Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Kulen Elephant Forest, where you'll walk alongside majestic elephants in their natural habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
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Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

The Kulen Elephant Forest tour offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with elephants in a responsible and ethical environment. Located in the Bos Thom Community Forest at the foothills of Kulen Mountain, this sanctuary spans over 1,100 acres of protected land. Here, elephants that once served in the Angkor temples now roam freely, enjoying their retirement in a natural setting. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in Siem Reap, followed by a scenic one-hour drive to the sanctuary. Upon arrival, knowledgeable guides will provide an introductory briefing, sharing insights into the elephants' histories, behaviors, and the sanctuary's conservation efforts. 

Engage in hands-on activities that deepen your connection with these gentle giants. You'll have the chance to prepare handmade healthy snacks and feed the elephants, observing their delight as they enjoy the treats. Walking alongside them through the forest, you'll witness their natural behaviors and social interactions, gaining a profound appreciation for their intelligence and gentle nature. The sanctuary emphasizes ethical interactions, ensuring the well-being of the elephants without offering rides or performances.

The sanctuary offers both morning and afternoon tours, each providing a unique experience. The morning tour typically runs from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting with hotel pick-up around 7:40 AM. After the introductory briefing and feeding session, you'll embark on a walk with the elephants through the forest, observing their natural behaviors. A traditional meal is provided at the base camp before returning to Siem Reap. The afternoon tour, from 12:00 PM to 6:15 PM, includes similar activities, with the added experience of observing the elephants during the cooler part of the day and enjoying a picnic snack in the wild as the sun sets. 

By participating in this tour, you're directly supporting the conservation and welfare of Cambodian elephants. The sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe haven for elephants, promoting sustainable tourism, and educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation. Your visit helps fund ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their natural habitats.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 0-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Siem Reap
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 1 Hour

Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in Siem Reap, followed by a scenic one-hour drive to the sanctuary.


Kulen Elephant Forest camp
Safety briefing,
Duration: 15 Minutes

Upon arrival, knowledgeable guides will provide an introductory briefing, sharing insights into the elephants' histories, behaviors, and the sanctuary's conservation efforts.


Kulen Elephant Forest camp
Photo stop, Guided tour, Walk,
Duration: 3 Hours

Prepare healthy snacks, feed elephants, and walk with them in an ethical sanctuary. Observe their natural behaviors and social interactions, ensuring their well-being without rides or performances.


Kulen Elephant Forest camp
Lunch, Regional food,
Duration: 30 Minutes

A traditional meal is provided at the base camp before returning to Siem Reap.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 1 Hour

Return to our office in Siem Reap, and then our driver takes you back to your accommodation.


Siem Reap
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Walk alongside elephants in their natural habitat.
  • Enjoy the landscape of the countryside in Siem Reap.
  • Get up close to the elephants, observing them.
  • Contribute to sustainable tourism that supports the preservation of Cambodian elephants.
  • Prepare and feed healthy snacks to the elephants, enhancing your interactive experience.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Elephant tour guide.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Cool bottle of water.
  • Lunch with the morning section.
  • Only snack with the afternoon section.
  • Walking with elephants.
  • All admission fees.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.

Not Included

  • Personal expenses.
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers.

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Pets
  • Smoking

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Information Before Booking

  • This tour is suitable for individuals who appreciate wildlife and are comfortable with moderate physical activity. 
  • It's not recommended for young children or individuals with mobility issues due to the walking involved.
  • Additionally, the sanctuary maintains a respectful environment for the animals; therefore, certain items or behaviors, such as loud noises or attempting to ride the elephants, are not allowed.
  • It's essential to respect the guidelines provided by

Know Before You Go

  • It's advisable to bring extra water for the journey, especially during hotter months. 
  • The sanctuary is located approximately one hour from Siem Reap, and transportation is provided in air-conditioned vehicles. 
  • During peak temperatures, the journey may feel warm, so dressing in light, breathable clothing is recommended. 
  • By adhering to these recommendations, you'll ensure a comfortable and memorable experience at the Kulen Elephant Forest.

