Wild Elephants of Kui Buri
Wild elephants in their own forest: a late-afternoon drive in a park 4x4 with a ranger, in one of the best places in Thailand to see elephants living free.
Tour overview
Kui Buri National Park, south of Hua Hin, protects forest and grassland where herds of wild Asian elephants come out to feed in the late afternoon. Local villagers and the park work together to keep the elephants in the forest, and visits are made only in park 4x4 vehicles with a ranger, at a distance that does not disturb the animals. You leave Hua Hin after lunch, register at the park and spend about three hours on the tracks and at the viewpoints, where you may also see gaur, the largest wild cattle in the world, deer and hornbills. There is no riding, no feeding and no show: only wild animals and the quiet of the park at sunset. On request, we stop for dinner at a local restaurant on the way back.
Scheduled stops
- •Kui Buri National Park
- •4x4 drive with a park ranger
- •Elephant viewpoints
- •Dinner on request
Kui Buri itinerary
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Hotel pickup in Hua Hin
About 1 hour 15 minutes to the park.
Kui Buri National Park
Registration at the ranger station and a short briefing on how to watch the animals.
4x4 drive with a ranger
About three hours on the tracks and at the viewpoints, when the elephants come out to the grasslands.
Leaving the park
Start of the drive back; dinner at a local restaurant is available on request.
Estimated arrival at your hotel
Around 19:30, or about 20:30 with dinner, depending on traffic.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Will we see elephants?
Sightings are very likely, especially in the late afternoon, but these are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. There is no riding, feeding or touching: you watch from the vehicle and the viewpoints.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people). Larger groups on request.
What is included?
The park entry fee, the park 4x4 with a ranger and drinking water are included. Dinner is not included and is available on request.
Is the park open every day?
Usually yes. In heavy rain or when the elephants need quiet, the park can close the tracks; in that case we move the tour to another day.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hua Hin, Cha-am or Pranburi.
- National park entry fee, park 4x4 vehicle and ranger.
- Drinking water.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- The park entry fee, the 4x4 and the ranger are included.
- Dinner is not included in the standard tour price; it is available on request.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Practical tips
- Wear neutral colours and keep your voice low during the drive.
- Bring insect repellent and a light long-sleeved top for the evening.
- A camera with a zoom lens or binoculars is useful.