation costs. English-speaking guides handle all the logistics, ensuring your family travels safely between beaches and elephants without any stress or confusion.

Choosing Between the Main Elephant Camp and Floating Rainforest Camp

When you’re planning your Elephant Hills adventure, you’ll need to decide between staying at the main Elephant Camp or the Floating Rainforest Camp – and here’s the good news: most families don’t have to choose just one! Most packages combine both locations, letting you experience river canoe safaris and elephant interactions at the main camp, then transfer to the floating camp for kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake surrounded by towering limestone mountains.

The main camp offers larger tents with queen beds and private verandas, while floating tents are smaller but provide unique lake views from your pontoon deck. Both camps include the same safety features like netted windows, hot showers, and screened accommodations. The floating tents are positioned on a pontoon structure that provides comfort and tranquility while maintaining intimate contact with the pristine rainforest environment.

Since floating camp requires minimum multi-day packages, you’ll maximize your adventure by experiencing both locations.

What to Expect From the Luxury Tented Accommodations

Your luxury tented accommodations at Elephant Hills aren’t your typical camping experience – they’re hand-crafted African safari-style tents that feel more like rustic hotel rooms than outdoor shelters. Each tent features wooden floors, mosquito-proof netting, and metal canopies for rain protection, keeping you safe and comfortable.

You’ll sleep on king-size beds with cozy linens, while ceiling fans and heating systems regulate temperature. Every tent includes an en-suite bathroom with hot showers, flushing toilets, and complimentary toiletries. The tents also provide ample storage space for your belongings during your stay. Electricity powers your lights and hair dryer, though Rainforest Camp uses solar energy with 2 a.m. cutoffs.

Family tents accommodate up to three people with rollaway beds.

Free WiFi, outdoor terraces, and handcrafted furniture complete your budget-friendly luxury jungle experience.

The Ethical Elephant Experience: No Riding, Just Genuine Interactions

Unlike traditional elephant attractions that exploit these gentle giants for entertainment, Elephant Hills puts animal welfare first with a strict no-riding policy. You’ll discover that riding causes serious harm to elephants’ backs and minds, so this sanctuary chooses safer alternatives instead.

You can feed elephants special meals and medicine balls while watching them splash in waterholes. Walking alongside these amazing animals lets you observe their natural behaviors without causing stress.

The elephants roam completely chain-free and hook-free across their spacious home. The sanctuary is located in Khao Sok National Park, where you’ll arrive after kayaking activities that lead directly to the open elephant habitats.

Your visit supports rescued elephants who receive over 440 pounds of food daily. The sanctuary’s earned top awards for animal welfare, including recognition from National Geographic.

You’re contributing to ethical tourism that helps elephants live with dignity while learning about their importance.

Adventure Activities and Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Beyond your meaningful elephant encounters, Elephant Hills offers thrilling adventures that’ll spark your family’s love for nature without breaking the bank. You’ll paddle stable canoes down Sok River with life jackets and expert guides, spotting colorful hornbills and kingfishers along limestone cliffs.

Jungle trekking reveals hidden waterfalls and exotic plants, though you’ll navigate some slippery sections requiring careful footing. Night hikes add excitement as you discover nocturnal creatures under starlit skies.

Traditional longboat trips across Cheow Lan Lake lead to floating camps with solar power and cave explorations featuring bats and ancient rock formations. Family-friendly cave tours teach geological history while providing safe wildlife spotting opportunities suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For water enthusiasts, kayaking and snorkelling activities provide additional ways to explore the pristine lake waters and discover the underwater world of this remarkable ecosystem.

All-Inclusive Dining and Bar Services at the Camps

When hunger strikes after your jungle adventures, Elephant Hills’ all-inclusive dining takes care of every meal from arrival to departure without extra costs. You’ll enjoy buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with complimentary beverages like coffee, tea, and juices.

The camp accommodates special diets including gluten-free and vegan options – just let them know beforehand.

Breakfast runs 7:30-9:00 am with made-to-order eggs and continental items. Listen for the gong signaling lunch and dinner!

