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Elephant Mud SPA Sanctuary

Spend a morning or afternoon with rescued Asian elephants at an ethical sanctuary in Koh Samui. Choose between a 3-hour feeding and freshwater shower program or a 4-hour mud spa experience featuring a jungle walk and noodle soup cooking class.

Overview

Connect hands-on with rescued elephants in Koh Samui by preparing their herbal nutrition balls, applying natural mineral mud to protect their skin, and bathing them in fresh water. You will also participate in a traditional Thai noodle soup cooking class with round-trip transfers…

Experience an ethical encounter with rescued Asian elephants in Koh Samui's tropical interior. In Thailand, diminishing natural habitats and historical exploitation in logging and tourism have left many elephants in need of lifelong refuge. Visiting this dedicated sanctuary supports their veterinary care, balanced nutrition, and ongoing welfare without exploitation.

The sanctuary operates on strict ethical standards: no riding, no trekking, no chains, and no bullhooks. Elephants spend their days roaming open grounds, socializing, and displaying natural behaviors under the supervision of experienced mahouts.

Visitors can choose between two programs: a 3-hour Feed & Shower session focusing on food preparation and freshwater bathing, or a comprehensive 4-hour Mud Spa program that adds a guided jungle walk, a therapeutic mud bath, and a Thai noodle soup cooking class.

During both programs, you prepare nutrient-rich dietary supplement balls from natural grains and herbs, followed by hand-feeding seasonal fruits to the herd. Guests taking part in the mud spa join the elephants in a mineral-rich mud pool to help protect their skin from insects and the sun, before washing them clean in a freshwater pool and outdoor showers.

Facilities include on-site showers, changing rooms, and lockers. Dedicated staff photograph the activities throughout the tour, providing over 150 digital photos following your visit.

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What to bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Walking shoes
  • Insect repellent
  • Change of clothes

Available packages

Feed & Shower

Overview

Meet rescued Asian elephants in an ethical sanctuary setting designed for travelers seeking an interactive, mud-free encounter. This program lasts approximately 3 hours and offers close contact with the herd while learning about their rescue backgrounds and daily care routines from resident mahouts.

Begin by mixing and shaping dietary supplement balls made from natural herbs and grains. Hand-feed these supplements along with fresh seasonal fruits to the elephants. Afterward, join the herd for an outdoor freshwater shower and bathing session to help wash and cool them down.

The program runs twice daily with morning and afternoon departure options, including round-trip hotel transfers.

Itinerary

  • 08:30Hotel PickupRound-trip pickup from your hotel lobby by shared minivan (Morning session: 08:30 / Afternoon session: 13:30).
  • 09:00Arrival & Sanctuary OrientationArrive at the sanctuary, meet the guides and mahouts, and receive an introduction to elephant welfare and sanctuary history.
  • 09:30Dietary Supplement PreparationLearn about Asian elephant nutrition and roll dietary supplement balls using grains and herbs.
  • 10:00Elephant Feeding SessionHand-feed the elephants their handmade health supplements and fresh seasonal fruits.
  • 10:30Freshwater Bath & ShowerScrub and rinse the elephants under clean water during an outdoor shower and bath session.
  • 11:30Return TransferUse the on-site changing facilities before transferring back to your hotel (Morning session ends ~11:30 / Afternoon session ends ~16:30).

Included

  • Accident insurance
  • Guide
  • Soft drinks / Water
  • Transfer
  • Dietary supplement preparation and fresh fruits for elephant feeding
  • Freshwater elephant shower and bath session
  • Shower and changing facilities

Not included / Extra charge

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Lunch
  • Tips and gratuities

Mud SPA

Overview

Take part in a comprehensive 4-hour ethical elephant wellness program in Koh Samui's interior. This extended experience lets you spend meaningful time with rescued elephants, observe their natural behaviors, and assist with essential grooming and skin care routines.

Accompany the herd along jungle trails to observe how they forage naturally. Head to the mud pool for a therapeutic mud spa session, applying mineral-rich mud over the elephants' skin to help regulate body temperature and deter insects. Move to the freshwater pool for a scrub and shower session to rinse clean, then conclude your visit with a hands-on Thai noodle soup cooking class.

Departures operate twice daily in the morning and afternoon, with round-trip transfers and lunch included.

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Itinerary

  • 08:30Hotel PickupPickup from your hotel lobby and transfer to the sanctuary camp (Morning session: 08:30 / Afternoon session: 13:30).
  • 09:00Welcome & Sanctuary OrientationArrive at the camp, meet your guide and mahouts, and learn about elephant rescue backgrounds and sanctuary ethics.
  • 09:30Supplement Preparation & FeedingPrepare wholesome nutrient balls with herbs and grains, then hand-feed them to the elephants with fresh fruit.
  • 10:00Jungle Walk with ElephantsWalk alongside the herd through surrounding jungle grounds to observe their foraging habits.
  • 10:30Elephant Mud SpaStep into the mud pool to cover the elephants in mineral mud for skin protection and temperature regulation.
  • 11:00Freshwater Bath & ShowerEnter the freshwater pool to rinse off the mud and wash the elephants alongside the mahouts.
  • 11:30Thai Noodle Soup Cooking ClassRinse off in the showers, change into dry clothes, and participate in an authentic Thai noodle soup cooking class.
  • 12:30Return TransferBoard your transfer vehicle for the return journey to your hotel (Morning session ends ~12:30 / Afternoon session ends ~17:30).

Included

  • Accident insurance
  • Guide
  • Lunch
  • Seasonal fruits
  • Soft drinks / Water
  • Transfer
  • Dietary supplement preparation and fresh fruits for elephant feeding
  • Mud spa and freshwater river bathing
  • Thai noodle soup cooking class and ingredients
  • Shower and changing facilities

Not included / Extra charge

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities

FAQ

Where do you pick me up?
Round-trip pickup is provided directly from your hotel lobby in a safari vehicle or shared minivan.
What times do the tours run and how long are they?
Tours operate twice daily, departing at 08:30 and 13:30. The Feed & Shower program lasts about 3 hours, while the Mud Spa program lasts about 4 hours.
What activities will I do with the elephants?
Depending on your selected program, you will prepare herbal supplement balls, feed fresh fruit, accompany elephants on a jungle walk, join them in a mud pit, and wash them in freshwater pools.
Is food provided on the tour?
The Mud Spa program includes a Thai noodle soup cooking class and lunch. Both programs offer seasonal fruits, drinking water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, activities are family-friendly and suitable for all ages under the guidance of mahouts and sanctuary staff.
Are photos included?
Yes, staff photograph the tour and provide more than 150 digital photos after your visit.
Can I ride the elephants?
No, elephant riding and trekking are strictly prohibited in accordance with ethical welfare standards.

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Terms and conditions

Cancellation refunds
4+ days before
100% refund
Bank fee deducted
1–3 days before
50% refund
Cancellation fee applies
Within 24 h
No refund
Non-refundable
  • Booking is confirmed only after payment is received and confirmation email is sent.
  • Payment must be made within 3 days after reservation and no later than 3 day(s) before the tour, otherwise the reservation expires.
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