Elephant Hills Thailand – A Complete Guide

With stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, what better way to create holiday memories than by visiting Elephant Hills in Thailand?

This Elephant hills rainforest camp, nestled in the heart of the Khao Sok National Park, offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and romance, making it an ideal holiday destination. It is not just a destination but a benchmark for responsible travel, a recipient of Asia’s Leading Luxury Camping Company from 2019 to 2023, and nominated for the same award.

Let’s discover what makes Elephant Hills Khao Sok the perfect getaway for any traveller.

 

About Elephant Hills: Thailand’s First Luxury Tented Camps

Elephant Hills is a sustainable, eco-friendly luxury resort with two separate camps: the Elephant Camp and the Floating Rainforest Camp. Both camps offer comfortable and spacious tented accommodations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding jungle, allowing you to connect with nature while still enjoying modern amenities such as luxurious beds, private bathrooms, and cosy terraces.

The camp has more than 30 years of experience working with elephants, and it has developed its own high standards of welfare, which are fully aligned with Thai government regulations and regularly audited by both governmental and non-governmental organisations. 

This resort offers two- to four-day soft adventure tours throughout Khao Sok National Park. In addition to guided adventures, this resort is all-inclusive, providing luxury tents, meals, activities, and English-speaking guides.

 

Reasons for Planning a Trip to Elephant Hills in 2026

If you are eyeing this jungle getaway, planning in advance can make the experience more accessible: 

• • 10% early bird savings: You can enjoy 10% off on 4-day/3-night tours when booking at least 6 months in advance for travel. 
    
    
  • Kids stay free: During the low season (June and September), children can have a free stay on some selected safari packages.
    
    
  • Solo traveller bonus: If you are travelling solo, the single supplement is waived off during the “Green Season” in the months of May, June, September, or October.
    
    
  • Exclusive merchandise: Make bookings online to get a complimentary Elephant Hills safari shirt.

 

How to Get to Elephant Hills rainforest camp?

Once you fly into Thailand, Elephant Hills hotel transfers guests to and from the airport.

Each resort package includes transfers from various locations throughout Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Khanome, Surat Thani, and Don Sak Pier. Elephant Hills transfers make it easy for anyone to reach this dreamy destination!

Best Time to Visit Elephant Hills tented camp

Khao Sok is a rainforest receiving 3,500 mm of annual rainfall. It is one of the wettest and most lush regions of Thailand. While the camp is accessible year-round, you can choose your best time to visit Elephant Hills tented camp on the basis of the following:

• • The dry season (November to April): If you love the sun, the ideal time is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is also the peak season. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the breathtaking landscape and enjoying outdoor activities such as jungle trekking and canoeing. 
    
    
  • The green season (May to October): If you want cooler weather, lush greenery, and wildlife spotting opportunities, May to October is also a great time to visit Elephant Hills. May is the beginning of the monsoon season, so there might be a bit more rain, but the wildlife and mild temperatures make up for it! In other months of this season, rain usually falls in short and heavy bursts, rarely interrupting the activities.

 

Climate and Temperature

Khao Sok National Park has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it is warm and humid throughout the year, with an average high of 31°C and a low of 24°C. The region experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).

While visiting during the wet season is still possible, it’s important to be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential tropical storms. So, don’t forget to bring a raincoat and an umbrella!

 

Wildlife and Habitats

Elephant Hills provides ample opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse flora and fauna of the Khao Sok National Park. The area is home to over 5% of the world’s species, including Asian elephants, gibbons, tigers, and various other exotic animals.

This resort is dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and ensuring the well-being of its resident elephants, allowing you to experience these majestic creatures up close, ethically and sustainably. The best time for wildlife viewing is between May and October, offering better wildlife sightings. It is because the animals are usually more active in the cooler, damp forest.

Activities and Experiences in Elephant Hills

At Elephant Hills, visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to both adventure-seekers and relaxation lovers. From 2026 onward, the focus has been shifted to ethical interactions and environmental stewardship. Some of the unique experiences available include:

 

Ethical Elephant Encounters: Observe, Don’t Disturb

In 2010, Elephant Hills decided to stop elephant riding since carrying tourists on their backs is unnatural for elephants. As a result, visitors can no longer ride elephants at this resort.

The camp practises a strict no-chains, no-performances policy ensuring elephants roam with maximum freedom and dignity. From 1 May 2026, the sanctuary is evolving even further to meet the highest international welfare standards and showing a deeper commitment to animal autonomy with minimal human impact. These enhanced standards are also implemented at The Bush Camp Chiang Mai, maintaining a consistent approach to ethical elephant care across both locations. 

• • Hands-off interaction: The days of hand-feeding are over. Instead of handing a banana directly to a trunk, you can participate in the food preparation process for these giants. Participate by chopping big piles of fruit and mixing specialised nutritional supplements. Once the food preparation is done, you step back. The meals are then placed at the buffet stations within the elephants’ free-roaming areas.
    
