Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical and award-winning elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand. It offers a retirement home for elephants that have previously worked in the logging and tourism industries. Visitors to the sanctuary can feed, walk with, and learn about the elephants in a natural and respectful environment.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.8/5
TripAdvisor: 5/5
Official Website: https://www.samuielephantsanctuary.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMreqAjMK0-KYO32X5iyEQhgCwSIib3ivdXwyko-8u8jjsYRRSZtfxARoC7hAQAvD_BwE
Main Positive Reviews:
"A wonderful experience with well-cared-for elephants. The staff is very knowledgeable."
"The sanctuary is a peaceful place, and the elephants seem very happy."
"Great educational experience. Learned a lot about elephant conservation."
"The tour was well-organized and the guides were very friendly."
"It's great to see a place that puts the well-being of the elephants first."
"Set on forest land, this sanctuary offers a safe haven for retired elephants."
"Feeding and walking with the elephants was a highlight of our trip."
"The sanctuary is well-managed and the staff is passionate about elephant welfare."
"A must-do activity in Koh Samui. Very educational and heartwarming."
"The vegetarian buffet was a nice touch and added to the overall experience."
Main Negative Reviews:
"The entrance fee is quite high."
"Some areas of the sanctuary could be better maintained."
"Limited interaction time with the elephants."
"The weather can be very hot, making the experience uncomfortable."
"The tour felt a bit rushed at times."
"Some areas are not accessible for those with mobility issues."
"High cost for entry compared to other activities on the island."
"Limited shade areas, making it hot during midday."
"The sanctuary is quite far from the main tourist areas."
"The elephant welfare is not good as expected, the place is very dirty."
Overall Analysis
Cost: Entrance Fee: Approximately $105.00 per person for a half-day tour.
Additional Costs: Some tours might include meals and transportation.
Positive Aspects:
- **Ethical Treatment**: The sanctuary is praised for its ethical treatment and care of the elephants.
- **Educational Experience**: Visitors appreciate the educational aspect and the opportunity to learn about elephant conservation.
- **Well-Organized Tours**: Many reviews highlight the well-organized tours and knowledgeable staff.
- **Peaceful Environment**: The sanctuary provides a peaceful and natural environment for the elephants.
Negative Aspects:
- **Cost**: The entrance fee is considered high by some visitors.
- **Maintenance**: Some areas of the sanctuary could use better maintenance.
- **Accessibility**: Limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.
- **Weather Conditions**: The hot weather can make the experience less enjoyable.
- **Crowding**: The sanctuary can get crowded, especially during peak times.
Is it Worth Visiting:
With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 across both platforms, Samui Elephant Sanctuary is highly recommended for visitors who are interested in ethical wildlife experiences and learning about elephant conservation. Despite some minor drawbacks, the overall experience is positive and fulfilling. Given the high ratings and positive reviews, it is worth visiting.
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