If you’re looking for a bucket-list experience in Thailand, Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list. This award-winning jungle safari combines adventure, wildlife encounters, and luxury glamping, all set amidst the breathtaking scenery of southern Thailand. With all-inclusive packages that cover your activities, meals, and accommodations in their unique luxury tents, Elephant Hills offers an unforgettable escape into nature without sacrificing comfort. In this post, I’ll take you through my full itinerary—from the thrilling elephant experience and serene lake excursions to the ins and outs of the camp’s facilities, food, and drinks. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this incredible eco-adventure!

Day 1: Arrival at Elephant Hills

Come with me to Elephant Hills, where our adventure began with a seamless transfer and a warm welcome! One of the things I love about Elephant Hills is how they include all your transfers, making it incredibly convenient if you’re exploring different destinations in southern Thailand. You don’t even have to return to the same pick-up point—they’ll drop you at your next destination, whether it’s Phuket, the ferry to Koh Samui or elsewhere.

We arrived early into Phuket International Airport on a red-eye flight from Qatar. Since we landed well before the regular shuttle service started, the helpful staff at Elephant Hills recommended a private transfer to the camp. Right on cue, our driver, Mr. Natthawat Yothasri, was waiting in arrivals with a sign bearing our names. After escorting us outside, he retrieved the van and we were on our way!

Mr. Natthawat informed us that the journey would take about 2.5 hours and kindly offered to stop for a bathroom break if needed. As we drove through rural villages and lush greenery, I found myself mesmerised by the scenery. Although I had planned to nap, the stunning landscapes—and the excitement of being back in Thailand—had me glued to the window.

When we arrived at Elephant Hills, we were greeted by the friendly staff and offered a refreshing pineapple and ginger ale mocktail. After completing some quick paperwork, we were given a rundown of our three-day itinerary. Our guide, Pond, introduced herself and let us know that the first activity, the Ethical Elephant Experience, would begin at 1:30 PM, with lunch served at noon. With a few hours to decompress before the activities started, we had time to settle in.

As a thoughtful perk for booking directly through Elephant Hills, we received complimentary shirts. After trying them on and finding the perfect fit, we were delighted to learn that our tent keys were ready by 11 AM, even though we arrived earlier than expected.

Our luxury glamping tent was so much better than expected – It had everything we needed to feel at home: a cozy bed, an ensuite bathroom with hot water, and fans to keep cool. After a quick shower and some time to settle in, we headed for lunch.

Signaled by the iconic lunch gong, the buffet offered a variety of dishes to suit every palate. The staff took note of my gluten-free dietary needs during check-in and quickly prepared a selection of specially labeled dishes for me—an impressive feat given how little notice they had! The main dining area also has a well-stocked bar, and we couldn’t resist trying one of their signature cocktails made with local rum.

After exploring the property, including the pool and a second bar, it was finally time for the activity I had been most excited about—the Ethical Elephant Experience. Pond’s earlier briefing had clearly outlined what to bring and wear, ensuring we were well-prepared for this memorable experience.

And just like that, our adventure at Elephant Hills was off to an incredible start!

Ethical Elephant Experience

Our first activity at Elephant Hills was the Ethical Elephant Experience, and it was everything I’d hoped for—and more. At 1:30 PM, we left the camp in a safari-style bus and took a short, scenic 10-minute ride to the elephant park. As we arrived, the truck’s wheels were sterilised to ensure the safety and hygiene of the area.

At the park, we were greeted with a quick briefing about how to properly interact with the elephants, including feeding tips and guidance on avoiding behaviours that could encourage bad habits. There were 10 elephants at the camp, each cared for by its own mahout (elephant handler). All of these majestic animals were rescued from the logging industry, which was banned in Thailand in the 1980s. Interestingly, only female elephants are housed here, as they tend to have calmer temperaments. Many of the elephants were elderly, and a couple had lost vision in one or both eyes.

