Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary Siem Reap
Experience ethical elephant encounters and conservation efforts at this sanctuary near Siem Reap. No riding, just nature and freedom for rescued anima...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Elephants roam freely
Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary Siem Reap
Best Time
Elephants roam freely
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience ethical elephant encounters and conservation efforts at this sanctuary near Siem Reap. No riding, just nature and freedom for rescued animals.
"An incredible place with a heartwarming mission, the highlight of my trip through Southeast Asia. "
🎯 Book Ahead for Visits
Book your visit or volunteer stay in advance, as communication can be slow. :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the jungle, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jungle Treks with Rescued Elephants
Sanctuary grounds
Walk alongside rescued elephants through lush jungle, observing their natural behaviors.
Elephant Feeding & Food Prep
Sanctuary kitchen and enclosures
Help prepare nutritious meals of fruits and vegetables for elephants and other rescued animals.
Observing Kaavan's New Life
Kaavan's enclosure
Witness Kaavan, the 'loneliest elephant,' enjoying his freedom and recovery in a natural setting.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ethical Elephant Encounters
Book in Advance & Plan Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Visits
Book your visit or volunteer stay in advance, as communication can be slow. :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the jungle, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🌿 Respect Animal Space
No physical contact with elephants is allowed; observe from a respectful distance. :camerawithflash:
📱 Pack a Portable Charger
Stay connected and capture memories; charging points might be limited. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Visits
Book your visit or volunteer stay in advance, as communication can be slow. :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the jungle, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🌿 Respect Animal Space
No physical contact with elephants is allowed; observe from a respectful distance. :camerawithflash:
📱 Pack a Portable Charger
Stay connected and capture memories; charging points might be limited. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the ethical treatment of animals and the immersive volunteer experience at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. The delicious vegetarian food and the opportunity to connect with nature are frequently highlighted. While the sanctuary's remote location and occasional communication delays are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a highlight of their trip.
"We spent a week volunteering at the CWS and it was an incredible experience. We spent our week helping to care for the three beautiful elephants CWS supports. We cut sugar cane and other elephant snacks from local farms, prepared bowls of fruit and veggies for the elephants and wild monkeys, and helped with chores around the property. In exchange, we got to go on jungle hikes with the beautiful elephants, stay on the property amongst nature and wildlife, and eat extremely delicious vegetarian food. The highlight of our week, other than the amazing elephants, was our excellent guide Sokchan! One of the nicest people we have ever had the privilege to meet, she joined us on our volunteer work and hikes, telling us about the animals and life in rural Cambodia (while also taking cute pictures of us!). The CWS is the go-to option for anyone seeking to interact ethically with elephants and see the real Cambodia."
Marleana Mahoozi
"Spending one week volunteering at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary was the highlight of my trip through Southeast Asia. It’s an incredible place with a heartwarming mission. Though, unfortunately, their marketing and website still aren’t the best.
As of March 2025, the sanctuary is run by Jay, Josh, Sumo, and Kung, who were sent from the renowned Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They work alongside local staff, including mahouts (elephant caretakers), kitchen workers, drivers, and general helpers for feeding animals and farming. The sanctuary provides stable jobs with above-average wages and sources elephant food from local farms, further supporting the community.
The three rescued elephants at the sanctuary are treated with immense care and love. There’s no touching allowed, and they’re free to roam the jungle during the day, followed by their mahouts. Visitors are welcome to take photos of and with them from a respectful distance (only a few meters).
As volunteers, we genuinely contributed in meaningful ways, and the sanctuary can always use more helping hands. Our group consisted of seven solo travelers aged between 20 and 30, and we had an amazing time together. Our tasks included preparing food for the elephants and wild monkeys, among other things. We were lucky to each have our own room, as the sanctuary can accommodate up to 20 volunteers in 10 bungalows.
The food was absolutely fantastic and a reason in itself to visit. Kung, the Thai lady, prepared three delicious vegan buffets every day.
My personal highlight was walking through the jungle with the elephants and their mahouts, but honestly, every activity was well-organized and felt meaningful. Even during free time, we could spend time with the friendly dogs or watch the elephants and monkeys.
If you're planning a visit, make sure to book in advance - sometimes the team is out collecting sugar cane or banana trees and may not be available. Even if you don’t plan to volunteer, I highly recommend staying for at least one or two nights. The drive from Siem Reap takes about two hours, and it would be a shame to leave after just a couple of hours.
You will fall in love with this place. It’s authentic, peaceful, and far from the usual tourist crowds. Your stay helps provide a better life for both the rescued animals and the local community."
Lasse Urban
"Visiting this Sanctuary was the highlight of our trip to Cambodia. The elephants are very well cared after by highly trained Mahouts. The food and accomodation were amazing. Thank you for this great experience!"
