When we first read about Elephant Hills—a luxury tented camp in Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park—it sounded almost too good to be true. Jungle-clad limestone cliffs, floating lake tents, ethical elephant encounters, and nights spent stargazing to the sounds of the jungle? It didn’t take much convincing to add it to our two-week Thailand itinerary. But even with sky-high expectations, Elephant Hills exceeded them at every turn. As part of our larger adventure through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phi Phi, and Railay Beach, this experience stood out as one of the most unique and memorable.
In this post, we’ll share our honest review of Elephant Hills, including what to expect at both their Jungle Camp and Floating Lake Camp, the unforgettable activities we experienced, and some helpful tips for planning your stay.
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What Is Elephant Hills?
Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first luxury tented camp, set in the heart of Khao Sok National Park—a region often described as Thailand’s answer to Jurassic Park. Here, Elephant Hills manages two distinct properties: the Jungle Camp, nestled in rainforest surroundings, and the Floating Lake Camp, perched on the turquoise waters of Cheow Lan Lake. Both camps combine the rustic beauty of safari-style adventure with the comforts of boutique accommodation. Think real beds, private bathrooms, hot showers—and not a single sleeping bag in sight.
The Jungle Camp is home to Elephant Hills’s elephant sanctuary. Here, Elephant Hills sets itself apart through its focus on conservation and ethical animal tourism. There are no elephant rides here. Instead, guests participate in meaningful interactions with rescued elephants in a sanctuary setting, supporting their welfare and long-term care.
The Floating Lake Camp offers a completely different kind of magic. Located on one of Thailand’s most stunning lakes, it features floating tents with private decks that let you step directly into the water. With no roads or Wi-Fi, the experience is all about disconnecting and soaking in the raw beauty of the surrounding rainforest. It’s an unforgettable setting for kayaking, swimming, or simply watching the sun set behind jungle-covered cliffs.
Jungle Camp: Elephants & the Sok River
We arrived at the Jungle Camp after a scenic transfer through the lush southern countryside. Our transfers—arranged by Elephant Hills and included in our room rate—were seamless from start to finish, making the journey feel like part of the adventure. Check-in was smooth, and we were quickly escorted to our tent—a spacious canvas structure complete with a king-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, a hammock for lounging, and a private veranda surrounded by dense jungle. It felt adventurous yet undeniably luxurious.
Elephant Encounter
The highlight of our stay at the Jungle Camp was, without question, the elephant experience. After a short drive to the sanctuary area, we met a small herd of rescued elephants—each with their own personality and rescue story. Guided by knowledgeable staff, we helped prepare nutritious “medicine balls,” fed the elephants fresh fruits and sugarcane, and observed them enjoying their daily mud baths. There were no chains, no hooks, and no riding—just time spent in respectful proximity to these incredible creatures. The joy on their faces (and, frankly, ours) was unforgettable.
Canoeing Through the Jungle
That afternoon, we glided along the Sok River in a guided canoe, soaking in the surreal landscape of limestone cliffs and dense rainforest. We spotted monkeys overhead, hornbills flying between branches, and a family of river otters playfully darting through the water. The setting was pure magic—quiet, remote, and untouched by modern chaos.
Dinner and Evening Activities
As night fell at the Jungle Camp, we gathered in the open-air dining area for a hearty buffet dinner. The food was fresh, flavorful, and plentiful—offering a satisfying mix of Thai classics and international comfort food. After dinner, we were treated to a cultural performance by local schoolchildren. Their traditional dances and infectious energy gave us a deeper appreciation for the surrounding community. We ended the night relaxing with a drink under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful rhythm of the jungle.
Floating Lake Camp: A Night on the Water
The next morning, we boarded a longtail boat to Elephant Hills’s floating Lake Camp. The journey across Cheow Lan Lake was breathtaking—emerald water, karst cliffs, and the call of gibbons echoing through the air. Our floating tent was simple yet elegant, with running water, a deck for sunbathing or stargazing, and just enough comfort to make it feel indulgent. There’s no Wi-Fi or AC out here—just the sounds of nature and the occasional splash of fish jumping nearby.
Activities on the Lake
At the Lake Camp, we swam directly from our deck and kayaked through hidden lagoons surrounded by jungle cliffs. We also explored narrow inlets and remote coves, often having the calm, emerald waters entirely to ourselves. The experience felt both peaceful and exhilarating—an ideal way to connect with the wild beauty of Cheow Lan Lake. Later, along the shoreline, we spotted three different types of monkeys playing in the trees—gibbons, macaques, and langurs. Watching these monkeys swing between branches added an extra layer of wonder to the already stunning landscape.
Jungle Hike to the Cave
One of the most adventurous activities at the Lake Camp was a guided jungle hike through the rainforest. The trail wound through thick vegetation, with our guide pointing out unique plant life and explaining the local ecosystem. After about 45 minutes of hiking, we reached a secluded cave filled with dramatic stalactites and hundreds of bats overhead. It was equal parts eerie and awe-inspiring. The trek was optional, but we wanted to experience everything Elephant Hills had to offer—and we’re glad we did.
Dinner and Evening Activities
Evenings at the camp were serene. As the sun dipped behind the jagged cliffs, we watched from our decks as the lake lit up in breathtaking shades of pink and orange. Dinner followed just after sunset, served buffet-style in the floating dining area. Here, we shared stories of the day’s adventures over plates of warm Thai curries and tropical fruit. Afterwards, Elephant Hills screened a short documentary about the history and biodiversity of Khao Sok National Park. Finally, we ended the night lingering outside under a canopy of stars, listening to the jungle come alive with the rhythmic calls of frogs, insects, and distant gibbons. It was a peaceful, otherworldly end to an already extraordinary day.
Is Elephant Hills Worth It?
Absolutely. Elephant Hills is not a budget experience, but it delivers incredible value when you consider all that is included. Our room rate included transfers, lodging, meals, guided activities, and most importantly, an opportunity to support responsible tourism and conservation. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime jungle adventure that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, Elephant Hills is one of the best experiences you can have in Thailand.
Know Before You Go: Elephant Hills
- Book Early: Spots fill up quickly, especially in the dry season (Nov–April).
- Bring Waterproof Bags: Between canoeing and boat rides, your gear will thank you.
- Pack Light, Pack Smart: We left our larger suitcases at our hotel in Ao Nang and were glad we did. Travelling with only backpacks to Elephant Hills made transfers much easier! When packing, make sure to bring quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- No Wi-Fi at the Lake Camp: Embrace the digital detox.
- Support the Mission: Elephant Hills supports conservation and community development in the region—your stay helps keep that mission alive.
Final Thoughts
Our time at Elephant Hills was the perfect blend of luxury and adventure—a deep breath of jungle air in the middle of a busy Thailand itinerary. From ethical elephant interactions to floating tents, it was a travel experience we’ll be talking about for years.
If you’re heading to southern Thailand, don’t skip Khao Sok. And if you’re headed to Khao Sok, don’t skip Elephant Hills.
Want help planning a Thailand itinerary that includes Elephant Hills? Let’s chat! We specialize in thoughtful, personalized travel planning—with a focus on once-in-a-lifetime moments, just like this one.
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