A large table in the middle of the park was set with sugar cane, pineapples, grasses, and other supplements for us to prepare. Our guide, Pond, demonstrated how to cut the fruits and create special dietary treats for the elephants. Using what looked like a meat cleaver, we quartered pineapples and halved sugar canes. We also learned how to make a sweet-and-salty supplements by dipping sour tamarinds in salt, wrapping them with seeds and grains in banana leaves, and tying them up with grass.

Once our baskets were filled, it was time to meet and feed the elephants. The experience was deeply rewarding as we handed fruits directly to their trunks, which they skillfully grasped and brought to their mouths. A few cheeky elephants tried to sneak fruits from the baskets, so we had to stay alert! One older elephant could only eat pineapple, so we avoided offering her sugar cane or supplements. Another, who was completely blind, stole my heart. To feed her, you gently rubbed her trunk to let her know you were there and placed the food directly into her grasp. She was such a gentle giant and quickly became my favourite.

After feeding the elephants and snapping a lifetime’s worth of photos and videos, we watched them bathe in the pond and roam freely in the lush 25-acre pastures. It was heartwarming to see them enjoying their day in such a safe and caring environment.

Before leaving, we visited the on-site Elephant Café, where you could grab drinks or snacks (and could charge any drinks to your tent). There was also an educational area underneath the café, showcasing exhibits about making paper from elephant dung, the history of elephants in Thailand, and even how elephants were once part of the Thai flag. We learned about National Elephant Day and saw anatomy models that added a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures. Pond even handed us bookmarks made from elephant dung as souvenirs—a quirky but memorable keepsake!

With the Ethical Elephant Experience complete, we boarded the bus again and headed off for our next adventure: a river canoeing trip on the Khao Sok River. The day was just getting started!

Canoeing Adventure on the Khao Sok River

Before heading to the river, we were provided with dry bags to keep our belongings safe during the canoeing activity. When we arrived at the launching point, we were fitted with life jackets and guided in pairs or individually to step onto the canoes. Each canoe came with a local guide who took care of all the paddling. I can’t stress how grateful I was for this—there’s no way I could have navigated the twists and turns of the river with the precision our guide displayed. Without him, we’d have spent more time tangled in trees than on the water!

The canoe ride itself was incredibly peaceful. Floating down the river, surrounded by lush greenery, felt like being in a nature documentary. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and our guide had a sharp eye for spotting wildlife. We saw monkeys leaping through the trees, some with adorable babies clinging to them. At one point, our guide pointed out a red-tailed racer snake camouflaged in the branches above us. Despite his detailed description and the fact we were directly below it, I struggled to see it—it was so well hidden! I still have no idea how he managed to spot it from a distance while navigating our canoe.

We stayed remarkably dry during the ride, so the wet bags weren’t really needed, though it was nice knowing our valuables were safe. The floor of the canoe was a little damp, but the seats were completely dry. The ride lasted about an hour, and when we reached the endpoint, our guide Pond was there to help us out of the canoes and onto the bus back to camp.

What To Pack for today’s activities: Wear something comfortable – tshirt and shorts is fine with flipflops. We were advised not to wear white as the elephants sometimes like to be “naughty” and sling mud! Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, camera (or phone to take pictures), hat if needed. Wet bag will be provided. Drinks at the cafe can be put on your tent bill so no need to bring cash.

Evening Activities Back at Camp

Once back at Elephant Hills, we were given an overview of the evening’s optional activities. These included a jungle documentary in the main hall, a traditional dance performance by local schoolgirls, and a cooking demonstration leading up to dinner at 7:15 PM.

We took a quick trip to our tent to freshen up before heading out again. To keep ourselves awake—having been up for nearly two days straight—we strolled around the property, learning about Elephant Hills’ various conservation projects. We eventually made our way to the pool bar for happy hour, which offers two-for-one cocktails between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. Drinks beyond water, coffee, tea, and breakfast juice are extra, but you can charge them to your room and settle the bill at checkout.

The jungle documentary was perfect for nature enthusiasts, and the dance performance was a wonderful experience to watch. The girls from the local school introduced themselves and performed four traditional Thai dances, each with its own story and meaning. I was captivated by their intricate hand movements and perfectly synchronized steps, all beautifully complemented by their traditional Thai attire.

