Gigative · Experiences
Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch
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.
What to expect
Stop 1 · 3h
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 included
- Educational introduction video
- Vegan Meal (No dairy, eggs, Fish or oyster sauce)
- 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
Not included
- Tipping
- Bathing with elephants
- Refill Bottle water
Tour & ticket options
Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.
Morning Tour-Zone 4
Hotel Pickup & Drop off-Zone 4: Pickup Point: Available in Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Pa Klok, Ao Po, Yamu, Layan, Laguna, Airport Pickup time 07:30-07:40 Pickup included
Afternoon Tour-Zone 4
Hotel Pickup & Drop off-Zone 4: Pick up time: between 12.30pm-12.40 pm Pickup Point: Available in Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Pa Klok, Ao Po, Yamu, Layan, Laguna, A Pickup included
Afternoon Tour-Zone 3
Hotel Pickup & Drop off-Zone 3: Pick up time: between 12:45 pm-1:15 pm Pickup Point: Available in Cape Panwa, Koh Sirey, Koh Kaew, Laem Hin area only Pickup included
Morning Tour-Zone 2
Hotel Pickup & Drop off Zone 2: Pickup Point: Available in Cherngtalay, Bang Tao and Surin area only. Pickup time between: 07.30 am - 07.40 am Pickup included
Morning Tour-Zone 3
Hotel Pickup & Drop off Zone 3: Pickup Point: Available in Cape Panwa, Koh Sirey, Koh Kaew, Laem Hin area only. Pickup time between: 08.00 am-08.15 am. Pickup included
Morning Tour-inside Zone
Pickup & Drop off-inside Zone: The Pickup time between 07:30 am - 08:45 am. Pickup available in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, Kamala and Karon area. Pickup included
Afternoon Tour: Zone 1
Pickup & Drop off-Zone 1: Pick up time: between 12:45 pm and 13:15 pm. Pickup Point: Available in PhuketTown, Rassada area only. Pickup included
Afternoon Tour-Zone 2
Hotel Pickup & Drop off-Zone 2: Pick up time: between 12:30 pm and 12:40 pm Pickup Point: Available in Cherngtalay, Bang Tao, Surin area only Pickup included
Morning Tour-Zone 1
Pickup & Drop off-Zone 1: Pickup Point: Available in Phuket Town and Rassada area only. Pickup time between: 08.00-08.15 AM Pickup included
Afternoon Tour-inside Zone
Pickup & Drop off-inside Zone: The Pickup time between 12:15 pm-1:30 pm. Pickup available in Patong, Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, Kamala and Karon area. Pickup included
Before you go
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.