    
  • Natural behaviour focus: This small change makes a huge impact, as you see these animals playing and interacting on their own terms, without any compulsion from humans. You can observe them enjoying natural mud baths, a natural behaviour that helps protect their skin and regulate body temperature, all carried out without any human interference. This change is backed by the highest official authorities in Thailand for elephant care: Chiang Mai University and the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center. Each elephant is cared for by dedicated mahouts and an in-house veterinary team to ensure its welfare and monitoring 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

Jungle Trekking

Explore the stunning Khao Sok National Park on foot as you discover hidden gems like waterfalls and hidden limestone caves. While this no longer includes direct interaction with elephants, you will get to enjoy a canoe safari on the Sok River and go jungle trekking on foot through the surrounding rainforest. Elephant Hills jungle lake safari is a truly one-of-a-kind experience!

 

Enjoy Cheow Larn Lake

 

Spend a few days floating on Cheow Larn Lake, where you can spot incredible wildlife, hike through the forest on foot, or enjoy the self-paddling canoes. On an Elephant Hills jungle lake safari, you’ll get to spend an evening at the Rainforest Camp. It is one of the world’s few luxury floating tented camps. With the tranquillity of the lake and the lush jungle landscape, this lake safari feels like a true escape.

 

Rainforest Safaris

This multi-day safari combines jungle, lake, and river activities for the ultimate safari experience! During the day, explore mangrove swamps and a fig tree channel by speed boat, or hike through the jungle. In the evening, enjoy local dance performances and Thai cooking demonstrations.

 

Services and Facilities at Elephant Hills

 

Elephant Hills Khao Sok offers a variety of top-notch services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable holiday experience. Read about them below!

Accommodations

Even though these accommodations are tented, they are very luxurious – providing a real ‘glamping’ experience! You’ll get a comfortable bed, a private bathroom, and outdoor spaces with hammocks.

• • Elephant Camp: It houses 66 tents, while Rainforest Camp has 20 floating tents. While you won’t have access to TV, WiFi, or even radio while you’re here, these accommodations allow you to truly experience the beauty and serenity of Southern Thailand. The minimum age is 4 years for the Elephant Camp. 
    
    
  • Rainforest Camp: It features 20 exclusive floating camps. It is important to note that children under the age of 7 cannot stay at the floating camp for safety reasons.
    

Dining

Elephant Hills serves a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet provides Western favourites, like bread, cheese, sausage, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, beans, eggs, and an omelette station. For lunch and dinner, enjoy traditional Thai dishes. This resort will cater to any dietary restrictions if you inform them in advance!

 

Sustainability 

• • Single-use plastic elimination: If you get thirsty throughout the day, new water refill stations have been installed throughout both camps. You must bring a reusable water bottle to help the camp reduce single-use plastics. 
    
    

  • Zero-waste: Toiletries like shampoo and conditioner are provided in refillable ceramic dispensers. They have replaced plastic pens with plantable seed pencils. Also, all inorganic waste is transported back to the mainland for professional recycling, leaving no traces on the lake. 
    
    

• • Self-sufficiency: While many other sanctuaries depend on donations, Elephant Hills grow its own food, making its model more sustainable and resilient. This means that the elephants never have to worry about their next meal, regardless of any crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
    
    

• • Eco-floating camp: Each floating tent has its own solar power panel, and every drop of wastewater is transported back to the mainland to keep Cheow Lan Lake clean.
    
    

• • Carbon cutting: To save fuel, a dedicated luggage station near the pier helps reduce boat traffic on the lake. Also, the “Trees Can Talk” project, launched in 2027, has been planting thousands of native trees in Kaeng Krung National Park. This helps to create a bigger, safer home for wild elephants to roam.
    
    

• • Community roots: By hiring local guides and sourcing food from nearby farmers, the camp ensures that the local economy thrives right alongside the jungle. You can support the Elephant Hills Children’s Project, providing direct assistance to hundreds of local schoolchildren in the Khao Sok area. 
    
    

• • Elephant welfare beyond the camp: The camp also supports wider welfare initiatives across Thailand, working closely with partners such as Chiang Mai University and Lampang Elephant Conservation Center, as well as specialist elephant veterinary hospitals and Thailand’s leading elephant veterinarians.
    
    

• • Supporting education for veterinarians: The camp also plays a role in education by supporting veterinary training programmes, offering internships and hands-on experience to more than 20 students working towards elephant care and conservation.
    
    

Relaxation

The resort has a swimming pool and sun deck surrounded by lush flora and fauna, offering the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring!

 

Guided Tours

All activities are led by fully trained, TAT-licensed English-speaking guides, who ensure couples and families have the best possible and safe experience while exploring this national park. 

 

Should You Stay at Elephant Hills?

If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly, and luxurious holiday destination that offers an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning Thai rainforest, Elephant Hills is a perfect choice. With a variety of activities, a commitment to sustainability, and top-notch amenities, couples can create lasting memories while enjoying the beauty and adventure that Thailand has to offer. The best part? With strict ethical policies, transparent practices, and ditching the “greenwashing” and those empty “sanctuary” labels for real, Elephant Hills is setting the standard for ethical luxury stays with the elephants.

 

 

Read Also: Best time to visit Thailand | Places to visit in Thailand | Best Places to See Elephants in Thailand

FAQs for Elephant Hills Thailand