Maew Suriya’s Journey to Samui Elephant Haven
From a childhood dream to the creation of one of the most compassionate elephant sanctuary Samui experiences, Maew Suriya’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a family that moved from Surin Province to operate a circus, Maew discovered his love for elephants at just seven years old. Even after training as an accountant, his heart never drifted far from these gentle giants. A life-changing visit to Elephant Nature Park and a meeting with founder Lek Chailert transformed his dream into a clear mission: to build a place where elephants could live freely, safely, and with dignity.
Since opening in August 2018, Samui Elephant Haven has provided a true refuge for 14 rescued elephants. Once burdened by stressful, unnatural conditions, they now roam peacefully, displaying their natural behaviours in a calm, cruelty-free environment. Guided by a simple belief: love over profit, we focus entirely on their well-being while giving visitors the chance to observe authentic elephant happiness without disturbing their freedom.
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED SINCE 2018
Days at the Haven are bustling with activity, centered around our gentle giants’ well-being. From providing copious amounts of food to ensuring their safe, loving care, our team works tirelessly. We invite you to join us, to see firsthand the dedication behind our sanctuary. Your visit supports our mission, allowing us to rescue and care for more elephants. Discover how you can be a part of our story.
At Samui Elephant Haven, we’re pioneering a compassionate form of elephant tourism. Inspired by Sangduean ‘Lek’ Chailert’s ‘Saddle Off’ model, our sanctuary offers a space where elephants recover and thrive. Visitors have the unique opportunity to feed and observe our elephants, learn about their behaviours, and contribute to a future where elephants and humans live in harmony.
Your visit makes a difference. By choosing Samui Elephant Haven, you support ethical tourism and contribute to the welfare of our rescued elephants. Explore our gift shop for ethically sourced souvenirs, and become a part of our community striving for a better future for elephants. Together, we can continue to provide a safe haven for these beautiful creatures, ensuring their stories of resilience and recovery are heard far and wide.
THE PARK
The Sanctuary is designed with perimeter fencing to provide a secure environment for the elephants, ensuring their safety. We have created enclosures for various needs – whether nurturing young calves, recuperating from illness, or simply resting after a day filled with joy and play. These measures ensure our elephants can live as naturally and comfortably as possible.
United for Ethical Elephant Conservation
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary, nestled on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan, and Samui Elephant Haven, located on the neighboring island of Koh Samui, are both dedicated to providing a safe haven for elephants who have endured years of mistreatment and exploitation. We are driven by a common mission – to rescue and rehabilitate these magnificent creatures while raising awareness about the importance of ethical and sustainable elephant tourism.
Both are owned and operated by a family with a deep-rooted passion for elephant welfare, the two sanctuaries have long been at the forefront of this noble cause. Our unwavering commitment to the well-being of elephants is reflected in our humane approach to caring for these gentle giants. Unlike the conventional tourist-oriented elephant camps that exploit these animals, Phangan Elephant Sanctuary and Samui Elephant Haven are havens where elephants can live a life free from chains and the burden of carrying tourists on their backs.
