Are you planning a trip to Koh Samui, Thailand?
In this post, I’ll share my experience at the Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Samui. 🙂
I saw elephants, experienced theft, learned Muay Thai, got a massage… so many things happened! Let me tell you all the details.
한국인은 아랫글로 보세요:) 👇👇👇👇
와일드 코티지 엘리펀트 생추어리 – 코사무이 리조트 후기(코끼리/도난/무에타이/마사지)
Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Review
Elephant Resort in Koh Samui?!
While planning my Koh Samui trip, I checked Korean travel communities and Google reviews and discovered a resort called Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary.
The most remarkable feature is that there are elephants on the property, and it’s not a cruel elephant experience. I liked that because the resort takes care of rescued elephants and supports animal welfare.
The resort itself is lovely, so even though it’s a bit pricey, I decided to go for it.
You can see elephants right from the main pool and the rooms!
If you’re lucky, they come really close, haha.
– Resort Discount Link
You can book through the link below and get about 20% off 😎
👉https://3ha.in/r/186451
For more tips on booking accommodations abroad, check out this post as well. Just note that it cannot be combined with the discount link above:
👉 해외숙소 싸게 예약하는 법｜해외 숙소 할인 & 환급금
Getting There😊
The Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort is located on a high hill.
It’s about 20 minutes by car from the airport. They offer a pickup service, but it costs more than a regular taxi: 550 THB (for 1–4 people) or 700 THB for a van, so we didn’t use it.
Koh Samui is quite small, so many resorts are near the airport area. After passing some barren-looking areas and going up a hill, you’ll see a beautiful lobby like this 😎
You can check in here, take tours, or enjoy free resort activities. Early check-in is possible if the hotel isn’t busy. 🙂
✅ 1-hour Early Check-in: 500 THB
✅ 1-hour Late Check-out: 500 THB
✅ 10% off massage coupon
✅ 10% off resort dinner coupon
Theft – Money Stolen at the Resort
After checking in, we left our luggage to join the free Muay Thai class…
We were exhausted and left a bag containing some cash unattended.
I had heard that losing valuables, including cash, sometimes happens at Thai accommodations.
We knew it in theory, but the extreme heat and a long flight left us tired.
Being at a luxurious resort, we let our guard down and handed over a bag containing some money.
The video below shows the inside of the resort!
The music was playing, our luggage was delivered, and the check-in process was comfortable… until we realized the money was missing.
The black bag in the picture is ours. (The other suitcase in the back is lent by the resort for use during your stay.)
We didn’t expect someone to boldly steal a significant amount of cash in such a short time.
They didn’t take everything—only part of it.
We lost 8,000 THB (~₩350,000).
When leaving the resort late at night, I tried emailing them about the incident. The staff had been very friendly before check-in, but there was no apology for the theft.
Whether the problematic staff deleted the messages before the manager saw them, I don’t know—but there was no response, which was disappointing.
Resort Activities
Putting the theft aside, the resort has several activities.
You’ll receive an Activities Schedule when booking or during check-in. Plan according to your travel schedule!
Activities marked ‘COMPLIMENTARY’ are free. Join at the suggested times for the best experience.
Here are some highlights:
MEET & FEED OUR ELEPHANTS
Free activity where you feed the elephants.
A tip box is placed conspicuously, but tips are optional, haha.
The elephants might be far away at first, but the staff call them over with “Ma! Ma! Ma!”
“Ma” means “Come” in Thai.
Staff cut watermelons into pieces for you to feed them, and light touching is allowed.
Even one container is enough, but they keep refilling the watermelon. You kind of feel obliged to leave a tip.
We saw 100 THB in the tip box and left the same.
Note: Hand-washing stations are available, so no need to bring wipes.
MUAY THAI CLASS
A free Muay Thai class where you can learn basic techniques.
The coach is fun and engaging, making it enjoyable for kids and women.
Even if you don’t speak Thai or English well, gestures work fine.
Classes are held in an outdoor area with forest and pool views.
ORGANIC GARDEN VISITATION
A small garden visit. Staff guide you, but it’s not very special.
SOAP WORKSHOP
A simple soap-making experience. We skipped it due to the heat and luggage.
STRETCH&BREATH
Held in the same area as the Muay Thai class.
Focuses on stretching and breathing. Unfortunately, we didn’t participate.
Tip: Don’t worry about clothing—guests wear pajamas or casual clothes comfortably.
HAPPY HOUR WILD CHILD ORGANIC KITCHEN
Resort restaurant happy hour with 1+1 beer, cocktails at lower prices, and daily performances.
We attended a band performance. The scenery becomes prettier as it gets darker.
Accommodation – Starlight Suite
Here’s a quick look at the room.
On booking sites like Agoda, there are multiple room types, but for two people, the cheapest is fine. They all look similar.
- Terrace with pool
- Table for meals or sunbathing
- Welcome fruit platter (not that special)
The kitchen is very tidy
✅ Capsule coffee (some paid)
✅ Kitchen towels provided
✅ Trash bin under sink
✅ Capsule coffee (some paid)
We even saw a tiny lizard behind the fridge—surprising but harmless.
Resort Dining – Koh Samui Cuisine
The resort restaurant is reputed to be tastier than Michelin restaurants.
Prices are a bit high for Thailand, but comparable to dining out in Korea.
We had lunch, dinner, and breakfast, and all were delicious.
Service charge and tax are added at the final payment.
– Lunch
Small portions, but very tasty.
Each table has oil, pepper, and salt. Don’t skip trying them.
– Dinner
Used a 10% discount from the check-in coupon and got a 1+1 beer from happy hour.
Personal favorite: rich beef curry with pancake-like bread. Delicious.
– Breakfast
Choose drinks, coffee, bread, and main dishes.
Bread comes with a variety of jams—all tasty.
Main dishes include meat skewers and sticky rice, which were my favorites.
마사지
Included in the resort stay, about ₩80,000–₩90,000 per person.
Discount coupon from check-in applies.
Although expensive by local standards, the massage is worth it.
Experienced masseuses, premium oils, and a very relaxing experience. Top-tier massage experience.
Water, nuts, and tea are served before and after. Very satisfying.
Conclusion: Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary
If you’re planning a Koh Samui trip, consider staying at Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary. 🙂
Expect unique experiences with elephants, beautiful scenery, various activities, and amazing meals.
While the theft incident and the resort’s response were disappointing, I take it as a learning experience.
Enjoy your trip, but never let your guard down overseas!
Say hello to the resort reception dog for me.
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