Phuket Tours
Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch
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Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch

By Discova Phuket
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-70, max of 30 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Hotel Pick up & Drop Off
  • Transportation by air-conditioned van
  • Vegetarian Meal
  • Educational introduction video
  • Entrance Ticket
  • Refill Water
  • Entry/Admission - Phuket
What's not included
  • Tipping
  • Bathing with elephants
  • Refill Bottle water


Start:Traveller pickup offered.
    Pickup details
    • Pickup service is included for any area in Phuket, please mention your Hotel Name and address during the booking. * Morning Tour: The Pickup starts between 08:00 am - 08:30 am. * Afternoon Tour: The Pickup starts between 12:45 pm - 1:15 pm. Our customer service will finalize the precise pick-up time and communicate it to you via email. Kindly ensure to double-check your email for updates. We recommend arriving at your hotel lobby at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time to meet your tour guide.
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Not wheelchair accessible
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6924P33

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
      • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
      • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
      • Most travellers can participate
      • 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
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6924P33

      From
      £81.27
      per adult
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      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.
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Discova Phuket
        134
        Phuket, Thailand
        Joined in July 2023
      • Andrei K
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Very good!
        Very friendly staff and perfect organisation: everything is on time, without delays. My mom cannot swim, but in order to see the plankton in the cave, we were supposed to swim a bit. So we informed the driver of the boat and he parked the boat inside the cave! On the bad side, on our trip there was an accident: someone stole 300 USD from another tourist and tried to steal money from us as well, but luckily, they just opened our wallet and didn’t take any money. So, I would like to bring attention to this problem. Maybe the organisers should install some lockers on the boat, or staff should stay in the boat all the time to watch our belongings. They said it would be safe to leave our things, and that someone would stay to keep watch, but apparently that didn’t happen.
        Written 7 February 2025
      • VickyB92
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Highly recommended afternoon and sunset boat tour
        Having read what the boat trip offered we decided to do this tour as it covered everything we wanted to do. We were unable to get picked up so we made our own way to 5 star marina. We were made welcome by the whole team. after signing in we were assigned to Sammy who along with 1 crew and the driver were excellent. We were informed of everything, felt safe and had a thoroughly amazing experience. Would highly recommend this boat tour, thank you for sn amazing afternoon
        Written 5 February 2025
      • F6062KTglennw
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jam packed day on the water
        Great trip from start to finish. Well organised, friendly and professional staff and guides. Felt safe and well cared for. Boat was comfortable and had good shade. We saw the bioluminescence in a small cave which was pretty cool to see. Packed a lot in! Two tips - take a towel for when you have a swim. - the floating village is quite a special place but you will arrive too late to look through the main village. You have dinner there and will have access to some small market stalls.
        Written 28 January 2025
      • laineyloo233
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Must do tour!
        Excellent trip, would highly recommend as a must do. The caves were definitely an experience. Buffet in the evening was lovely. Paddling in the bioluminescence was definitely a highlight.
        Written 25 January 2025
      • johnsY7762LK
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        First class day out.
        Absolutely brilliant trip from start to finish, really well organised and professional set up, great staff on the boat and absolutely stunning scenery throughout. I've been on lots of boat trips in Thailand and whilst the places you visit are always stunning sometimes the tour company, boats or staff leave a lot to be desired, not this one, they were all first class. Highly recommended.
        Written 23 January 2025
      • Lemazintransit
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Absolutely unforgettable Perfect Thailand tour
        Everything we wanted to do was captured in the tour. Easy pick up, lovely breakfast at the marina. The tour guides were so engaging and knowledgeable, very helpful and considerate. They made the experience with snorkelling advice and underwater tour too! We were 5 adult family members traveling together from all over the world and we all had a fantastic time. The snorkelling was amazing. The stops chosen were fantastic, beating the crowds by being early was so worth it. The maya bay sands are the softest ever. Great snacks and drinks provided on the boat. We still bought extra snacks with us too. Bring a water proof bag(not too big) the boat and seats do get wet. Good idea maybe to wear reef shoes, we were barefoot most of the day which was ok for us but I would recommend getting them. The paekruwit floating restaurant was absolutely amazing and was a highlight for the trip. The cooking class on the mini pancakes was so good. The boat was fast and fun. It was super well looked after, no toilet so keep that in mind when you head off. I can’t remember the guides names but they were the best. Highly recommend this tour to anyone.