Dinner was delicious, with separate dishes prepared especially for me. By this point, exhaustion from the day’s adventures had fully set in. After dinner, we finally headed back to our tent, ready to enjoy the blissful embrace of a proper bed after nearly two days without sleep. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day at Elephant Hills.

Day 2: Lake Day

We woke up to the soft glow of sunrise filtering through the skylight windows of our tent a little after 6am, accompanied by the peaceful sounds of nature. Breakfast was announced with the sound of a gong at 7:30, giving us plenty of time to leisurely enjoy the property before meeting for the day’s activities at 9:15.

Breakfast was a feast of hot and cold options: an impressive spread of continental items, fresh-baked breads, homemade jams, smoked meats, salads, fruits, cereals, and a made-to-order egg station. Ready-made omelettes, fried eggs, pancakes, syrup, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices rounded out the offerings. It was hard not to go back for seconds!

A Day at Cheow Larn Lake

At 9:15 AM, we gathered for the day’s adventure: a trip to the Elephant Hills Lake Camp on Cheow Larn Lake. The journey started aboard our safari bus taking us through stunning scenery to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the dam.

The view was breathtaking, with boats gliding across the lake and meticulously maintained grounds filled with colorful flowers. There was a food court, snack shop, and clean restrooms (both Western-style and squatting toilets for the adventurous!). A fun highlight was a unique fish-feeding dispenser where you could donate a little cash, grab some fish food, and send it down a tube to feed the fish below.

After a quick stop for drinks and leg-stretching, we headed to Khao Sok National Park’s port, where Pond, our guide, collected tickets. We boarded a covered long-tail boat, donned life jackets, and set off across the lake.

The one-hour ride across the lake was like something out of a dream. The emerald-green water was calm, and the scenery was like nothing I’d ever seen—towering limestone cliffs and rock formations surrounded us. Our captain expertly navigated winding passages, and before we knew it, we arrived at the floating Lake Camp around noon.

As the overnight guests departed, we enjoyed another delicious buffet lunch, including gluten-free dishes prepared just for me. Complimentary water, coffee, and tea were available, and there was a cash-only bar for snacks and drinks.

The camp offered paddleboards and kayaks, which we eagerly tried. Kayaking through the serene lake’s “fingers” was a highlight! If swimming or paddle boarding, you must stay within the buoy-protected area for safety, as boats pass through occasionally.

Another fun activity was feeding the huge carp near the camp. Fish food was available for purchase at the port or the camp bar—such a simple yet enjoyable experience.

During our visit, I peeked inside one of the floating tents. These accommodations are part of a different program and include a fan, electricity, a Western toilet, a shower, and a proper bed—impressive for a floating setup! Note that there’s no Wi-Fi at the lake camp, so it’s a perfect place to unplug.

After three hours of fun, we boarded the long-tail boat back to the port. The return journey took about 40 minutes, and the safari bus brought us back to the main camp by 5 PM.

Evening Activities

After a quick shower and change, we grabbed drinks during happy hour before enjoying the evening’s lineup of activities. At 6:30, a documentary about elephants played in the main hall, followed by a dance performance by a different group of local schoolgirls.

There was also a cooking demonstration showing how to make pad Thai, which smelled as delicious as it looked. Dinner was served at 7:15 PM (with earlier options for kids) and featured a fresh buffet with new dishes to enjoy.

By the end of the day, we were ready to crash, heading back to our tent to rest up for our final morning of activities. It was a day filled with adventure, relaxation, and incredible views—a perfect mix of everything a trip to Cheow Larn Lake should offer!

What To Pack for today’s activities:  For this experience, wear comfortable clothing like a swimsuit with a T-shirt and shorts, and bring flip-flops, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and some cash for extras. Towels are provided, so no need to pack one.

Day 3: Jungle Trekking Adventure and Departure

We woke up to the chatter of monkeys in the trees outside our tent. Rushing out, we spotted three mischievous monkeys swinging through the bamboo, just 30 feet away—it was an unforgettable way to start the day! After breakfast (announced once again by the trusty gong), we geared up for our final adventure: jungle trekking.

