Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Welcome to Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. Our breathtaking elephant sanctuary is nestled in the hills of southern Phuket and is home to four beautiful elephants who are all rescued from the tourism riding industry. They are now able to roam freely, socialise with each other, and play naturally in the ponds, streams and muddy wallows throughout our land.
After an introduction video, you will meet and feed our elephants before going on a scenic walk through the forest, stopping at our Bamboo Observation Huts dotted along the way where you can sit quietly as our elephants go about their day. We don't follow a set route, our elephants are free to roam and forage, and if our elephants stop, we stop! They have had hard lives and they deserve the very best life we can give them. When we reach the pond, watch the elephants frolic, splash, and cover themselves in mud as you enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal freshly cooked and from local ingredients.
Available options
Morning Tour
Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve: The Pickup starts between 08:00 am - 08:30 am.
Pickup available in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, and Karon area only.<br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Tour
Hidden Forest Elephant: The Pickup starts between 1:30 pm - 02:00 pm.
Pickup available in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, and Karon area only.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Educational introduction video
Vegetarian Meal
Transportation by air-conditioned van
Entrance Ticket
Refill Water
Hotel Pick up & Drop Off for area in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, and Karon
English Speaking Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
On arrival enjoy complimentary refreshments before we watch an informative introduction video. We then meet and feed our elephants before going on a scenic walk through the forest observing and learning about their history, their stories, and their unique personalities. We don't follow a set route, our elephants are free to roam and forage, and if our elephants stop, we stop! Relax in our Bamboo Observation Huts as the elephant’s graze, play in the mud or bathe nearby with stunning views of the forest and a view over the valley to Big Buddha.
So many fabulous photo and video opportunities!
You will end your visit with a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet at our fabulous bamboo salas overlooking the pond as the elephant’s bathe and graze nearby. Your visit directly supports our work to rescue and rehabilitate elephants. Our key focus is to educate and bring awareness to the plight of the Asian Elephant and lead by example with our ethical approach to experiencing elephants.
What's not included
Tipping
Bathing with elephants
Refill Bottle water
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
37 reviews
5★
34
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
5.0
92 reviews
5★
91
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for postoperative patients
Not suitable for those with severe knee and ankle
The forest trails are not wheelchair accessible
Baby strollers are not allowed; a baby carrier is required for infants
About Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a premier beach destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a mix of modern resorts and traditional Thai charm, it offers something for every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the most famous and developed beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and shopping.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free (activities and dining may incur costs)
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Nature
Full day trip
Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)
Big Buddha Phuket
The Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the island and a sense of tranquility.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is known for its emerald waters, limestone karst formations, and the famous James Bond Island.
Nature
Full day trip
Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)
Old Phuket Town
Old Phuket Town is a charming area with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and a rich cultural heritage.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free (entry to some museums may incur costs)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pad Thai
Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available (without shrimp and fish sauce)
Tom Yum Goong
A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with chicken or tofu for vegetarians
Massaman Curry
A rich and mildly spicy curry with potatoes, onions, and tender pieces of meat (usually chicken or beef), cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available (with tofu and vegetables)
Mango Sticky Rice
Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with coconut cream and sesame seeds.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available (ensure no fish sauce is used in the sticky rice)
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Diving
Kayaking
Zip-lining
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Yoga
Meditation
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the peak tourist season with the best weather conditions. The skies are clear, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for beach activities and island hopping.
24°C to 32°C
75°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Thai
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Phuket is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, petty crimes and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of aggressive street vendors and touts.
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
- • Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
Getting there
By air
- Phuket International Airport • 32 km from Phuket City
By bus
Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Phuket Bus Terminal 2
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the island. However, schedules can be unpredictable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Patong
Phuket Town
Karon
Kata
Rawai
Day trips
James Bond Island
50 km from Phuket • Full day trip
James Bond Island, located in Phang Nga Bay, is famous for its stunning limestone karst formations and appearance in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun.'
Similan Islands
80 km from Phuket • Full day trip
The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Phi Phi Islands
46 km from Phuket • Full day trip
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Festivals
Phuket Vegetarian Festival • Late September to early October
Loy Krathong • November (full moon night)
Songkran • April 13-15
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Bargain for better prices in markets and with street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile.
- Try local street food and dishes to experience the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Use reputable tour operators and transportation services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