        Written 19 January 2025
      • Venture31218681226
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great tour and lovely crew
        Great tour and well organised. We got picked up from our hotel promptly and then at the harbour they give a little explanation of what to expect during the day. Started off exploring a cave with stalactites and stalagmites then onto some swimming in the sea. This was followed by a visit to James Bond island and then onto some canoeing (canoes are handled by guides) and then onto dinner at the floating village which was delicious. Finally we got to see the bioluminescents which was amazing to see before heading back.
        Written 19 January 2025
      • chrismS8750SM
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Plankton night tour
        We had a great time on this tour. The guide and boat crew were great and gave lots of information about the islands and surrounding area. I would recommend this tour to my friends and family.
        Written 15 January 2025
      • Andrea L
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Very good tour - highly professional
        Very professionally organised tour on a boat in very good condition. Highly motivated tour guide. Food was served in an awesome restaurant on the sea.
        Written 12 January 2025
      • Ala L
        0 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        False advertising of transportation included. NOT A TOUR FOR TRAVELLERS ON A CRUSIESHIP
        Cruise ship travellers be warned!!! This transportation is not included!!! (Also do your research about the moon cycles before booking the trip!) This was mentioned to be a trip out of Patong BUT IS FALSELY ADVERTISED. EVEN IF YOU PAY THE EXTRA FOR TRANSPORTATION, IT IS NOT FROM PATONG BUT PHUKET. Despite giving them a large heads up of over 2 months, they did not inform me that my pickup point was valid. (We were coming off a cruise that disembarked in Patong). We had to make our own arrangements to get to where the tour led off (which took over 3 hours for them to give us the correct destination) Despite all the travel headaches, the tour operators (Discova Tours) are excellent and lead a very good tour.
        Written 8 January 2025
      • ailse67
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Komprimierte sightseeing food flavour Tour
        We booked this tour on 12/13 with 2 people, first of all in advance, come hungry for this trip to Phuket Old Town, we were served or offered so much food it was impossible to try everything, everything was all inclusive. There are no additional costs. Due to the fact that a food festival took place in old town, we adapted the route, which was very convenient for us. Air our tour guide told us a lot about the history of Phuket and led us to places we would not normally have visited. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and thank you very much for the 4 hours of numerous conversations and impressions that were allowed as experienced. 🙏
        Written 14 December 2024
      • Al A
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lovely trip!
        The trip was well organized. Weather was not the best and Alex the tour guide ensured that timings and tour plan were adjusted accordingly. This also includes visit to James Bond Island! Bioluminescence could be a hit n miss per weather conditions; but worth the try; we had about 5-10 min and it’s a natures wonder! The remaining part was lovely too; canoing through the lagoon and swimming. Dinner was better n tastier than most other excursions we went on
        Written 29 November 2024
      • beabJ6738JE
        0 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Disappointing despite the crew's best efforts
        We went with the 5 Star Marine on the Bioluminescence trip. The trip was well organized and the crew truly did their best to make it a good experience...but right now, the weather in Thailand is disgusting. And all those beautiful views that you experience during this trip - without sunshine, it's all very bleak and quite depressing. We only saw white bioluminescence, which wasn't described on the website - white ones aren't very impressive, I guess you can see them fine in the dark, but they don't "wow" you - they don't have that "magic" feel that the blue and green do. If there was information mentioned in the trip description that the plankton you're gonna see will likely be plain white, I wouldn't pay even a dollar for it. So, if the weather is sunny and you don't really care about seeing the bioluminescent plankton, I guess this is a pretty good trip. But anything else than perfect weather, or if you want to see the blue plankton - it's absolutely not worth it. I know nobody can control the weather, but there should be a visible disclaimer that the views are 3/10 without the sun and the plankton is absolutely not as pictured in the advertising photo.
        Written 27 November 2024
      • heatherbF5447CZ
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Good local food, but portions could be smaller
        Some of the best food I had in Thailand was on this tour. It was great to see local spots where the flavours aren't watered down and be recommended dishes. We ordered our own complete entrees, which was too much food given there were only two people on the tour. It would be nice to go somewhere with a tasting menu and sample small portions of many dishes instead. Friendly staff keen on taking many photos for us.
        Written 23 November 2024
      • adrianpJ665FK
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing tour by Discova
        Amazing tour by Discova. Alex, the your guide is amazing. We did see the bioluminescence from the plankton, however we swam during the night inside a cave to see that. It was a little bit scary as I didn't swim during the night and inside the cave was pitch black.
        Written 14 November 2024
      See all 134 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


