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Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp, offering a range of soft adventure tours in and around the stunning Khao Sok National Park. You can choose from 2 to 4 day packages that include activities such as kayaking, lake explorations, mangrove expeditions, jungle treks and the unique Elephant Experience, where you get to feed, wash and interact with Asia’s largest land animal in a respectful and fun way. You’ll stay in spacious and comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms, enjoy delicious Thai cuisine and be entertained by cultural shows and cooking demonstrations. Elephant Hills is more than just a resort, it’s a responsible tourism operator that supports conservation, education and community development in the region.
What sets Elephant Hills apart from other jungle camps is its commitment to ethical elephant tourism. Unlike many other places in Thailand, Elephant Hills does not offer elephant riding or shows, but instead lets you get up close and personal with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. You’ll learn about their history, behaviour and personalities, as well as the challenges they face in the modern world. You’ll also help prepare their food, scrub them clean and watch them splash around in the river. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation and respect for these amazing animals.
Another special aspect of Elephant Hills is its floating Rainforest Camp, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps. Located on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake, this camp offers a serene and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can relax on your private deck, swim in the lake, kayak through the limestone cliffs or join a guided trek through the ancient rainforest. At night, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of nature under a starry sky.
Elephant Hills is situated in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests in the world. The park covers an area of over 700 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including gibbons, hornbills, wild elephants, tigers and more. The park also boasts spectacular natural features such as limestone mountains, waterfalls, caves and lakes. Elephant Hills offers easy access to some of the park’s most scenic spots, such as Cheow Larn Lake, Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Sok River.
Elephant Hills combines the safari tent concept of African national parks with the tropical forest environment of Thailand. The tents are spacious and stylish, featuring hardwood floors, king-sized beds, fans, electric lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. The tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, safes and hairdryers for your convenience. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden furniture, colorful fabrics and local artworks. The tents blend in harmoniously with the surrounding nature, offering privacy and comfort without compromising on authenticity.
Sustainability
Elephant Hills is a leader in sustainable tourism in Thailand, having won several awards for its environmental and social initiatives. The resort operates on solar power and uses biodegradable products wherever possible. It also minimizes waste by recycling, composting and donating excess food to local schools. The resort also supports various conservation projects in the area, such as planting trees, monitoring wildlife populations and rehabilitating injured animals. One of its most notable achievements is the establishment of the Elephant Conservation Project, which aims to protect the wild elephants of Khao Sok National Park from poaching and habitat loss.
Elephant Hills is not only a resort but also a social enterprise that empowers local communities through education, employment and development. The resort employs over 100 local staff members who receive fair wages, training and benefits. It also sources most of its products and services from local suppliers and farmers who practice organic farming. The resort also supports several schools in the area by providing scholarships, books, uniforms and equipment. Additionally, the resort organizes cultural exchange programs where guests can visit local villages and learn about their traditions and lifestyles.
Rooms
Elephant Hills offers two types of accommodation: The Elephant Camp and the Rainforest Camp. Both camps feature luxury tents that can accommodate up to three people each.
The Elephant Camp is located on the banks of Sok River, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The camp has 35 tents that are set on wooden platforms with private balconies overlooking the river or the mountains. The tents are spacious and stylish, featuring hardwood floors, king-sized beds, fans, electric lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. The tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, safes and hairdryers for your convenience. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden furniture, colorful fabrics and local artworks.
The Rainforest Camp is located on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps. The camp has 20 tents that are set on pontoons with private decks facing the lake or the jungle. The tents are cozy and charming, featuring bamboo floors, queen-sized beds, fans, electric lights and en-suite bathrooms with cold water showers. The tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, safes and dry bags for your belongings. The decor is natural and rustic, with bamboo furniture, green fabrics and lanterns.
Food and drink
Elephant Hills offers a full-board service, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included in your package. The food is mainly Thai cuisine, with a variety of dishes such as curries, stir-fries, soups and salads. You can also enjoy some western options such as eggs, toast, pasta and burgers. The food is served buffet-style in the main dining area, where you can mingle with other guests and enjoy the views of the jungle and the river. Drinks are ordered from the small bar, which stocks soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits. You can also try some local fruits and snacks during your activities.