4.9/5

50
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 6  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English

Pickup Optional

Please wait at the entrance of your hotel 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Location

Siem Reap Cambodia

Book Today

From

€126.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Benigno Lopez - Spain

It's an amazing experience! You can prepare meals for the elephants, feed them, and go for walks with them. We highly recommend this activity; it's sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Christina Freeman - United States of America

Seeing the elephants up close was incredible! Our guide, Kia, was both entertaining and informative. The day ended perfectly with a delicious lunch.

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Based on 50 Reviews

Guide

4.9/5

Transportation

4.9/5

Value for Money

4.9/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
B
Benigno Lopez - Spain
01 March

It's an amazing experience! You can prepare meals for the elephants, feed them, and go for walks with them. We highly recommend this activity; it's sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Helpful? Yes

C
Christina Freeman - United States of America
05 March

Seeing the elephants up close was incredible! Our guide, Kia, was both entertaining and informative. The day ended perfectly with a delicious lunch.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aimee Maher - United Kingdom
10 March

Friendly and clear communication. The driver was right on time. Our guide, Tom, was fantastic and spoke excellent English. It was a truly humbling experience. The elephants were clearly well-loved and cared for. A wonderful lunch. Overall, it was a delightful morning that I highly recommend.

Helpful? Yes

P
Pedro Gallagher - United States of America
15 March

We had a wonderful day at an ethical elephant sanctuary! Huge thanks to Seth for providing such an informative and meaningful experience.

Helpful? Yes

F
Francesco Guest - United Kingdom
20 March

It was an honor to see the elephants up close. Our guide, Seth, was very informative and made us feel safe. We learned a lot about the herd's interactions and each elephant's unique characteristics. We walked quite a bit, but at a leisurely pace, as we followed the elephants on their daily walks, foraging, and enjoying dust and mud baths. It was an excellent experience.

Helpful? Yes

M
Miranda Bevilacqua - Italy
22 March

What an incredible experience! We made cakes for the elephants, fed them with cakes and bananas, walked with them through the Kulen Forest, and watched them thrive in their natural environment. I would highly recommend this tour, as the company does an amazing job rescuing elephants and returning them to nature. I love supporting initiatives like this. Our guide shared many fascinating facts about the elephants and the Kulen Forest.

Helpful? Yes

P
Pádraic Feilim - Ireland
25 March

Everything went perfectly as planned. The staff, especially Tom, were excellent. The elephants are clearly loved and well cared for. Lunch was plentiful. I highly recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

C
Cindy Wiltshire - United Kingdom
28 March

It was an incredible experience! The elephants are clearly well-cared for and treated with love and respect. It was wonderful to feed them and walk alongside them. Our guide, Seth, was so sweet, funny, and had a great sense of humor. I highly recommend this trip; it was the highlight of my time in Cambodia.

Helpful? Yes

R
Rosmarie Brunner - Germany
01 April
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania
Kulen Elephant Forest Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop off | ®ExcursionMania

An amazing experience getting up close to the elephants. Our guide Kia answered all our questions, and it was clear the animals’ needs are very well looked after. The small group size allowed us to walk with and feed the elephants. We truly enjoyed it.

Helpful? Yes

C
Callen Rosalinda - United States of America
22 June

The elephants were amazing, though it was evident that the experience was part of a set program. The lunch, however, was fantastic!

Helpful? Yes

C
Christine Bartlett - United States of America
04 April

Our experience with the elephants was incredible! Feeding them, walking through the forest, and watching them play in the water was unforgettable. The rain even added to the adventure. Our guide’s great sense of humor and interesting stories made it even more enjoyable. We would happily visit the elephants again!

Helpful? Yes

I
Inma Molly - Australia
10 June

Overall, the experience was great. Being able to interact with elephants is truly unique. We had the chance to feed them, bathe them, and watch them relax as they cooled off. However, it did feel a bit like the elephants were simply waiting for tourists.

Helpful? Yes

T
Théodore Doug - Austria
23 June

It was an okay experience, but I didn’t feel that it was quite worth the money. Still, I appreciate it and thank you.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nayara Isay - Canada
23 October

Spending a day so close to the elephants was an incredible experience. The tuk-tuk driver who picked us up from the hotel and dropped us back was absolutely wonderful.