Julian Moser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is about a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap. Many visitors opt for the sanctuary's pick-up service or arrange private transport.
Public transportation options are limited due to the sanctuary's remote location. Arranging transport through the sanctuary or a local taxi is the most common method.
Expect the journey from Siem Reap to take approximately two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, the sanctuary often provides pick-up services for day visitors. It's best to inquire about this when making your reservation.
The drive offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, transitioning from urban landscapes to more natural, scenic surroundings as you approach the sanctuary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your visit or volunteer stay in advance, as the sanctuary can be busy and communication might be delayed. Contact them directly through their website or social media channels.
The sanctuary is generally open for day visits and overnight stays. Specific hours for activities like elephant walks are usually coordinated with your booking.
While specific fee structures can vary, a contribution is expected for day visits to support the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Inquire directly for current pricing.
While walk-ins might be accommodated, booking in advance is strongly advised to ensure availability and proper arrangements, especially for transportation and activities.
Volunteer packages typically include accommodation, meals, and participation in daily sanctuary tasks and activities, offering an immersive experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sanctuary is home to rescued elephants, as well as wild monkeys, farm animals, and various bird species.
No, physical contact with the elephants is strictly prohibited to ensure their well-being and natural behavior. Visitors observe from a respectful distance.
Activities include jungle walks with elephants, food preparation for animals, observing wildlife, and learning about conservation efforts.
Yes, it's a great educational experience for children, teaching them about wildlife conservation and ethical animal treatment.
Accommodation for volunteers typically includes private rooms in bungalows, offering a comfortable stay amidst nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The sanctuary serves delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, often prepared buffet-style, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Yes, meals are typically included for day visitors or can be purchased. The food is a highlight for many guests.
The sanctuary is known for its accommodating kitchen staff, who can usually cater to dietary needs if informed in advance.
The sanctuary prioritizes sourcing food from local farms, supporting the community and ensuring fresh ingredients.
Meals are served at regular intervals throughout the day, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner for overnight guests and volunteers.
📸 📸 Photography
The jungle trails during elephant walks, feeding areas, and scenic viewpoints offer fantastic photo opportunities.
You can take photos of and with the elephants from a respectful distance, but direct physical interaction for photos is not permitted.
Yes, ethical photography that respects the animals' space and natural behavior is encouraged. Avoid intrusive flash or actions.
A camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of the animals' comfort and avoid disturbing them or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The ethical approach, with no riding or tricks, ensures a safe and respectful interaction with the animals. Activities like helping prepare food and guided jungle walks are particularly enjoyable for younger visitors. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about animal welfare and the importance of protecting natural habitats. The sanctuary's remote location also provides a unique chance to disconnect from screens and connect with nature. Remember to pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
By choosing this sanctuary, you are contributing to a model of tourism that benefits both animals and the local community. The emphasis on sustainable practices, such as sourcing food locally, further aligns with eco-conscious values. Consider a volunteer stay for a more in-depth contribution and understanding of conservation work.
✨ Solo Travelers
Even for day visits, the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to observe elephants in their natural habitat offer a profound and solitary experience. The sanctuary's focus on ethical practices ensures a respectful and meaningful encounter with wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Ethical Elephant Encounters
The sanctuary's approach emphasizes ethical tourism, allowing guests to observe elephants from a respectful distance during guided jungle walks and feeding sessions. This ensures that the animals are not stressed or exploited, offering a genuine and heartwarming experience. Key to this ethical approach is the presence of dedicated mahouts who accompany the elephants daily, ensuring their safety and care. Visitors learn about the individual stories of the rescued elephants, such as Kaavan, who was famously known as the 'loneliest elephant' before his rescue.
+1 This focus on individual animal welfare and conservation makes Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary a unique destination for those seeking a meaningful connection with wildlife. For those interested in a deeper involvement, the sanctuary offers volunteer opportunities. These programs allow guests to contribute directly to the animals' care by assisting with food preparation, habitat maintenance, and other essential tasks. It's a chance to gain invaluable insights into elephant conservation and the daily operations of a sanctuary.
The Volunteer Experience
The sanctuary provides comfortable accommodation, often in private bungalows, and serves delicious vegetarian meals prepared by skilled cooks.
While communication with the sanctuary can sometimes be delayed, planning ahead is crucial for securing a volunteer spot.
Conservation and Community Support
The sanctuary's commitment extends to providing a safe and natural environment for rescued animals. Elephants like Kaavan, who endured years of isolation, are given the freedom to live according to their instincts.
+1 This focus on rehabilitation and providing a peaceful existence is central to their mission. Visitors contribute directly to these efforts through their visits and volunteer work, making their trip a form of responsible tourism. By choosing to visit or volunteer, travelers are not only having an incredible experience but also actively participating in the conservation of endangered species and supporting the livelihoods of local people. It's a powerful example of how tourism can be a force for good.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit