Visit the Elephant Reserve in Hua Hin

The Hutsadin Elephant Foundation operates an incredible elephant reserve just outside of Hua Hin. This is a must-see destination for your Thailand holiday. The organisation is not-for-profit and operates primarily on donations from elephant lovers from around the world. Let's take a closer look at everything the reserve has to offer and what you need to know to have the most memorable experience possible. 

 

Learn About Elephants 

All visitors to the park should start with the educational program. Lasting about 40 minutes, this program provides a solid background about the elephants and their habitat, giving you a general overview of what you can expect from your visit to the reserve. There is no need to book this program in advance but be sure to let the volunteers know when you arrive that you wish to participate. 

Riding the Elephants 

For the thrill of a lifetime, don't miss the chance to ride an elephant while you are at the reserve. While many other elephant riding outlets saddle the elephants to allow them to carry up to three riders, the Hutsadin reserve lets you ride the elephants bareback. This makes the ride more comfortable for the elephant and even more enjoyable for you. At the end of your 20-minute ride, you'll be able to feed your elephant a basket of fresh fruit to show your appreciation. If you prefer not to ride the elephants you can take them for  30-minute walk through the park. Once again, you'll also have the chance to feed the elephant fresh fruit along the way.

 

Bathing the Elephants 

If you don't have the energy or ability to go on a trek with an elephant, you can still get in on the feeding and bathing action. The mud bath and shower areas are near the entrance to the reserve so you can participate in this activity without having to trek through the park. You'll even get the chance to have your photo taken with an elephant, which is a great souvenir to help you remember your trip.

Making the Most of Your Visit 

The park is open every day and there are English-speaking volunteers on-site every day except Sunday. Unless you have more than 10 people in your group, there is no need to make reservations in advance. It is important to note that the park does not accept credit or debit cards so you'll need to bring cash to cover the costs of your activities. 

 

Finally, the park is not fully handicap-accessible, but the staff will do everything they can to accommodate those with disabilities. Be sure to alert them in advance to give them a chance to accommodate your needs. 

 

Expand Your Options with a Long-Term Stay 

You can see the entire elephant reserve in a single day but you may find that you want to come back and see these magnificent creatures over and over again. Rental For The Holidays offers some of the best condos and apartments for rent in Hua Hin for the long-term. Get in touch with us today to book your holiday home in Hua Hin.