Helpful? Yes

A
Arthur Pohl - Germany
08 April

A fantastic tour that supports the local community and this important project. You'll get to see the animals up close and learn so much about them and their habitat. The staff is friendly and very helpful. A trip not to be missed!

Helpful? Yes

B
Brinley Karla - United Kingdom
22 June

This tour is absolutely amazing! You can really see how much the team cares about the elephants and the work they do. The elephants are clearly happy and free to do whatever they want. There's no concern about them being forced into anything for the guests, as everything revolves around the well-being of the elephants. Seth is hilarious! He’s full of jokes and useful facts, and we all had a fantastic time. The only thing I’d say isn't worth it is the addition of the Tuk Tuk driver. You can easily find a cheaper driver on your own, and it would cost a lot less than what they charge for this service. I recommend booking directly from the website and just getting a Tuk Tuk on your own to the office

Helpful? Yes

S
Santina Zanetti - Italy
12 April

An incredible experience in an ethical retirement forest for these magnificent animals. They are clearly well-loved and well-cared for; interaction with the elephants is only allowed when they want it, and even then, it's kept to a minimum. No elephant riding. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shel Sarai - Australia
13 June

Our visit to the Elephant Sanctuary was truly the best day ever! It was such a privilege to spend the morning with these gentle giants in their natural jungle habitat. Getting up close to them and feeding them was an experience like no other. The feeling of awe is hard to put into words—it was almost unreal. The guide was fantastic, from the moment they picked us up at the hotel to the drop-off afterward. The group was small and intimate, which made it even more special. We loved preparing their snacks, feeding them, walking through the jungle alongside them, watching them in the pool, and spraying them down. It was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. Thank you!

Helpful? Yes

Z
Zahid Beech - United Kingdom
15 April

It was absolutely perfect; every aspect of the experience was amazing!

Helpful? Yes

N
Nadège Kassie - France
03 June

From beginning to end, it was an amazing experience. We got to see the elephants up close and learn so much about them. Our guide, Seth, was hilarious and really made the experience unforgettable. If you love elephants, this is a must-do!

Helpful? Yes

R
Rayner Livia - Australia
06 April

We had a fun and insightful day at the sanctuary. It was amazing to pet and feed the elephants. The experience is definitely worth the cost, and we learned so much about elephants and their social behaviors. We opted for the early tour, so we had lunch at the sanctuary, which was delicious. I recommend booking the tour with a tuk-tuk transfer from your hotel to the office; it makes everything much more convenient when the company handles it.

Helpful? Yes

C
Cynthia Crook - United Kingdom
20 April

Visiting Kulen Elephant Forest was truly unforgettable! Being up close to the elephants was incredible, and having the chance to touch them made the experience even more magical. The peaceful surroundings added to the joy of connecting with these magnificent animals.

Helpful? Yes

A
Agathe Billie - Canada
03 October

We had an amazing day with the elephants in the Kulen forest. There was a small mix-up with our tour time, but it was quickly sorted out. The day was well-organized, and we had plenty of quality time with the elephants. They were never made to do anything, we just followed and observed them. We fed them and then helped wash them down. It was quite hot, so make sure to bring a hat!

Helpful? Yes

L
Leticia Montero - Spain
25 April

An incredible experience with the elephants! We fed them, walked alongside them, and even joined them during their bath before bedtime

Helpful? Yes

J
Jonás Gertrud - United Kingdom
03 December

The day was absolutely incredible. Kia, our guide, was fantastic—she gave clear instructions, provided detailed explanations, and answered all our questions. The elephants were amazing, and it felt surreal to be so close to such magnificent animals without any barriers! The elephant keepers don’t speak English, but it’s clear that they genuinely care for the animals and only allow safe interaction.

Helpful? Yes

E
Edna Wallace - United Kingdom
30 April

A fantastic experience—highly recommended! We absolutely loved it.

