Elephant Hills

Phuket, Thailand

Star rating

The hotel

Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp, Elephant Hills, combines the camp aspect of an East African safari with the Thai tropical rainforest. Located in Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills is just a couple of hours north of Phuket or Krabi and with complimentary transfers from most beach hotels in the region, it’s an easy combination and an unmissable experience. We are proud to support the unique elephant experience where you can feed and interact with these magnificent creatures, an award-winning programme that puts elephant welfare, education and conservation at the heart of what they do.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • Near National Park

Where is it

Elephant Hills is located in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand's Phang Nga Province. The Tented Camp is set in Thailand's tropical jungle environment and The Rainforest Camp floats on Cheow Larn Lake. Transfers available from Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak and even Koh Samui.

Because of their remote (and rather fabulous) location, the luxury tented camps can only accept cash payments on-site. That includes any drinks you fancy or souvenirs you fall in love with. So, be sure to bring enough Thai Baht (THB) to keep the good times flowing.

Hotel information

The Elephant Camp is the main camp with 66 spacious tents with 1 king-size or 2 double beds sleeping a family of 4 people, with 2 adults and 2 children. All tents are bugproof and have electricity, en-suite bathroom with toilet, shower and hot/cold water and a fan. Set amongst the rainforest, the camp has a swimming pool with superb view of the spectacular limestone cliffs, an open-air restaurant and bar with campfire creating a romantic and warm atmosphere to share your traveller’s tales. Dinners include movie presentations, dance and cooking demonstrations to keep you entertained and there is even WiFi to show all those at home what they’re missing.

The Lake Camp is the newest addition to Elephant Hills. There are 20 rainforest tents each with 1 queen-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping 2 adults and 1 child. They are located over the Cheow Larn Lake, making it one of the only floating tented camps in the world. The spectacular lakes are surrounded by rainforest and towering limestone cliffs. Designed to be at one with nature, the camp is powered by wind and solar energy and uses responsible waste management, so no WiFi here, just total peace and relaxation.

Full Board includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the activities in the itinerary. Soft drinks and alcohol are available at extra charge.

Restaurant and bar. Swimming pool. Evening entertainment includes traditional Thai dances from local school children, film documentaries and Thai cooking demonstrations. Fantastic range of activities including elephant interaction, canoe trips on the Sok River and jungle treks. Complimentary WiFi at the Elephant Hills Camp (main camp).

Jungle Safari

Elephant Experience • Canoe Safari • Jungle Trekking

See the highlights of Southern Thailand’s natural beauty with this short 2-night itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in time for lunch, then depart on a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River passing the Limestone Mountains and tropical vegetation to the elephant sanctuary. Here you can see, feed and learn about the elephants and the conservation project as well as meet and learn the secrets of the mahout. Overnight at The Elephant Camp

Day 2: Leisurely breakfast before exploring the secluded Cheow Lan Lake by long-tail boat, the 60 km lake has more than 100 islands. Enjoy the spectacular scenery with time to dip into the lake’s emerald water and lunch at the local raft house. Overnight at The Elephant Camp.

Day 3: Guided walk to explore the ecology of one of the world’s oldest rainforests with lunch served in the rainforest, cooked in bamboo, an old tradition of jungle explorers. Afternoon transfer.

Rainforest Nature Safari

Elephant Experience • Traditional Junk trip

Day 1: As per Day 1 of the Jungle Safari itinerary.

Day 2: Enjoy the mangroves by speed boat looking out for local wildlife along the way. Board a traditional Burmese Junk for lunch and explore the mangroves by canoe. Overnight at The Elephant Camp.

Day 3: Leisurely breakfast before exploring the secluded Cheow Lan Lake by long-tail boat, the 60 km lake has more than 100 islands. Enjoy the spectacular scenery with time to dip into the lake’s emerald water and lunch at the local raft house. Overnight at The Elephant Camp.

Day 4: Guided walk to explore the ecology of one of the world’s oldest rainforests with lunch served in the rainforest, cooked in bamboo, an old tradition of jungle explorers. Afternoon transfer.

Jungle Lake Safari

Elephant Experience • Overnight at floating Rainforest Camp • Market visit

Day 1: As per Day 1 of the Jungle Safari itinerary. Overnight at The Elephant Camp.

Day 2: Leisurely breakfast before exploring the secluded Cheow Lan Lake by long-tail boat, the 60 km lake has more than 100 islands and is home to wild elephants, the rare Asian Ox, tropical birds, monkeys and amphibians and reptiles. Lunch at Lake Camp before a guided walk to explore the ecology of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Overnight at The Lake Camp.

Day 3: Take a canoe safari around the small channels of the Cheow Lan Lake, a silent adventure in the heart of the rainforest. Lunch served at the Lake Camp and afternoon transfer to your onward destination.

Please note: child ages are 4 years and over for Elephant Camp and 7 years and over for Lake Camp.

Please note: due to the nature of the tours pregnant ladies are unable to participate.

