A Unique Elephant Experience near Siem Reap

Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these amazing animals. You feed them, take a mud bath with them and even bathe with them in the river. The caretakers make sure that both you and the elephants are safe at all times, and you can see for yourself that the elephants are well looked after. It is an experience you will not soon forget.

Feeding: make the elephants’ meal yourself

In the Elephant Cooking Activity you mix steamed rice, rice bran, ripe mangoes, ripe bananas and a pinch of salt into a meal that supports the elephants’ digestion. Then you hand it out yourself, which is often the moment visitors feel most connected to the elephants.

Mud bath: the elephants’ natural skincare

Elephants cover themselves in mud to protect their skin from the sun and insects. Joining them is messy, fun and surprisingly relaxing. Learn more about mud and elephant skin.

River bath: cooling off together

Elephants do not cope well with heat, and their dark skin absorbs most of the sun’s energy, so water is essential. Helping them bathe in the river is the highlight for many visitors. Here is why elephants need to bathe.

Safety first

Elephants are gentle but very large. Your guide and the mahouts supervise every activity, explain where to stand and when to give the elephants space, and stay with the group throughout. Please follow their instructions at all times.

How long does it take?

The program lasts about two hours with the elephants, plus roughly an hour each way for the transfer from your hotel in Siem Reap. There are two rounds a day: morning pick-up at 7:30–8:00 and afternoon pick-up at 12:30–13:00.

See the visitor guide for what to bring and current prices. Book your visit online.