Jungle Trekking Experience

At 9:30 a.m., we gathered at reception for a briefing. We’d been advised the day before to wear sturdy shoes—trekking boots or trainers that we didn’t mind getting wet and muddy—and to opt for comfortable clothes, ideally trousers, to ward off mosquito bites. With sunscreen and bug spray applied liberally, we packed small rucksacks with water, a camera, and extra bug spray before heading out.

We were each handed a hiking stick and made our way to the river’s edge, where canoes awaited to ferry us across to the trailhead. The quick two-to-three-minute canoe ride set the tone for our jungle exploration.

The trek itself was a thrilling, immersive walk through the rainforest. While not overly strenuous, the trail had some slippery and steep sections that required focus. Along the way, our guide, Pond, paused to share fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna, including banana trees, banyan trees, and towering bamboo. Of course, there were also a couple of enormous spiders (much to my dismay) that made their presence known along the path!

After about 90 minutes of trekking, we arrived at a jungle hut where another guide, Pete, had been slow-cooking a delicious BBQ pork dish over an open fire. Pond joined in, prepping ingredients for three dishes: coconut chicken soup, herb-scrambled eggs, and the BBQ pork. Watching them cook using traditional methods—pots and pans over a simple fire—was a highlight of the experience.

When everything was ready, we each received a coconut-shell bowl filled with rice and helped ourselves to the freshly made dishes. Everything was incredibly flavourful, and Pete even sliced up some fresh pineapple for dessert. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and water were also available. A quick tip: there are no toilets here, so plan accordingly before the trek begins and consider packing hand sanitiser.

The trek back to camp was a short 10-minute walk, followed by another canoe ride. Once back, we had just over an hour to shower, change, and pack up for checkout at 1:40 p.m. The staff made the process seamless, collecting our luggage directly from the tents and ensuring everything was ready for our departure.

Elephant Hills goes above and beyond with its seamless organisation, from coordinating shuttles to dietary accommodations and every tiny detail in between. They provide transfers across southern Thailand, making it a fantastic choice for travelers incorporating it into a multi-stop trip.

The level of care and attention to detail here set a new standard for me. Whether it was the thrilling activities, the thoughtfully prepared meals, or the friendly staff, the experience left a lasting impression—and raised the bar for future adventures!

What to Pack for Today’s Activities

• Sturdy Shoes with Grip: Opt for hiking boots or trainers, but I highly recommend this hybrid pair that combines water shoes and hiking shoes. They’re lightweight, have excellent grip, and are easy to rinse out afterward. I’ve used them on countless trips and they’ve never let me down!
• Comfortable Clothing: Trousers or leggings are ideal to protect against mosquitoes.
• Essentials: Bug spray, sunscreen, a camera or phone for photos, and hand sanitizer.
• Small Backpack: Bring water and any other personal items you might need.
• No need to pack hiking sticks – these will be provided for you!

Glamping Tents  

Elephant Hills truly lives up to its “luxury tented camp” reputation. If you think glamping means sacrificing comfort for nature, think again! While the camp doesn’t have air conditioning (which isn’t needed with the cooling breeze), it has everything else you could want for a comfortable stay. Each tent is equipped with electricity, a modern Western bathroom, hot and cold running water, and a fan to keep you cool. You’ll also find tea and coffee making facilities, including an electric kettle, hot chocolate, instant coffee, tea with creamer, and sugar. Two glass bottles of water are provided daily, along with plenty of storage space—handmade wooden hangers, a lockable chest, and a safe in the bathroom. You’ll even find a hair dryer in the bathroom and toiletries you’d expect at most hotels—shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, cotton buds, and shower caps. 

The tents are fully enclosed with a mosquito net, and the window shades can be rolled down for added privacy and protection from the elements. There’s a thatched roof above the tent for extra shelter. One important note: shoes are asked to be kept outside during the day but brought in at night to avoid any critters making themselves at home! In the bathroom, there’s an additional fan and a bidet, but please note that toilet paper cannot be flushed due to the camp’s remote location. It’s a small price to pay for such an amazing experience in the heart of nature.

