Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand is the stunning setting for the award-winning eco-lodge, Elephant Hills. Staying at Elephant Hills gives you the chance to reconnect with nature, support conservation efforts, and create lasting memories in one of Thailand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, Elephant Hills provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests stay in luxurious tents and can enjoy a variety of activities that showcase the beauty of the surrounding environment. From ethical elephant encounters to canoe safaris and jungle treks, a stay at Elephant Hills offers the chance to explore the wonders of Khao Sok while supporting responsible tourism practices.
Elephant Hills is committed to conservation and sustainability practices aimed at preserving Khao Sok’s ecosystem. Through education, community outreach, and responsible tourism initiatives, Elephant Hills strives to protect the park’s biodiversity while providing meaningful experiences for visitors.
Responsible Thailand Award Winner
The team at Elephant Hills has a proven track record for animal welfare, but they haven’t rested on their laurels. A winner in the 2023 and 2024 Responsible Thailand Awards, Elephant Hills followed that up in 2025 by winning the Responsible Animal Welfare Award.
Adhering strictly to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) guidelines, Elephant Hills has consistently shown how an observation-based elephant experience can prioritise animal welfare while being commercially viable. With veterinary care programmes, dedicated support for senior elephants, and genuine care and support for the mahouts, Elephant Hills is an outstanding example of responsible tourism.
Video of Elephant Hills, Khao Sok
Elephant Hills consistently upholds high standards of animal welfare, adhering strictly to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) guidelines. Their veterinary care programmes and dedicated support for senior elephants stand out, as does their commitment to the welfare of the mahouts who care for the elephants. Their dedication to responsible tourism and conservation is exemplary.
Responsible Thailand Awards Judges
Ethical elephant experiences
Many of the elephants at Elephant Hills Sanctuary once worked in Thailand’s logging industry until logging with elephants was banned in 1989. With each elephant consuming over 200 kg of food per day, alternative means to support them had to be found, which resulted in many of the elephants transferring to the tourism industry. While some elephant camps did excellent work, others concentrated on money more than animal welfare.
In 2010, the Elephant Hills Elephant Experience was introduced. This offered a more ethical way to see the elephants with no riding involved. At that time, riding elephants was still common, but Elephant Hills and other forward-thinking elephant centres pioneered a new approach with no riding. Instead, it was a more interactive and respectful encounter.
(Photo: Elephant Hills Facebook page)
As part of the Elephant Hills soft adventure tour packages, guests can get close to the elephants, watch them enjoy a mud bath, and help prepare and feed them a meal. Afterwards, the elephants roam freely in their spacious enclosure, where guests can observe them play, socialise, and graze naturally.
Khao Sok National Park
Situated in Surat Thani province and located inland between the Gulf Coast and the Andaman Coast, Khao Sok National Park is an area of sublime natural beauty. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic jungle experience. With its towering limestone cliffs, ancient rainforests, and serene lakes, Khao Sok is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country.
(Photo: Elephant Hills Facebook page)
Khao Sok is home to a dizzying array of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Malayan tapir, clouded leopard, and the endangered gaur. However, the park is perhaps best known for its population of Asian elephants, which roam freely in their natural habitat.
Activities at Elephant Hills
Whether you’re an avid trekker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquillity, Elephant Hills offers activities to suit every interest. Guests can explore the jungles and waterways of Khao Sok National Park under the expert guidance of local guides. Enjoy a jungle trek and a peaceful canoe ride along the Sok River, taking in the breathtaking scenery that defines this remarkable landscape.
- Ethical elephant encounters: Elephant Hills focuses on ethical elephant interactions and conservation efforts. Here, the well-being of the elephants is paramount, and guests can observe them in their natural environment, learning about their behaviour, diet, and conservation challenges.
- Jungle trekking: Embark on guided treks through dense rainforests, discovering hidden waterfalls, ancient trees, and vibrant birdlife.
- Canoeing and boat safaris: Enjoy a gentle cruise along Cheow Larn Lake in a longtail boat or kayak to see the limestone mountains and caves. There is also the option to go bamboo rafting on the nearby Sok River.
- Wildlife watching: From early morning bird-watching excursions to nocturnal safaris, there are countless opportunities to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Cultural immersion: Interact with local communities and learn about their traditions, crafts, and way of life.
(Photo: Elephant Hills Facebook page)
Stay at Elephant Hills
Staying at Elephant Hills is an unforgettable experience with guests able to choose from two locations* in Khao Sok National Park. The Elephant Camp is located at the edge of Khao Sok National Park while the Floating Rainforest Camp is on Cheow Larn Lake. Whichever option you choose, the luxury tents blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering comfort without compromising the natural setting. Wake up to the symphony of jungle sounds, and fall asleep under a canopy of stars.
*Elephant Hills has also opened The Bush Camp in Chiang Mai.
Video of Elephant Hills, Khao Sok
These spacious tents, accommodating up to four guests, are ideal for a memorable family getaway. The luxury glamping tents are equipped with all the modern conveniences you would expect to find in a four-star hotel room. Despite being in the jungle, you’ll enjoy comfortable beds, electricity, Wi-Fi, cooling fans, and en suite bathrooms with Western-style toilets and heated showers. The tents are also well-protected from mosquitos and insects, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.
Visit Elephant Hills
Khao Sok National Park is open throughout the year and has two main seasons. The dry season runs from January to late April, while the wet season lasts from late April to December.
The wettest months are September and October. Some hiking trails may be temporarily closed during this time. The average temperatures range from 22°C to 36°C year-round. The weather in Khao Sok can change quickly and whatever time of the year you visit be prepared for tropical showers.
Video of Elephant Hills, Khao Sok
You can easily get to Elephant Hills from popular spots like Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak. You can also arrange transfers to Khao Sok National Park from Ko Samui and Don Sak Pier. The nearest airport is in Surat Thani, approximately a two-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can fly to Krabi or Phuket. For specific transfer details and timings, check directly with Elephant Hills.
For more information about Elephant Hills or to plan a visit, see their website and social media channels.