Helpful? Yes

G
Gregg Julia - Sweden
06 May

I absolutely loved every part of this trip. From the moment I saw the elephants, I felt happy, and that feeling lasted throughout the entire experience. It never felt like the elephants were being asked to perform—they led, and we simply followed. We began the morning by making rice cakes for the elephants, which was fun, and then fed them, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Afterward, we walked with them and watched as they bathed, which was truly amazing. Our guide, Kia, knew each elephant's unique personality and was very knowledgeable. The foundation offers a wonderful retirement for these beautiful animals. If you can, you should definitely visit!

Helpful? Yes

E
Ella Hendrik - United Kingdom
23 October

Feeding the elephants was definitely the highlight of our day. Watching them play together in the water was also wonderful. Our guide, Kis, was very informative, spoke excellent English, and clearly had a genuine passion for both his work and the elephants.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nikolai Hanke - Germany
01 May

Amazing experience! We loved every moment. A must-do in Siem Reap! Our guide June was very informative, and the elephants are well cared for—truly magnificent animals to interact with. You won’t be disappointed.

Helpful? Yes

Y
Yulianna Jessica - Italy
26 July

This was an incredible trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable about both the elephants and the sanctuary. The tour was well-paced, starting with making rice cakes, then feeding the elephants, walking with them, and ending with some photos after the walk. The lunch was great and catered to everyone's dietary needs. The tour also attracts interesting people, and I really enjoyed chatting with the other tourists. I highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

J
Jaime Blackburn - United States of America
05 May

Absolutely incredible experience! Feeding, petting, walking alongside, and observing these beautiful elephants was unforgettable. I traveled solo and enjoyed meeting other travelers on this interactive day trip. The guide was informative and helpful with photos. Highly recommended, 10/10! I also accidentally booked the wrong experience, and the staff kindly switched my booking at the very last minute—amazing service.

Helpful? Yes

J
Julianne Fabián - France
03 May

Seeing elephants in person is incredible. But what truly stands out is how well cared for and happy the elephants are. Well done, great tour!

Helpful? Yes

S
Santi Lucarelli - Italy
08 May

The tour was fantastic! The elephants are gentle, sensitive, and very well cared for; it's great that they're no longer used for tourist tours in Angkor. Our guide, Coho, was informative and engaging, keeping the whole group engaged. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Siem Reap.

Helpful? Yes

L
Linnaea Laurence - United Kingdom
21 October

What an incredible day! I truly felt that this experience focused on the elephants' well-being, which made it even more meaningful. While this tour is a bit pricey by Cambodian standards, the cost goes toward the elephants' care and maintenance, so it’s absolutely worth every penny. The mahouts working with the elephants have been with them for many years—some for over 20 years—and are truly their best friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour. Tom, our guide, was fantastic. He’s just starting out as an elephant handler, but it’s clear he loves each of them deeply. If you love animals, this is a must-do!

Helpful? Yes

F
Frank Sassa - Sweden
10 May

A wonderful visit to the elephant sanctuary near Kulen Forest. It was heartwarming to see the elephants well cared for, with plenty of space to roam and enjoy themselves.

Helpful? Yes

C
Colleen Darcie - Canada
13 September

Such a great trip! You get to feed and pet the elephants, and it’s clear that the animals are very well cared for.

Helpful? Yes

C
Carol Boyle - United States of America
12 May

Excellent tour from start to finish, including pickup and drop-off at the hotel. A magical experience with the elephants—feeding, petting, walking alongside, and even washing them. The elephants are clearly very well cared for.

Helpful? Yes

E
Eleuterio Volodya - United Kingdom
06 March

It was an incredible experience to see retired elephants back in their natural environment, being cared for so well by their handlers and the entire sanctuary staff. Our guide, Kia, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about both the elephants and the sanctuary itself. I would absolutely recommend going with him!

Helpful? Yes

R
Roelie Ham - Netherlands
15 May

This was my second visit, and it was wonderful to see last year’s guide Tong again. This year, Kia was just as knowledgeable. Spending time with these magnificent creatures, you truly sense their spirit, far greater than their size. Feeding and walking with the elephants and observing their marmots is an emotional and unforgettable experience. I will definitely make this part of my annual trips to Asia.