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      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles38 reviews
      Excellent
      38
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      Rebecca C
      21 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      This was an absolutely incredible memorable experience and we would highly recommend booking here to see these beautiful animals. They have only been open just over a year and have already rescued 8 elephants from there horrific lives and have given them a whole new life in the jungle this is a day out perfect for couples families or on your own the staff here are so friendly knowledgeable & welcoming. It’s an ethical sanctuary everything they say they are, no riding no bathing no touching just pure enjoyment watching the animals be cared for by the mahouts whilst having the full freedom to live a happy life to do as they wish and getting the best care. You can feed them but again this is done in the most ethical way possible no touching etc you can take as many photos as you like whilst sitting in the viewing platforms and following them around the jungle they seem so happy now. Included in our booking was pickup from the hotel & lunch it was a fully vegetarian meal and absolutely delicious we fully enjoyed it (we are not vegetarian) tea coffee & water was provided on arrival and water stations on your walk available, they also have a gift shop at the end and all proceeds go towards helping these animals to give them a better life after everything they have been through by booking here you really feel like your helping support & contribute to change in how these animals are treated in elephant tourism in Thailand which is what they are trying to do. Thank you so much for the most wonderful day we will definitely be back on our next trip to Thailand 🐘🦋🍃
      Written 6 January 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your heartfelt review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience and enjoyed learning about the elephants in our care. It’s wonderful to know that our ethical approach and dedication to the animals made a positive impact on your visit. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Thailand! 🐘🍃
      Written 10 January 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Vacationer728446
      5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      When planning our trip to Thailand, we wanted to see elephants in an ethical environment. By chance we booked a visit here, and it was probably one of the best decisions we made.

      Early on in our trip, we had driven by one of the elephant “sanctuaries” on the way up to Big Buddha, the conditions those elephants were in, compared to those at the Hidden Elephant, are night and day.

      Everyone always has these lovely stories about bathing with elephants on these types of experiences, when it reality the horrors, unknown to us at the time, are something that makes you stop and reflect.

      The experience here is truly different. We had a driver pick us up from the hotel, upon arrival we were directed to the seating area, were able to get a coffee, and settle ourselves in.

      The presentation at the beginning really shed a light on the elephant tourism industry, as well as provided a bunch of information on the elephants. The staff were very kind, informative, and passionate about what they do.

      After we were guided down to the feeding area, where we got the chance to feed the elephants some bananas and sugar cane, from a safe and respectful distance. The elephants were stunning, and at no point did we feel our safety was in jeopardy.

      We then proceeded to follow them around as we made our way up to the restaurant and bathing pools, with stops to watch them snack along the way.

      At the top, we got to watch the elephants play, relax, and enjoy themselves in the bathing pond, while we had a buffet lunch. As someone who isn’t normally a fan of vegetarian cuisine, the lunch was very lovely, and left both of us full at the end.

      After having some time to enjoy the elephants once more, we made our way down to where we started. We made a quick stop at the gift shop to pick up some beautiful hand crafted wooden elephants, before getting into our transport back to the hotel.

      We both left this experience having learned a bunch of new information, and a bunch of cute elephant photos and videos. If you truly want an ethical experience, I can’t recommend this place enough!
      Written 7 November 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your visit to the Hidden Elephant was one of the highlights of your trip. It means a lot to us that you appreciated the ethical approach we take in caring for the elephants. The stark contrast you mentioned between the experience here and others is exactly why we focus on creating a safe, respectful environment for both the elephants and our guests. We’re glad you enjoyed the presentation, the chance to feed the elephants, and the peaceful moments watching them enjoy themselves in the bathing pond. It's great to know that the vegetarian lunch also exceeded your expectations! Thank you for supporting ethical elephant tourism, and for sharing your experience with others. We hope to welcome you back again soon to create even more beautiful memories with our elephant family!
      Written 8 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Aleona
      2 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2024 • Family
      Had the most wonderful afternoon here. It is truly an ethical sanctuary. Like others, we had visited what we thought was an ethical sanctuary a few years ago to realise that it wasn’t. Bathing with or touching the elephants is not permitted here and rightly so, these acts stress the animals and to bathe with them is dangerous and unhygienic.
      The staff here are exceptionally knowledgeable and clearly care about the elephants and their environment. You are given an educational talk and video at the start of the tour. The tour is a walking tour following the elephant to various stations. You are able to feed them bananas at a couple of stations and then are able to watch them from sheltered viewing areas/platforms. The guide is with you all the time and they have lots of stories to tell about each elephant.
      The trip ends with a vegetarian buffet (delicious) at an area elevated above the elephants bathing pools, so you can watch them having a relaxed bath whilst you eat.
      I would highly recommend the Hidden Forest Sanctuary. A special thank you to Russell who looked after my husband (who cannot walk so well), and who made it possible for him to enjoy this whole experience.!
      Written 12 January 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your heartfelt review! We’re thrilled to hear you had a wonderful experience at the Hidden Forest Sanctuary. It’s great to know you appreciated our ethical approach, the knowledgeable staff, and the relaxing atmosphere. We’re also glad Russell could help make the experience enjoyable for your husband. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
      Written 17 January 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Liz
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Oct 2024 • Couples
      Amazing truly ethical experience.