Kids get early dinner at 6:30 pm with favorites like nuggets.

The fully stocked bar operates separately from meals using cash only – no card facilities available. Meals are served in a warm, romantic atmosphere that enhances your rainforest dining experience.

Happy hour offers 2-for-1 cocktails from 5:30-6:30 pm, making evening drinks more budget-friendly after your wildlife adventures.

Best Tour Packages: 2-Day Vs 4-Day Nature Safari Options

Since most families want the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, Elephant Hills offers two main safari packages that’ll fit different schedules and budgets. You’ll choose between their popular 3-day option starting around $625 per adult or the extended 4-day experience for deeper jungle exploration.

The 3-day package includes one night at Elephant Camp and one at Lake Camp, covering elephant interactions, canoe safaris, and Cheow Larn Lake exploration. It’s perfect for families wanting essential experiences without overwhelming young travelers.

The 4-day option adds mangrove kayaking and extended jungle trekking, ideal if you’re seeking more wildlife spotting opportunities. Both packages include full meals, trained English-speaking guides, and safe luxury tent accommodations with hot water and electricity. All accommodations feature mosquito netting and solar power for an eco-friendly jungle experience.

Wildlife You Might Encounter in the Ancient Rainforest

Thailand’s ancient rainforest teems with incredible wildlife that’ll make your family safari unforgettable, though you’ll want to prepare kids for safe viewing distances and respect these amazing creatures’ natural behaviors.

You’ll likely spot elephants creating forest pathways while dispersing seeds, colorful hornbills and kingfishers near water sources, and gaurs leaving distinctive footprints along trails. Monitor lizards bask by streams, while tree frogs call from the canopy above. The camp’s location within this oldest rainforest ecosystem provides unparalleled opportunities to observe these species in their natural habitat.

During evening excursions, you might encounter slow lorises, civets, or bats controlling insect populations. Keep noise levels appropriate around protective elephant mothers with calves, and remember that maintaining respectful distances guarantees both your family’s safety and the animals’ wellbeing while creating affordable, educational memories.

Sustainable Tourism Practices and Conservation Efforts

While exploring Elephant Hills with your family, you’ll discover how your visit directly supports groundbreaking conservation efforts that protect both elephants and Thailand’s precious rainforest ecosystem. Your booking helps fund rescued elephants’ food and medicine through their Elephant Conservation Project.

You’ll stay in solar-powered camps that use rainwater harvesting and low-flow showerheads to conserve resources.

The lodge operates chain-free, riding-free elephant experiences where you’ll safely observe natural behaviors from appropriate distances. Expert guides will teach your kids about elephant care while maintaining strict no-touch policies for everyone’s safety. These elephants previously worked in Thailand’s logging industry until the 1989 ban transitioned them into tourism-based care.

Your family’s visit also supports local communities through employment opportunities and school programs. This award-winning eco-lodge has pioneered responsible tourism for over twenty years, proving conservation and family fun go hand-in-hand affordably.

Essential Packing Tips for Your Jungle Glamping Adventure

Now that you understand how your family trip helps protect elephants and rainforests, let’s make sure you pack smart for your jungle adventure. You’ll need lightweight, quick-drying clothes since it’s humid and rainy. Pack long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquitos and sun during treks.

Don’t forget swimwear for lake activities and clothes that can get dirty around elephants. Avoid white attire since elephants’ playful behavior can leave mud stains on light-colored clothing.

Bring sturdy hiking shoes for slippery trails, flip-flops for camp, and water shoes for canoeing. Pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. A small waterproof day pack keeps essentials dry during boat trips.

Remember your passport, medicines, and overnight bag with two outfit changes for the lake camp. Most toiletries are provided, saving luggage space and money.

Last Words

You’ll have an amazing adventure at Elephant Hills if you plan ahead! Remember to pack bug spray and comfortable shoes for walking safely through the jungle. Choose the tour length that fits your family’s budget – the 2-day option’s perfect for younger kids. Most importantly, you’ll help protect elephants and rainforests just by visiting. Don’t forget your camera to capture memories of these gentle giants in their natural home!