MAEW SURIYA’S JOURNEY TO SAMUI ELEPHANT HAVEN
From a dream conceived in childhood to the reality of Samui Elephant Haven, Maew Suriya shares his heartwarming journey.
Growing up in a family that moved from Surin Province to run a circus, Maew was inspired from the young age of seven. Despite training as an accountant, his heart always belonged to the elephants.
A visit to Elephant Nature Park and meeting Lek Chailert turned his dream into a mission: to create a sanctuary where elephants could live freely and happily. Since our doors opened in August 2018, Samui Elephant Haven has become a sanctuary for 14 rescued elephants. Once trapped in stressful lives, they now roam free, expressing natural behaviours in serene surroundings. Our approach is simple: love over profit. We prioritize the well-being of these magnificent creatures, offering visitors a chance to witness elephant joy without intruding on their space.
Elephant Parks
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Nestled in the north of Koh Samui, the elephant sanctuary Samui Elephant Haven spans 60 rai (over 23 acres) of lush hills and vibrant jungle, complete with natural lakes and serene man-made pools. This ethical sanctuary provides a safe, enriching home where rescued elephants—young, healing, or playful—can thrive and live naturally in peace.
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary
In November 2022, Maew Suriya expanded her mission by founding Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary, rescuing elephants abandoned due to declining tourism.
Once a struggling riding camp, it’s now a lush hillside haven where visitors can connect with rescued elephants and witness their inspiring transformation.
Elephant Parks
At Samui Elephant Haven, a leading elephant rescue park in Thailand, we offer a range of immersive experiences for those looking to connect with our magnificent elephants.
Full Day Volunteer Program
Spend eight meaningful hours in a group of 2–4 people helping care for elephants—prepare food, feed, clean, and assist with hydrotherapy for elderly elephants.
Half Day Tour Program
Enjoy a 3-hour immersive experience walking alongside elephants, learning their behaviors, and interacting with males and calves in a relaxed, ethical setting.
In just 45–60 minutes, feed elephants fresh fruits
and handmade rice balls—an easy, hands-on way to support their health and happiness.
Your Adventure
Begin Here !
Tours
Experience
Sanctuary
Make The Great Gifts
Support our herd with a gifted elephant cake, Carefully hand-made from the freshest, fresh fruits and veg. Your Contribution brings joy to these and aids their care and well-being. When you gift a cake, you’ll receive Your short video clip of our girls savouring your thoughtful present. We also send you a photo featuring your personalized cake, Complete with a message or name of your choice. Gift an elephant cake today and create a long-lasting memory, while making a tangible impact on the lives of our elephants. Your support means the world to us and them.
Please order 7 days advance so we have plenty of time to create something special just for you.
We can’t wait to make your elephant cake amazing!
#samuielephanthaven
What are visitors
saying?
I was perhaps a bit sceptical- how good could it be? But we were totally blown away. It was truly transformative. It is incredible to see the elephants up close, feed them, pet them and learn about them. The guides are very knowledgeable and give you all the background about how logging and riding and training has hurt these creatures. Not to mention the lunch at the end is delicious! Highly recommend!
This place was so incredible ! The staff treated their elephants so well and you could tell how much they cared for the elephants. I had an amazing time meeting all of the elephants and the guides did an incredible job telling us their stories. If you are looking for an ethical experience with elephants, then this is the place for you!
Elephants are one of my favourite animals. So getting to not only meet and feed these gentle giants but knowing I was supporting a cause working to end the cruelty these endure for tourism was a dream. No treks, no forced bathing, no chains or violence. Just open spaces and a lot of bananas. Please consider this ethical experience if you consider visiting elephants on Koh Samui.
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