      No riding, no bathing, no touching. Still amazing.

      I really did my research before I visited this place and I’m so glad I did. A lot of elephant places claim to be ethical but still let you wash with them and hug the animals. This is still forced behaviour and has to be trained for safety reasons. But at Hidden Forest there was none of that.

      Booking process online was simple and easy and we got collected and dropped off to our hotel (50 mins drive away) included in the price.

      A lovely welcome and video intro. Talk from the owner. Clear fact sheets on the board and models of elephant teeth to look at.

      You get to feed the elephants at a controlled distance, watch them walk freely through the forest area - stopping for snacks along the way - and then bathe in the pool at the top of the reserve.

      Whilst they are swimming you get a meal included too - a hot lunch cooked by the wives of the mahouts that live on the reserve. They catered well for my “gluten free request” just put it on the form when you book.

      The animals were amazing and so playful it was lovely to see them interacting with each other and enjoying their lives.

      All the elephants are rescued from precious forms of the tourism industry, and the staff are so knowledgeable and friendly telling you facts about the animals and their histories.

      I would recommend this place to anyone in Phuket - it should be the only way people sell an “elephant sanctuary” in Phuket.

      Always do your research !!
      Written 28 October 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing and truly ethical experience at the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. Your commitment to researching ethical practices in elephant tourism is commendable, and we’re glad you found our approach aligned with those values. We appreciate your kind words about our booking process, the welcoming atmosphere, and the informative sessions provided by our staff. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed feeding the elephants from a safe distance and watching them thrive in their natural environment. We're also pleased to know that the meal catered to your dietary needs and that you found the staff knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you for recommending us as a top destination in Phuket! We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments with our elephants in the future.
      Written 3 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      McKenzie L
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2024 • Friends
      This place is phenomenal. The staff are so attentive to the animals as well as to the visitors, and you can tell how much they value their own work. The commitment to a sustainable, ethical sanctuary is admirable and what we need for the future of animal wellbeing. No elephant should be chained up, giving humans a ride on their backs, forced to bathe, or used in zoo shows. At the sanctuary, we fed them, but did not touch them and got to watch from a near, but not too close distance - as it should be.

      Let us all support this place (you can donate on their website!) and others like it in the world to give back to these beautiful, intelligent, loving creatures. Remember to say no to unethical elephant tourism.

      Thank you Hidden Forest for the incredible and important work you do 🐘💚
      Written 15 December 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your heartfelt and thoughtful review! We are truly grateful for your kind words and for recognizing the hard work and dedication our team puts into creating a safe and ethical environment for the elephants. Your support means the world to us and helps ensure that we can continue our mission to provide a sustainable, compassionate sanctuary. It’s wonderful to hear that you appreciated the way we interact with the elephants, allowing them to live naturally while still offering visitors an enriching experience. We couldn’t agree more—ethical elephant tourism is the way forward, and we’re so grateful for advocates like you. Thank you again for your support and for spreading the message!
      Written 25 December 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Scott S
      9 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aug 2024 • Couples
      We are supportive of the good work Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve is doing by treating the elephants with care and respect, rescuing them from "working life" and letting them do what elephants naturally want to do.

      We had a really close view as they walked down the path next to us with no fence or separation. We fed them snacks from a safe distance, watched them enjoy their favorite food, go swimming, cover themselves with mud, and even make a little noise.

      The founder, Russell, is very passionate and committed to this cause but keeps the horror stories to a minimum. His staff are also very committed and knowledgeable and could explain elephant behavior in easy-to-understand English. For example, they know the personality of each elephant and which ones are friends with each other and how they care for each other and communicate. The women who guided us were great with the kids who came and even gave them coloring pages of elephants to keep them occupied.

      Lunch was good and we liked the flower tea that changed color from blue to purple. We bought some at the gift shop.