Food and Drink 

The food at Elephant Hills surpassed all expectations! I was initially a bit skeptical about the buffet-style meals, but each dish was delicious and varied daily, so you’ll never get bored of what’s on offer.  

Breakfast is served from 7:30-9:00 am, and there’s a fantastic selection of both hot and cold items. You can enjoy made-to-order eggs, omelettes, pancakes, French toast with syrup, and roti. There’s also a full salad bar, freshly prepared fruit, cereals, breads, and pastries. They even catered to my dietary needs by offering gluten-free bread and vegan bread options. Homemade jams, a toaster, and plenty of spreads were also available.  

We had lunch at three different spots during our stay. Our first lunch at the Elephant Camp offered a mix of Thai dishes, rice options, and Western favorites like pizza and French fries. Even though we arrived early, they made sure I had a gluten-free dish prepared and set aside just for me. For our second lunch, we ate at the floating lake camp, where they offered an array of dishes, including three gluten-free options! On our departure day, lunch was served at the jungle hut, where BBQ pork, coconut chicken soup, and scrambled eggs with herbs were cooked over an open fire—it was so impressive to see how they prepared everything with no modern kitchen facilities!  

Dinner was similar to lunch, but with an even greater selection of dishes. Before dinner, there’s a chance to watch a cooking demonstration where you can learn how to make popular Thai dishes like papaya salad, pad Thai, and more. The chefs walk you through the process, sharing tips and techniques for authentic Thai cooking, giving you a deeper appreciation for the cuisine. Dinner starts at 7:15 pm, with the gong signaling the start of the meal; kids can begin at 6:30 pm, with a range of Western options like chicken nuggets, fries, and pizza.

The bar offers a great selection of drinks and cocktails, and you can charge your drinks to your room. Breakfast comes with complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, and water, while lunch and dinner include water as well. Happy hour runs from 5:30-6:30 pm with 2-for-1 cocktails, making it the perfect time to unwind after a day of adventure.  

In the late afternoon, there’s a range of complimentary snacks in the main hall, including ice pops, popcorn, and shrimp crackers, which are perfect after a busy day.

Facilities

Just below the reception area is a lovely pool overlooking the misty rock formations in the distance. Pool towels are available right next to the pool bar, which serves a variety of drinks, cocktails, and snacks. All food and drink outside of mealtimes can be added to your room for easy payment at checkout.  

Throughout the main camp, there are several water dispensers for guests to refill their bottles (plastic bottles are discouraged). If you forget anything, the “trading post” sells souvenirs, toiletries, and essentials like bug spray, though it’s cash only.  

What really impressed me, though, was the high-speed Wi-Fi available across the camp. Despite being in the jungle, I found that the connection was available in more than 90% of the property and was incredibly fast—making it easy for me to get some work done while still enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.

Activities

No matter which program you choose at Elephant Hills, there’s a huge variety of activities to keep you busy. I opted for the 3-day Jungle Safari, which included jungle trekking, an elephant experience, lake day, and canoeing. There are longer stay options, like the one that includes a day at the mangroves, or even an overnight stay at the floating lake camp. Can you imagine sleeping in a tent floating in the middle of a lake?  

Service

The level of service at Elephant Hills really stood out. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly organised, ensuring our transfers were seamless and helping with any changes to our itinerary. I want to give a special shout-out to Pond, our guide, who made our experience even more special. She remembered our names after our first meeting, checked in with us regularly, and made sure we had all the details we needed for each activity—right down to the smallest details, like what to bring and wear. Her personalised touch made our trip even more enjoyable.  

Closing Remarks

Elephant Hills is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and no matter which program you choose, you’ll be blown away by the level of organisation, attention to detail, and the variety of activities offered. There’s plenty of downtime to relax and refresh between activities, and the camp ensures that everything runs smoothly, which is a luxury in itself. I wouldn’t hesitate to return—and I’m already eyeing up their sister property in Chiang Mai for my next adventure!

You can find out more about my recent stay at Elephant Hills on my “Thailand 2.0” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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