Helpful? Yes

I
Ira Félix - Italy
06 October

I really enjoyed the experience, especially being so close to those beautiful elephants. The lunch was great, and the transport was seamless. Overall, I’m very happy with the day.

Helpful? Yes

F
Flavia Gennaro - United Kingdom
20 November

From the pickup to the drop-off, the Kulen Elephant Forest Tour was an unforgettable experience. We were split into two groups, which made it feel more personal. First, we made rice cakes for our family of four, and then we fed the elephants bananas and rice cakes. The tour guide was excellent, and since I was on my own, he helped with taking photos, as well as assisting others. We followed the elephants through the bush, observing them in their natural habitat. Next, we watched the elephants swim, which was amazing to see. Afterward, we were treated to a delicious lunch.

Helpful? Yes

V
Vivienne Ashworth - United Kingdom
18 May

The bus was comfortable, and the elephant sanctuary was very well managed. Our guide, Mr. Seth, was fantastic—knowledgeable about the elephants and their caretakers, and full of dad jokes. The transport from the hotel to the office was smooth, and after the tour he kindly took me to a few extra places before returning to the hotel.

Helpful? Yes

G
Giorgina Bekki - United Kingdom
06 April

This was a dream come true—it's hard to put into words. We were part of a small group (by design) and greeted with a cup of tea or coffee. Nothing felt rushed; we were shown how to make sticky rice balls, and everyone had a chance to give it a try. After that, we strolled out from the lodge on stilts to the elephants, who were waiting patiently—they were hungry! We were shown how to feed them and quickly jumped in to help. It was an incredible feeling! The elephants gently extended their trunks, taking the food from our hands. We learned their names, ages, and who their best friends were for the past 35 years. You could feel the love between them, and I could sense the trust they had in us, despite the harsh past they endured. The tears and scars in their ears told the story of the abuse they suffered in the logging trade. Yet, they still tolerate us. In this sanctuary, they know they are safe and will never be treated that way again. We were then honored to walk freely among them—it was truly the best day ever!

Helpful? Yes

I
Isobel Charles - United Kingdom
20 May

Our tour guide, Kia, was excellent—very informative and made the experience truly memorable. Thank you, Kia!

Helpful? Yes

G
Gerhardt Baudilio - Australia
21 September

This activity is truly amazing. The Kulen Elephant Forest is a private organization working with local communities to care for 10 elephants that spent years in a now-banned tourist service and have never lived in the wild. These elephants are now enjoying a well-deserved retirement, with 400 hectares to roam freely and a dedicated team to take care of them—feeding, walking, checking their health, and showering them daily. The activities you do may vary depending on the elephants’ mood, as they are not there for our entertainment; we are their guests. We had the chance to feed them, walk with them through the forest, and bathe them afterward. I truly loved this place and these magnificent animals. Our guide, Sath, was fantastic. He shared a lot of information and kept things fun for everyone in our small but diverse group. He also helped us take great pictures whenever the opportunity came up. In the afternoon, we were treated to a delicious picnic with fresh fruit and local sweets.

Helpful? Yes

V
Victoria Steel - United Kingdom
25 May

The entire day was an amazing experience. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful, explaining everything thoroughly. The elephants are clearly well loved and cared for, and getting up close with them was incredible. Highly recommend this experience, as it supports both the sanctuary and the local community.

Helpful? Yes

Z
Zavier Faustina - United Kingdom
29 May

Our trip to see the elephants was amazing! We helped prepare some food for the elephants before heading out to meet them. Our group had four female elephants. We fed them, walked with them, and watched them play in the water. The lunch was also really delicious.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anne Connelly - United States of America
28 May

The trip and experience were amazing! Hiking and interacting with these incredible animals was one of the highlights of my visit. I highly recommend it!

Helpful? Yes

C
Clemente Veronese - Italy
30 May

Everything was perfect - on-time pickup, happy elephants and a truly enjoyable time!

Helpful? Yes

J
Juan Andrade - United States of America
01 August

Fantastic experience! Our guide Seth was incredible, very knowledgeable, and explained everything in detail. We got up close to the elephants, fed them, touched them, and watched them — truly gentle giants. So glad I booked this tour!

Helpful? Yes

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