      It's a place we felt good supporting. Elephants are not taken advantage of at Hidden Forest. They put the elephants first.
      Written 10 August 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you felt positively about the care and respect we provide for the elephants at Hidden Forest. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the close-up experience with the elephants, feeding them, and watching their natural behaviors like swimming and playing in the mud. We’re glad that Russell’s passion and our team’s knowledge made a difference in your visit, and that you found the explanations about the elephants’ personalities and behaviors engaging. It’s great to hear that the activities and the flower tea added to your experience. Your support and recognition mean a lot to us. We’re committed to putting the elephants first and are grateful that you felt good about supporting our cause. Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing your experience!
      Written 6 September 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Ellie T
      5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Family
      There was some confusion initially with trip advisor not sending our booking through to the reserve, resulting in us not being collected from our hotel. However, when we messaged Russell on WhatsApp, he was quick to sort & offered a reimbursement for us getting our own transport there, so we didn’t miss our allocated slot!
      The sanctuary itself was amazing, I couldn’t fault one bit of it. Highly motivated on ensuring the elephants are treated ethically after being rescued from years of abuse - highly educational and knowledgeable people. An unforgettable day with good food overlooking the elephants bathe!
      Written 16 November 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We sincerely apologize for the initial confusion regarding your booking. We're glad to hear that Russell was able to quickly resolve the situation and that you were able to enjoy your experience without missing out on your scheduled slot. It’s wonderful to hear that you had an unforgettable day at the sanctuary and appreciated the ethical treatment of the elephants. We take great pride in the work we do to ensure these magnificent animals are cared for, and we're so pleased to know that our team’s passion for animal welfare, as well as the food and setting, made your visit memorable. We hope to welcome you back again for another amazing experience in the future.
      Written 25 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      rdal41
      28 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very interesting and informative visit to an ethical reserve that houses seven adult female elephants. They are well treated and look happy. They can be fed and watched very closely. Unlike other parks, you can’t ride them or swim with them, because this type of activity doesn’t do animals any good. The last stop of the tour is a delicious Thai meal cooked on site during which you can watch the elephants swimming and having fun in a pond right in front of you. The staff is very welcoming, passionate about elephants and interested in making us better know these beautiful animals! This reserve is definitely worth visiting.
      Additional information: waking up in the morning, my wife was not feeling well and I called to cancel the planned visit at 9:30. Since we were leaving the next day, I saw no other option, but they offered to come, if things were better, to the afternoon visit. They arranged the change of transportation at no cost. And during the afternoon visit, they took special care of my wife. Hats off for their professionalism and a big thank you to the whole team!
      Automatically translated
      Written 1 January 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad to hear that you had an informative and enjoyable visit to the ethical reserve. It's great to know you appreciated the care given to the elephants and the welcoming atmosphere of our team. We're also happy we could accommodate your change of plans and ensure your wife's comfort. Your feedback means a lot, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!
      Written 2 January 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Nicola and Dan S
      Canberra, Australia9 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sept 2024 • Family
      We were recommended Tikky from a friend.
      Tikky came to meet us on our first day in Phuket. We discussed what we wanted to do and she provided very good information and tips for the local area. We booked jet ski tour, phi phi tour, zip lining, transfer and hidden forest elephant reserve. It was done quickly and the communication was excellent. Each evening we would get a message on WhatsApp from Tikky with reminder about the following day and pick up times. She also went out of her way to send us restaurant and market recommendations.

      We would definitely use Tikky again!

      Thank you Discova for pushing and recommending Hidden Forest elephants, you are making sure that tourists have an amazing experience while not compromising the well-being of the elephants!
      Written 1 October 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Tikky made your time in Phuket special. It sounds like you had an incredible adventure with the jet ski tour, Phi Phi tour, zip lining, and the elephant reserve. We’re glad the communication and tips helped you make the most of your trip. Your appreciation for the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve means a lot to us; we’re committed to ensuring a great experience for both tourists and the elephants. We can't wait to help you plan your next adventure—see you again soon!
      Written 14 October 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Natalie
      Cambridge, UK11 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2025 • Family
      Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve is the most ethical elephant experience in Phuket! They have created a truly wonderful environment for elephants that they have rescued from the horrific logging and tourist trade.

      Russ and his team provide a wonderful opportunity to observe these magical creatures in an environment that mimics their natural setting while respecting their individual autonomy. The elephants are extremely happy and well cared for. The staff are wonderful and have a wealth of information regarding the elephants they have rescued. All of the staff and mahouts have such strong bonds with the elephants and genuinely care for their welfare. Each elephant is named after their unique and quirky traits. Gaw Boon AKA Boss Lady was my favourite! I highly recommend this experience - everything was just perfect!
      Written 17 January 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience at the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. It’s heartwarming to know that you appreciated the ethical approach to caring for the elephants and the wonderful environment the team has created for them. Russ and the entire staff work tirelessly to ensure the elephants are well cared for, and it’s wonderful to hear how their bonds with the elephants made your visit so special. We’re so glad you had the chance to connect with Gaw Boon, aka Boss Lady—what a personality! We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for another unforgettable experience.
      Written 19 January 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      2025 Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch provided by Discova Phuket

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