Things to do
Elephant Hills offers a range of immersive experiences that take you beyond the elephant sanctuary and into the natural habitat of Khao Sok National Park. You can choose from 2 to 4 day packages that include different combinations of activities. Some of the most popular activities are:
The Elephant Experience: This is the highlight of any stay at Elephant Hills. You’ll get to meet the resident elephants at their campsite near the river. You’ll learn about their history, behaviour and personalities, as well as the challenges they face in the modern world. You’ll also help prepare their food, scrub them clean and watch them splash around in the river. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation and respect for these amazing animals.
The Canoe Safari: This is a relaxing and scenic way to explore the Sok River and its surroundings. You’ll paddle along the calm water, guided by a local expert who will point out the wildlife and plants along the way. You’ll see monkeys, birds, fish and maybe even a wild elephant if you’re lucky. You’ll also enjoy the views of the limestone mountains and the jungle canopy.
The Lake Exploration: This is a full-day adventure that takes you to the spectacular Cheow Larn Lake, a man-made reservoir that was created in 1982 by damming the Phum Duang River. The lake covers an area of 165 square kilometers and has over 100 islands that rise from the water like green jewels. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and dense jungle, creating a breathtaking scenery that resembles Guilin in China or Halong Bay in Vietnam. You’ll travel by traditional longtail boat to the floating Rainforest Camp, where you can swim, kayak or relax on your private deck. You’ll also visit the nearby Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot rare animals such as tapirs, gaurs and clouded leopards.
The Jungle Trek: This is a chance to experience the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park on foot. You’ll join a guided trek through the lush vegetation, learning about the ecology and history of the area. You’ll see exotic plants, flowers and fruits, as well as insects, reptiles and birds. You’ll also visit some of the park’s natural attractions, such as waterfalls, caves and viewpoints.
Wider region
Elephant Hills is located in one of the most beautiful and diverse regions of Thailand, with plenty to see and do beyond the camp. You can explore the stunning Khao Sok National Park, which covers an area of over 700 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including gibbons, hornbills, wild elephants, tigers and more. The park also boasts spectacular natural features such as limestone mountains, waterfalls, caves and lakes. You can join guided treks through the ancient rainforest, kayak along the Sok River or visit the local market and temple.
Another highlight of the region is Cheow Larn Lake, a man-made reservoir that was created in 1982 by damming the Phum Duang River. The lake covers an area of 165 square kilometers and has over 100 islands that rise from the water like green jewels. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and dense jungle, creating a breathtaking scenery that resembles Guilin in China or Halong Bay in Vietnam. You can stay at the floating Rainforest Camp on the lake, where you can swim, kayak or relax on your private deck. You can also visit the nearby Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot rare animals such as tapirs, gaurs and clouded leopards.
If you’re looking for some beach time, you can easily reach some of Thailand’s most popular coastal destinations from Elephant Hills. Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Samui are all within a few hours’ drive from the camp, offering white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing and island hopping. You can also visit some of the smaller islands in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta or Koh Tao.
Kids
Elephant Hills is a perfect destination for families who love nature and adventure. The resort welcomes children of all ages and offers a range of activities that are suitable and fun for everyone. Children will especially enjoy the Elephant Experience, where they can interact with these gentle giants in a safe and respectful way. They will also have a blast kayaking on the river or the lake, spotting wildlife in the jungle or learning about Thai culture and cuisine. The resort also provides children’s books, games and DVDs for entertainment. The tents can accommodate up to three people each, with extra beds available on request. The resort also offers special discounts for children under 16 years old.
Getting there
Elephant Hills is located in the Surat Thani province of southern Thailand, about 160 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. The resort provides free transfers to and from various destinations in the region, such as Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui and more. You can check the transfer schedule and policy on the resort’s website. The transfer time varies depending on the destination, but it usually takes between two to four hours by car or van. The resort also offers private transfers for an extra charge.
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Reforestation or restoration
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Promotes local businesses
- Funds projects
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Preservation of cultural heritage
- Nature
- Wildlife
- Jungle or forest
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Tented camp
- Hiking
- Watersports
- Yoga
- Cookery
- Wildlife watching