Accessibility: due to the nature of the tours it is not suitable for wheelchair users or customers with mobility restrictions. Please also note, there are no on site refrigeration facilities to store medication.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2666)
  • Very good (272)
  • Average (78)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (12)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Do not miss experience in Thailand

Jun 8, 2025 Teresaweaves2016 Adelaide, Australia

Without a doubt the best experience in Thailand. I had intentionally booked this place (as part of a package deal) because I felt this was going to be an eco friendly elephant experience (many places claim to be, but are not, so beware) combined with a marvellous glamping overnight stay. We come from Australia and the online booking info said to… Read more
Without a doubt the best experience in Thailand. I had intentionally booked this place (as part of a package deal) because I felt this was going to be an eco friendly elephant experience (many places claim to be, but are not, so beware) combined with a marvellous glamping overnight stay. We come from Australia and the online booking info said to be prepared for budget conditions so were surprised at how good our glamping tent was, it even came with a tiled and walled bathroom. The resort was just lovely, a huge food hall with bar and so much to choose from. Not only did we the get an amazing elephant encounter but we also got two jungle tours- all in only one and a half days. The guides and service is top notch. We've travelled the world and highly recommend, worth the three hour drive from Phuket. Stay two-3 nights if you can! Ps it was warm, but the room fan was was perfectly adequate at night, air temp at night was around 27C. Keep in mind we are Aussies and used to the heat Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An experience not to be missed.

Jun 7, 2025 Deborah U

Stayed one night at the jungle camp and one night at the lake camp. Fabulous to be up close with the Elephants, all of whom have plenty of roaming space and appear quite content. Scenery by boat to the Lake Camp was awesome. Both sets of tented accommodation were comfy and clean. Decent choice of food. Our guide, Kong, was very friendly,… Read more
Stayed one night at the jungle camp and one night at the lake camp. Fabulous to be up close with the Elephants, all of whom have plenty of roaming space and appear quite content. Scenery by boat to the Lake Camp was awesome. Both sets of tented accommodation were comfy and clean. Decent choice of food. Our guide, Kong, was very friendly, helpful and kind. Canoeing, paddle boarding and swimming - amazing 2 days. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Elephant Camp and Lake Camp

Jun 5, 2025 MrandMrsM101 United Kingdom

Elephant camp we stayed here for 2 nights and was a little confused by its 'luxury' tag as its far from luxurious however it was comfortable. The feel of the camp is very much a school camp with bench seating & tables instead of tables and chairs so a little odd if you are travelling as a couple as there are no tables for 2. The food is good… Read more
Elephant camp we stayed here for 2 nights and was a little confused by its 'luxury' tag as its far from luxurious however it was comfortable. The feel of the camp is very much a school camp with bench seating & tables instead of tables and chairs so a little odd if you are travelling as a couple as there are no tables for 2. The food is good quality but choice is a little limited but as expected for its remote location. The tents themselves are quite basic but have a decent bathroom and comfortable bed although be careful of the bedposts at night as its really easy to bang your knee walking around the tent in the dark or on the day light. Lots of the tents overlook the paths but we were lucky to have tent 2 which had an amazing view of the limestone hills and a private garden. There is a pool here but its unlikely you will have time to use it as the activities take up a large part of your day. Activities here are great although the Elephant feeding was a little uncomfortable as it felt like the animals were begging for food as they waited a long time for the guides to explain what was going on , a number of them looked agitated but were forced to stay by their mahout and a stick. Lake camp Sadly we only stayed here for 1 night as they don't offer any longer stays but this place is amazing. The tents are located on a quite part of the lake so very little boat traffic to spoil the experience of staying in a floating tent. We were lucky to stay in Kingfisher which is the end tent so only has neighbours on one side so could leave our 'windows' uncovered which made for a great experience watching the thunderstorm as we went to sleep. Food is served in a communal area along the pontoon and is obviously limited but there weren't any complaints on the quality of the meals. Paddleboards and canoes are available for all guests and swimming in the lake outside your tent is encouraged during daylight hours and was a welcome relief from the heat during our stay. We did the walk to the cave and the canoe trip but still had time to use the facilities but another night would have made for a better stay so we could have enjoyed the experience at a more leisurely pace. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful two day/two night experiance. Highly recommended

Jun 3, 2025 Chris S St Helens, United Kingdom

What a wonderful experience. We spent one night at the jungle camp and one night on the lake, both unique experiences. Listening to the night sounds and night silence is relaxing and has it's own magic. The canoe trip was done in steady rain but with ponchos on and the rain being steady but warm and soothing actually helped. Swimming and canoeing… Read more
What a wonderful experience. We spent one night at the jungle camp and one night on the lake, both unique experiences. Listening to the night sounds and night silence is relaxing and has it's own magic. The canoe trip was done in steady rain but with ponchos on and the rain being steady but warm and soothing actually helped. Swimming and canoeing on the lake so enjoyable. Seeing, feeding and being so close to the elephants makes you appreciate these magnificent animals, so large but gentle and giving off a peaceful and inteligent aura. Our guide "Pond" was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. She was also very attentive, rushing to ensure my wife and I were unhurt and not in danger when we managed to capsize our canoe. Only our pride was hurt, however the care for guests welfare was very evident and is actually very important. The canoist on the river also seemed to have an unatural ability to spot the occasional wildlive in the trees. The above guides were the two we had the most interaction with but all staff are equally friendly and so helpful. Tents spotless and very comfortable, food plentiful with a large choice. Two nights and two days far too short but memories that will last a lot longer. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Once in a lifetime experience

Jun 2, 2025 Suzanne S

Amazing experience. Spent 2 nights here - one at base camp and one at the lake. Strongly recommended. Food lovely (wide range) and all guides were amazing (we were looked after by Pond who was extremely helpful). Hike to the batcave was difficult but supported by rangers and guides. Both the tent and floating lake cabin were perfect and… Read more
Amazing experience. Spent 2 nights here - one at base camp and one at the lake. Strongly recommended. Food lovely (wide range) and all guides were amazing (we were looked after by Pond who was extremely helpful). Hike to the batcave was difficult but supported by rangers and guides. Both the tent and floating lake cabin were perfect and comfortable. Take lots of mosquito spray!! Did rain for us but didn’t take away any of the experience at all Read less