A rescued elephant browsing in the forest at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Near Siem Reap

Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary

Animal lovers looking for an ethical, no-riding elephant experience

Wildlife and conservationType
In short

Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary is an elephant rescue and forest conservation project about 100 km north of Siem Reap, developed with the Save Elephant Foundation. It protects around 32,000 acres of forest next to Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to rescued elephants including Kaavan, the bull brought from Pakistan in 2020. There is no riding: visitors observe the elephants on day, overnight or volunteer programmes.

Checked

September 2026

Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission

Photos

Inside Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary

An elephant walking a forest trail at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission
Two rescued elephants in open grassland at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission
Aerial view of the protected forest at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission
An elephant drinking at a forest pool, Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission
A rescued gibbon cared for at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission
A wooden guest bungalow at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo: Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary / Save Elephant Foundation, used with permission

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At a glance

Visiting

Where
About 100 km north of Siem Reap, on the edge of Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary
Partner
Developed with the Save Elephant Foundation
Area
Around 32,000 acres of protected forest
Elephants
Di-Ploh, Sarai-Mia and Kaavan
Approach
No riding, bathing or shows; observation-based
Day visit
Reported at $120 (ages 12+), $60 (ages 4 to 11)
Overnight
Reported at $160 (ages 12+), $80 (ages 4 to 11)
Volunteering
$400 per week, adults 18+, starting Mondays
Included
Return transport from Siem Reap, vegetarian meals, English-speaking guide
Booking
In advance; confirm current prices when you book

Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary is an elephant rescue and forest conservation project about 100 kilometres north of Siem Reap, developed with the Save Elephant Foundation. It protects around 32,000 acres of forest on the edge of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. Its most famous resident is Kaavan, the bull elephant rescued from a zoo in Pakistan in 2020.

32,000 acresOf protected forest
3 elephantsIncluding Kaavan
No ridingObservation-based visits
About 100 kmNorth of Siem Reap
Day, overnight or a weekWays to visit

This is not a place to ride, bathe or pose with elephants. Visits are built around watching the elephants roam, forage and socialise in the forest, and around the wider work of protecting habitat and caring for rescued animals. It is a quieter, more thoughtful experience than many elephant attractions in Southeast Asia, and a meaningful addition to a stay in Siem Reap.

About the sanctuary

The sanctuary was set up as a conservation project in cooperation with the Save Elephant Foundation, the organisation behind Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand. Its aim is to give rescued elephants a natural forest home and to protect a large area of jungle from logging and clearance.

The land lies on the edge of Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Cambodia’s largest protected areas. These northern plains and forests are home to rare wildlife including the giant ibis and white-shouldered ibis, banteng, Eld’s deer, sarus cranes and several turtle species. As well as elephants, the sanctuary cares for rescued animals such as monkeys, gibbons, dogs and cats.

Elephant care

A forest home

Elephants rescued from logging and captivity live as naturally as possible, roaming the forest by day.

Habitat

Protecting the jungle

The project protects around 32,000 acres of forest and runs reforestation and seed-collection work.

Rescue

Other animals

Injured and orphaned animals, from primates to dogs and cats, are cared for on site.

Community

Working with villages

Volunteers help with English teaching and sustainable farming in nearby communities.

Meet the elephants

  1. February 2017
    Di-Ploh and Sarai-Mia, two female elephants who had spent years working in the logging trade in Mondulkiri province, are rescued and brought to the sanctuary.
  2. November 2020
    Kaavan, a bull elephant who had lived alone for years at Islamabad Zoo and was called “the world’s loneliest elephant”, is flown to Cambodia after an international campaign supported by the singer Cher, Free the Wild and Four Paws.
  3. Today
    The elephants live in the forest at the sanctuary, cared for by local mahouts and staff. Kaavan’s story has drawn attention worldwide to the welfare of captive elephants.

Ways to visit

The sanctuary offers three main options, all including transport from Siem Reap. Numbers are kept small, so book ahead.

  • Single-day visit. Pick-up in Siem Reap, time observing the elephants and learning about the project, a vegetarian lunch and return the same day.
  • Overnight trip. The same experience with a night in a wooden bungalow at the sanctuary and more time in the forest, including the quiet early morning.
  • Weekly volunteering. One to eight weeks, starting on Mondays, for adults aged 18 and over. Volunteers help with elephant food and shelters, reforestation, animal care, English teaching and farming.

Prices and what is included

Single-day visit Reported at $120 for ages 12 and over, $60 for ages 4 to 11
Overnight trip Reported at $160 for ages 12 and over, $80 for ages 4 to 11
Volunteer week $400 per week, adults 18 and over
Included Return transport from Siem Reap, vegetarian meals and an English-speaking guide; bungalow accommodation for overnight and volunteer stays
Pick-up From your Siem Reap hotel; volunteer weeks start on Monday mornings
Booking In advance, directly with the sanctuary or through its partners. Confirm current prices when you book

How to choose an ethical elephant experience

Not every “sanctuary” puts elephants first. A few simple checks help you choose well, in Siem Reap or anywhere in Cambodia.

Good signs

  • No riding, shows or tricks
  • Elephants free to roam in forest
  • Small groups and quiet observation
  • Clear information on where the elephants came from
Warning signs

  • Rides, saddles or bathing with tourists
  • Elephants chained for long periods
  • Large groups crowding the animals
  • Photos with baby elephants

For a longer look at elephant projects in the eastern highlands, see our guide to elephant projects in Mondulkiri, and our wildlife experiences.

Tips for your visit

Our advice

  • Book early. Places are limited, especially for overnight stays and volunteer weeks.
  • Dress for the forest. Long, light clothing, closed shoes, a hat and insect repellent.
  • Keep your distance. Follow the guide’s instructions; elephants are wild animals, and a bull like Kaavan needs space.
  • Combine it with the north. The drive makes a natural pairing with Phnom Kulen or Beng Mealea on another day.

Visiting with My Travel Factory

We build ethical wildlife experiences into our Cambodia itineraries, from a day with the elephants near Siem Reap to the forests of Mondulkiri. Tell us your dates and interests and we will plan it around you, alongside a Siem Reap green journey or a longer Mondulkiri farm stay.

Questions travellers ask

What is Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
It is an elephant rescue and forest conservation project north of Siem Reap, developed with the Save Elephant Foundation. It protects around 32,000 acres of forest and cares for rescued elephants and other animals.
Where is Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
About 100 km north of Siem Reap, on the edge of Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. Transport from Siem Reap is included in all programmes.
Is Kaavan the elephant at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. Kaavan, once called the world's loneliest elephant, was rescued from Islamabad Zoo in Pakistan and moved to the sanctuary in November 2020.
Can you ride or bathe elephants at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
No. The sanctuary does not offer riding, bathing or shows. Visitors observe the elephants behaving naturally in the forest.
How much does it cost to visit Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
A single-day visit is reported at $120 for ages 12 and over and $60 for children aged 4 to 11. Overnight trips are reported at $160 and $80. Confirm current prices when booking.
Can I volunteer at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. Weekly volunteer programmes run from one to eight weeks, starting on Mondays, for adults aged 18 and over, at $400 per week including accommodation, meals and transport.
Is Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary the same as Kulen Elephant Forest?
No. They are separate projects near Siem Reap. Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary follows a hands-off, observation-based approach.
What should I wear to the sanctuary?
Long, light clothing, closed shoes, a hat and insect repellent. Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
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