Samui Elephant Sanctuary: Bophut or Chaweng Noi?
Short answer: Samui Elephant Sanctuary runs the same programs at both sites, at the same times and the same prices. The difference is the land and the herd. Bophut is the original project, with 7 elephants on 15 rai. Chaweng Noi is newer and larger, with 8 elephants on 40 rai of forest, a natural pond and a pool. Pick the site closer to your hotel, or choose Chaweng Noi if you want more forest around you.
Checked October 2026.
The two sites side by side
| Bophut | Chaweng Noi | |
|---|---|---|
| Opened | 2018, the original project | January 2020 |
| Elephants | 7 rescued females | 8 rescued females |
| Grounds | 15 rai | 40 rai of forest with native plants, a natural pond and a custom-built pool |
| Where | Bophut, on the north-east of the island | Chaweng Noi, on the east coast south of Chaweng |
| Half Day meal | Light vegetarian meal and fresh fruit | Vegetarian buffet overlooking the sanctuary |
| Half Day price | Adult THB 2,900, child THB 1,400 | Adult THB 2,900, child THB 1,400 |
| Short Encounter price | Adult THB 2,000, child THB 1,000 | Adult THB 2,000, child THB 1,000 |
What is the same at both
- Programs and times: the Half Day runs 09:00 to 12:00 or 14:00 to 17:00 and includes a meal. The Short Encounter runs 10:00 to 11:30 or 13:00 to 14:30, with snacks and drinks instead of a meal.
- What you do: a safety briefing, preparing food, feeding the elephants and a walk with your guide. You watch the elephants forage, swim in the pool and play in the mud. There is no riding, no shows and no guest bathing.
- Ages: adults are 12 and older, children 5 to 11, and children under 5 go free.
- Pickup: hotel pickup and return are included from accommodation on the main road. Hillside and mountain accommodation is not covered. There is no self-arrival.
- House rules: wear closed-toe shoes, no swimsuits or bikinis, keep a T-shirt on, no drones, and strollers stay at reception.
- Payment: both sites are paid in full when you book.
Choose Bophut if...
- You are staying on the north coast, around Bophut, Fisherman's Village or Mae Nam.
- You want to meet the first herd. Bophut's elephants include Khum Phean, born in 1958, who gave rides in Pattaya for about 30 years, and Kham San, who gave rides on Samui from 2002 until 2017.
- You prefer a smaller, more compact site.
Choose Chaweng Noi if...
- You are staying in Chaweng, Chaweng Noi or Lamai.
- You want more forest and space: the site is almost three times the size of Bophut, with a natural pond as well as the pool.
- You would like your meal served buffet style, looking out over the sanctuary.
Book the Chaweng Noi Half Day or the Chaweng Noi Short Encounter.
Going with children
Both sites suit families. Children aged 5 to 11 pay the child price and under-5s go free at either site. Leave the stroller at reception, as the ground is rough and uneven. For ages, prices and tips on keeping young children comfortable, see our guide to visiting with kids.
Common questions
Are Bophut and Chaweng Noi the same company?
Yes. Both are run by Samui Elephant Sanctuary, with the same programs, rules and prices.
Which site is better?
The program is the same at both. Chaweng Noi has more land and forest; Bophut is the original, smaller site. The easiest way to choose is by which one is closer to your hotel.
Can I bathe the elephants at either site?
No. At both sites you watch the elephants swim and play in the mud, but guests don't go in the water with them. See the bathing guide for programs where guests do.
Is it worth doing the Half Day instead of the Short Encounter?
The Half Day gives you twice as long with the elephants, a longer walk and a meal. The Short Encounter suits a busy day or young children. Our half-day vs short visit guide compares them.
