Responsible Thailand Awards: Elephant Hills

Situated in Southern Thailand in the stunning environs of Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills offers a unique experience for visitors. Accommodation is in the form of luxury tents with guests able to partake in a range of activities to enjoy the surrounding environment. From ethical elephant experiences to canoe safaris and jungle treks, a stay at Elephant Hills enables you to enjoy the natural wonders of Khao Sok while also supporting responsible tourism.

Elephant Hills was the winner in the Eco-Lodge category for the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023. In their summing up, the judges said, “Bridging the connection between its guests, the surrounding environment and wildlife in need, Elephant Hills does an outstanding job in its contribution to responsible travel.”

Khao Sok National Park

Located inland between the Gulf Coast and the Andaman Coast, Khao Sok National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty with towering limestone mountains, expansive waterways and some of the oldest evergreen forests in the world. As one of Thailand’s protected National Parks, Khao Sok is home to a diverse range of wildlife that includes wild elephants, bears, dusky langurs and hornbills.

Ethical elephant experiences

The elephant sanctuary at Elephant Hills provides a safe refuge for rescued elephants. Guests are allowed to interact with the elephants in a responsible way which includes preparation of the daily meals for the elephants and the chance to observe them bathing in their giant mud pool.

Jungle trekking and canoe safari

Guests at Elephant Hills can safely explore the jungles and waterways of Khao Sok under the watchful supervision of local guides. Hike through the jungle and take a relaxing canoe ride along the Sok River to appreciate the remarkable scenery of Khao Sok National Park.

Stay at Elephant Hills

Visitors can choose to stay at two locations in Khao Sok National Park*: The Elephant Camp or the Floating Rainforest Camp.

*Elephant Hills has also opened The Bush Camp in Chiang Mai.

The main camp is the Elephant Camp located at the edge of Khao Sok National Park. Accommodation is also available at the Rainforest Camp in the heart of Khao Sok on Cheow Larn Lake. Wherever you opt to stay, you will enjoy luxury glamping in tents that are fully equipped with everything you would expect to find in a four-star hotel room. The spacious tents can accommodate up to four people making them a great option for an unforgettable family holiday.

You might be in the jungle, but you will still be able to enjoy comfortable beds, electricity, wi-fi, cooling fans, an en suite bathroom with a Western-style toilet and heated showers. Just as importantly, the tents are protected against mosquitos and insect intruders.

How to get there

Elephant Hills can easily be reached from the popular destinations of Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. Transfers are also possible to Khao Sok National Park from Ko Samui and Don Sak Pier. The nearest airport is at Surat Thani, approximately two hours away. Alternatively, you can fly to Krabi or Phuket. For full details of transfers and times, check with Elephant Hills here.

Best time to visit

Khao Sok National Park is open all year round with the area experiencing two main seasons. January to late April is the dry season and from late April through to December is the wet season. The wettest months are September and October when some hiking tails can be temporarily closed. Average temperatures are warm all year round ranging between 22°C to 36°C. The weather can change quickly in Khao Sok and even during the dry season, you should be prepared for the possibility of a tropical shower.

More details

For more details about Elephant Hills and to arrange a visit, check out their website and social media channels:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

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